We're dealing with plastic and urethane parts. Things you might find in a mfr catalog, or you might see as some sort of special edition on a newer car.

I'll begin by attaching the pics needed, then will get to the survey. There are 6 pics, first one has already been attached elsewhere on this board so keep scrolling down.

I’ll put it together into the survey and ask some questions at the end.

2nd

 

3rd

 

4th

 

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final

 

Hopefully this works.

 

Apparently I can only use one image per post? Either that or I haven't figured this board out yet....all pics in this particular post would give some continuity. Oh well, we'll work with what we have and hope it works. here we go...........




https://www.i-club.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=455929
Is part of a ground effects package the company I work for makes. It is a left front fascia extension, and fits below the bumper. Nice looking part…if I say so myself...nicely finished.

There are two attachment methods used—one is a push pin, the other is a spring clip.
The clip’s spring action pulls the part tight against the body, and requires that a slot be cut into the body of the vehicle to fit.
https://www.i-club.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=455920

Now to the instructions: the first thing you see when you open them is this warning, which explains the templates are undersize, and only rough guidelines. The slots must be hand fitted freehand—but don’t go too far or the part won’t fit tightly. We don’t want things to move around.

https://www.i-club.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=455921
https://www.i-club.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=455923

As you can see, the installer is expected to position the template, drill the edges of the slot, then cut through the existing plastic by hand. Ever tried to cut through a plastic body part with a knife? How many blades did you break? Did you lose any fingers? And were you able to make an accurate cut, with your hands wrapped in band aids?

Other instructions state to drill the edges of each slot, and then connect the holes with a round file, by hand.

Here is the template itself:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=455925

As you can see, it is just an ordinary piece of paper. It is shipped loose in the package to the customer. Instructions state to position it, and then attach the template with masking tape before making the required holes.

Here is a template from another kit, another FF extension:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=455926
It is made from adhesive backed vinyl. The slots on this template are exactly the size needed—there is no freehand cutting by eye, there is no test fitting needed; the template is exactly the size the slots need to be. Peel off the backing, stick the template to the vehicle, and make your holes exactly the same size.


So, with that background info, here are my questions to you as potential installers:

Paper or vinyl template---Which would you prefer and why?

What potential issues would you have with the type of work needed, that both template types dictate?

Any suggestions as to what would be a better procedure to cut the slots?

Don't be concerned if your replies seem obvious, or if someone else has already stated the same thing. The more of the same opinions I collect, the more likely changes can be made to everyone's benefit.

 

me either????? do you make drill hole templates or ground effects?

 

Survey is completed. Several message boards, dealerships and independant body shops participated and I got great feedback. The fact nobody understood anything posted is worthwhile information in itself. Thanks for allowing me to post here.