Applicable to: '99 +
Grille, goes on front, full of holes, black...
Experienced overheating on last years trip to Florida for the gathering. Out of a group of 10 only I have the problem. Coolant flushed and replaced 50/50. Again had a similar problem during a heat wave here in Montreal, but did not associate the grill to the problem...and again this year driving down the Sky Line Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway... Bubbling over flow, burbling noises when stopped. I'll spare you all the "probable causes" I received. As a last resort, removed the grill ( less than 60 sec.) and gone was the over heat problem for the rest of the trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia Beach, up the coast and all the way home.
Looked cool, protected the radiator. But I hate being stopped by the side of the road with the hood up and seeing coolant dribbling down on the pavement... looks bad Any one want it, come and get it... Or I will modify it to MAX flow with a drill...
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter
Duetto Stainless Steel Black Epoxy Grill for 99+ Miata
The order was received very promptly. The grill is definitely fine quality and the fit is great. The overall apprearance is a plus to the car. The only problem encountered was in making the two 10mm bolts fit through the grill and fasten to the car. These bolts are first removed, you then fit the grill into place, then you re-install the bolts to fasten the grill.... NOT ! ! ! Their instructions say the screws will fit, and that you should just press real hard... but believe me, I pressed and pressed and pressed. I am not a lightweight, and I could NOT make the original bolts fit. But this is no big problem. Just go to the hardware store and get two bolts that are slightly longer. So, "why?" I ask, does Duetto insist that their customers waste their time and energy trying to make these two bolts fit when most often they won't go back in place? Wouldn't it be more customer-oriented to just include two slightly longer bolts (with washers) in with the new grill?
Duetto, do your customers a favor and splurge for the extra $.25 worth of parts to make the installation as awesome as the grill.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter
The product is well made, and it creates a tight fit. It could almost stay in the mouth under pressure without the need for bolts.
The front hooks had to be removed which caused a bit of a problem. I ended up removing all the plastic protectors so I could get to the bolts easier. After the hooks were removed I could ease the gril in to the mouth. The standard bolts weren't going to hold it very well so I ended up buying some longer bolts and big washers, just to ensure the top of the grill was secured firmly.
The car looks better now, the black contrasts well with the white of the car and adds subtle detail. Just removing those damn hooks improves the look of the car dramatically anyway!
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter
High Flow Stainless Steel Grill Black Epoxy Coated
Folowing the "new" instructions found on Miata.net for removing the tie-down hooks (removing 3 screws from lower-front wheel-well liner to provide easy access to the bolts from the inside) made removal of the two hooks a piece of cake with only a 14mm box-end wrench. 20min.
Install of the grill was very easy, inserting the grill top-first into the mouth and pushing it into place. The fit is so good, it made me wonder if I even needed to bolt it in. The 10mm bolts you're supposed to use, I couldn't get started in the holes. I went to the hardware store and bought a couple 1.5" 10mm bolts and some washers that seemed to work better. Whole thing was done (not including the trip to the hardware store) in a half hour.
The grill looks GREAT in place, just like it was factory. (Probably ought to be. Mazda, are you listening??) As I said, when fit into the mouth, the fit is good and almost doesn't need the bolts. Still, when just sitting there, the two slots the 10mm bolts go thru stand off from the bolt holes about a half inch. I thought I was going to have to use spacers between the grill and the frame, but I just inserted the new bolts I bought and cranked them down thinking it might distort the grill, but it didn't really. I'll probably paint the bolt heads and washers with some flat black paint.
Definately reccommended! Easy install, nice fit and finish. On our Emerald Green '99, the black Epoxy-coated grill almost disappears. It certainly doesn't detract in any way from the look of the car, in fact some might argue the look is enhanced, as it hides the otherwise incongruous square lines of the radiator from all the nice curves on the outside. Get one!
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.8 liter
Duetto Stainless Steel Grill
Cost $52. plus $7. shipping
Found the company easy to deal with; ordered the grill online, and was notified the same day by e-mail that the article ordered was already sent on its way. Upon arrival, I found the grill was as advertised and quite surprised at the sturdiness and ease of installation. It took about 5 minutes to install via the two 10 MM bolts in the front. As I have running lights in this area, it did not require my removing them to put the grill it. It simply went in place ( I did have to trim some of the edging to make it fit by the bolts) and it looks great.
Material supplied is better than some that I have seen that look like chicken wire with plastic edging that didn't impress me at all. For the extra money the Duetto Stainless Grill is the way to go! Easy to install and the folks at Duetto were great to work with...highly recommended.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Stainless steel punched mesh grill, polished on one side.
Nicely made; much sturdier than some other products for not much more money. Fit was tight; it needs a good push home. Looks good fitted, and sure will be effective against real projectiles.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Stainless steel grille (this one epoxy-coated in black).
Ordered over the internet. Backordered, but the product was shipped within a week. Installation took no more than 5 minutes. I simply loosened two 10mm bolts, slid the grille into place with notches under the bolts, and tightened everything up. After only a few days I began discovering debris caught in the grill which, I assume, would have found its way into the radiator.
I like the clean, "open mouth" look of the car so wanted a
plain grille with no ornamentation. The car is black, so I ordered the black epoxy grill.
I grumbled a bit at shelling out $52 for a small piece of stamped metal with a vinyl
edging, but I certainly didn't have the tools to fabricate my own. Workmanship was
excellent, and installation was quick and simple. Given the amount of trash I have found
trapped in the grille in the short time I've had it I can't believe that Mazda doesn't
include one as original equipment.
Under 5 minutes to remove
| Back to Product Reviews | 17 September, 2001 |