HOW TO: Install F shields in front fenders

[MacGyver]

About a year ago there was a post asking how to install their F shields indented in there fiberglass fenders.

I installed one of mine yesterday and thought I would share the process.

Before you do any cutting. plan where you will be placing your shield and determine if their is enough thickness in the fiberglass. In my case I added a few layers more fiberglass to the back side of the fender where the shield would be. This will keep the integrity to the fender and not cause a weak area.

Mark the area that needs to be indented with a fat magic marker where the shield would be installed. By using a fat magic marker you will be making the cut line slightly larger than the shield. I used an air die grinder with a rounded burr cutter. I started by cutting around the entire perimeter. Until I achieved the same depth all the way around. Which was .115 of an inch. This was the total measurement of the shield itself along with the mounting material combined.

[MacGyver]

This is the type of bit I used on the air grinder. It worked well and didn't leave any loose strands of fiberglass.

[MacGyver]

In order to achieve the same uniform depth. I used a trim router to cut away the center area.

[MacGyver]

After cleaning up all the dust. This is what I ended up with.

[MacGyver]

After some hand sanding I applied a little finishing glaze around the edges to fill in deep scratch marks and pin holes in the raw fiberglass. I then smoothed it all down with some fine paper. Since my shields do not have studs like the OEM ones have. I will attach them semi permanently with a sheet of 3M VHB after the car is painted.

[MacGyver]

Hard to tell by the photograph but the shield now fits flush with the fender. OEM ones actually stick out a little but I prefer them to fit flush with the body.

[nick200]

Nice write up,looks a good job. I think a recessed metal one look so much
Better than the resin versions

For what it's worth i did a similar thing with the bonnet badge, and looks good flush too, oem always looked a bit high to me

[STRDAL360]

Thanks for the tips, Sean.

Nice work.

[Ferrari Berlinetta]

Nice job with the install and the write up. How long did this take you do finish one side but more importantly how much dust did this create... ;D

[MacGyver]

Nice job with the install and the write up. How long did this take you do finish one side but more importantly how much dust did this create... ;D

Well, The situation is that it is very hot down here in Florida. Currently I am working in the garage with the door shut and ac blowing in from a duct that I tapped into the central air from the house. Their is about a 1/4 inch of dust on everything in the garage. So I have to live with the dust or open the door and pass out due to the heat. I think I'll live with the dust for a while.