S2000: Operation Semi-Shaved

Soldato
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Took some light front bumper damage (cosmetic only) last year before going away for a while and pledged that once I got back I would finally get round to sorting out the fugly front number plate plinth.

In the planning of I decided the annoying headlight washer jets were for the chop also. They suck, I keep my car clean (and by extension the headlights) and they soak passengers.

Today I got my sprayed parts back and fitted them with a few expletives here and there. Getting the alignment good was a real pain. But a few hours later all was re-attached and brand new black chrome Honda emblems installed. The old ones are chrome and larger and need to be cut out of the front bumper. 2 plastic pegs hold it on with 1 way metal washer retention clips.

Seeing as I needed a new one anyway I went to GREAT lengths getting these over from the US. I personally love them, not too dark to be lost in dark paint but dark enough to be more subtle. They are set off well on the deep bugundy imo!

The numberplate is now attached to a brand new black grille set which makes attachment easy as opposed to fabricating and attaching brackets directly to painted bodywork.

Some nice new flat style wiper blades also help clean up the front.

Anyway, less talk - more pics!

How it used to look:

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semi_shave_old2.JPG


How it looks now:
semi_shave_1.JPG

semi_shave_2.JPG

semi_shave_3.JPG

semi_shave_4.JPG

semi_shave_5.JPG

semi_shave_6.JPG
 
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Soldato
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There's also a law about number plate height :)

It does look better though

I've been extensively through the Jersey law on the matter and there is no specifics about number plate placement other than it must be displayed on the front of the car.

Other than that it's just the specifications of the plate itself. Many people in the UK run plates attached at this height without issue and run them through MOT also.

Jersey has no MOT in the first place and afaik even in the UK the MOT specifies washer jets must be operational if present. Mine are not present, nor are they on JDM models (alebeit they go through the VOSA process for UK approvment as an import).
 
Soldato
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You have not seen the BMI video on car performance on track with the s2000 in round Tsukuba Circuit have you? The numberplate placed there will increase your engine temperature comically. The stock placement holder is bad enough. I think the temperature drop was close to ten degrees just removing that, let alone having a chuffing great numberplate covering it !

I'd consider moving it... and regarding the headlamp washers, just.... don't touch the button? :p

Mines an 06. No button. Automated when lights are on.

1 - I do not live in Japan with stupid heat
2 - I'm not ragging it around a track
3 - If I am ragging it around the track it takes 1 minute to remove the plate, grille or both
4 - The stock placement holder covers no intakes. How does removing it reduce temps by 10 Degrees?
5 - Many many owners run plates in this location with no adverse impact on temps
 
Soldato
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IMHO IMHO IMHO IMHO

I think it looks really chavvy now and the numberplate badge thing doesn't help.

IMHO IMHO IMHO IMHO

I was going to remove the badge but wanted to see what it looked like first. I am still undecided :p

Basically you think a stock JDM S2000 is chavvy then? They have no plate plinth or washer jets ;)
 
Soldato
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I'm not really concerned about temps, as you have just stated, it's somewhat extreme. I have watched the BMI lot put stock cars around that track and overheat them. They put them to the edge! :D

The grille is very easy to remove and the plate is attached with bolts that can be undone easily.

Also, you are right - thinking back to the plinth it does foul the opening a little on the bottom overhang.
 
Soldato
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I'd be tempted to go for a vinyl sticker plate instead. That does look smooth now but the smooth corners pulls your eyes to the bumper opening which appears to now have goofy teeth in the form of the number plate.

Sticker plates are illegal now afaik?

And yes, it's a trade off. It does not look perfect but it looks better imo. It will not be to everyone's tastes but with the limited options available I am happy with it.

Sucks we have to run front plates at all in the UK. Major envy of US states where it is optional :(
 
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Soldato
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It reminds me of those chav Audi grills people but on that are really long if you get me, they look like a beard.

Like this :

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j249/petrolpower/large3.jpg

Did I post different pictures in my OP? I am not seeing the resemblance? :confused:

Edit - the light/shadow casting in my pictures is not the best so I can SOOORT of see how you get the impression of this. Might be because you think part of what is actually paintwork is grille.
 
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Soldato
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I don't actually like the no badge look. It's the reason I chose to have slightly subtler smaller black chrome badges rather than shave/fill entirely.
 
Soldato
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Honestly thought I was looking at a MX-5 for a moment, not a good change if it can do that.

I think that is more testament to the fact the newer MX-5s share many similarities in design not the fact I removed the plinth and washers (as per JDM models and the home of it's design).

The only non OEM addition is the grille.
 
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NEVAH.

Don't see the point. By the time I even consider selling it the value will likely be sub 7-8 Grand. If that's the case I might as well keep it, even if it turns into a toy/track project.

If it ever appreciates in value then there is either next to none left on the road or it's got proper classic status. In either situation I would not sell it.

If I DO, for whatever reason, decide to or are forced to sell - omission of headlight washers is not going to affect the resale value by anything meaningful. And, in the meantime, I reap the personal benefit of the looks without them - as I want it :D
 
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Soldato
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Needs the S2000 badges off a CR I think

I have some old stock ones I am going to try DIY into Black Chrome and see what it looks like.

If it works and looks decent I might but them back on the wings. Stock chrome is just a little too in your face for my personal preference.
 
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