Mr.Grille on ebay. was like 100ish(a lil more) for all 3 pieces. worth every penny. I would rather do it right once than keep fixing/adjusting stuff or replacing it. It has held up to some real abuse, and looks great to this day.

 

i did the gutter guard on the inside of my car and then today i went down to ace hardware and bought the plastic 1/8 inch gutter guard solid piece. some flat black spray paint (3 coats ftw) a little bit of patience and I have a solid front now.

i also like the fact that this piece has a solid part along the bottom, which you can't see in the pics, that helps to frame it out. and for ease of removal i used 3 tie straps {--Left Middle Right--}

enjoy...for $8.00 bucks, i feel better. especially since i noticed that rocks already knocked in some of the gutter guard i had up...

and yes, i know i need to wash my car lol. just got back from a trip to orlando before i go back again

 

Thanks for the info on installing a screen. My dealership wants to charge me close to $900 for a new condenser! Honda needs to fix this bad design, and enough of us have to file complaints!

 

^same here, i went to the dealer last spring, estimated around 700 before labor, i told'em to suck it...i guess hard plastic gutter guard would work. thanks for the tip.

 

Good info. I figure I can get enough screening from one roll to do both my Fit and my Alfa GTV6!

 

Here's mine. Took a little too close, as you can see where the grill ends however it extends further than the opening. Total time after grill painting: 20 minutes

Cost of $10 from Home Depot, it's basically a BBQ replacement mesh grill. Comes 2 per pack. I primered it gray, than flat black. Since one wasn't wide enough to fit the opening, I used two. I had to "mate" the two together using zip ties.


I'll take photo tomorrow from a further distance. This photo makes it look like there are two the entire width, however it is just the shadow from the camera flash.

 

That is the first time I have seen expanded metal mesh used on a car in years... I like it.

 

as long it's effective, and prevent us to spend money to the dealers, i love it too!!!

 

It turned out quite well. I used this material in my Titan. Cut out the factory mesh grill and did this as well. I want to do the same for the Honda badge, cut out the existing plastic mesh and install this BBQ grill instead. I think it would look great, plus have a larger opening for fresh air.

I'll post my install pics of the lower grill tonight.

No kiddin'!

 

Here ya go!

 

On other forums I have seen where people even used the mesh trash bins from walmart and cut them into strips as they are metal and have a tight weave, they block a lot of debris.

 

Hey, thanks for taking the time and effort for posting all the info on this fix. You have me convinced that it is something that needs to be done.

I'm not use to Japanese engineering. There are plastic fasteners, joiners, whatchamacallits, holding the front bumper on (do you really call that a bumper?) Is there a special tool or technique for removing them? I hate to start out ruining something.
JIm 0311

 

The plastic fasteners are really easy to remove. Use a small flat head screwdriver to lift the center head, than you can grab the outer portion of the fastener to remove it. Just remember there are two different lengths of fasteners. If i remember correctly, the two longer ones are located at the outer edges(left & right). You will also need a smaller phillips head screwdriver to remove the center grill screws, there are only two.

 

My fix for this issue:

Purchased the lower portion of this...

09 + Honda Fit Billet Grille

Installed...

https://picasaweb.google.com/pvenne/...67897803997298

https://picasaweb.google.com/pvenne/...68072540187074

Easy install. If the shroud clips do not all secure correctly on
the re-install check to ensure the narrow tab running along the
leading edge of the shroud is actually fitting into the slot. You
will see what I mean when you dis-assemble this.

 

Thanks Red, Tried it today,much better than the Xmas tree type used on Dorf's JIm 0311

 

I used a galvanized gutter cover from Home Depot, took off the clips, cut it to size, formed it to match the contour of the fender, painted it black, and used black wire ties to attach it. It was very simple to pop the fasteners off with a screwdriver to access that area. I've had no problems.

 

Manxman, Triskelion, and everyone who contributed to this thread, a big thanks! You've created another project for my weekend!

 

FYI: Now that I relocated to Brazil I bought a GD1 a few years back.

Both GE8 and GD1 came STANDARD with a grill (method 1) here. There are 8 predrill holes on the front rebar and the bottom with 10mm bolt to hold a very solid grill.

I still don't understand why Honda America doesn't do this. This is in the JDM design!

 

Maybe Fits sold in South America and other countries with more unpaved than paved roads are equipped to be more damage-proof from road debris.

Watsonville, Palo Alto, and now Brazil, boy you do get around. Nice to see you back, Marty.

 

That is so true. ALL cars in Brazil come with a bottom protection plate below the engine. When I change oil, I am surprised to see the amount of beating the plate took. And we have to pay how much?...$180-$220 to get a aftermarket one!

Wow, you know my path! Enjoy your "cheap/quality" mod at home! I transferred most of the GD3 mod to my GD1 and I got asked all the time where the heck did I get all these stuffs...PRM intake, progress RSB, Cusco front/rear strut, Philips DRL, Tanabe front lower strut, and all interior accessories...LED lights, Claszio seat cover, truck mat, scangauge, Mugen visor/short shifter, amp/stereos...the bottom line: I don't have to do a JDM front end conversion..sigh!