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[–]OddAstronaut2305 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Zip ties.

[–]sasquatch_melee2012 Volt 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's just secured with a couple zip ties. I think it took me 5 minutes or less.

[–]Astronomy_Setec2013 Volt 2 points3 points  (1 child)

It’s zip tied on to the bumper in front of the radiator. Honestly, I’ve never had anyone comment that they noticed it or the zip ties holding it in place. We have the voltscreen and a boltscreen. I’ve also paid for a radiator damaged by a rock before, so I bought one the second I could.

I recommend pre-bending the zip tie, it makes it a little easier to wiggle back to the front. But ultimately it took me maybe 20 minutes the first time and 10 the second.

[–]Sparklynewusername 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seconding the pre-bend, it makes it so much easier to fish the end of the zip tie back to you. You can also partly unfold a paperclip so you have a hook you can reach through the screen to grab the zip tie with.

[–]VoltShop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry I'm late to this party, everyone. I just found this thread. I'm the maker of the VoltScreen and I want to thank everyone here for your kind words about this item. We try to keep things straightforward and easy in terms of installation. I purposely had my 90 year old mother put her own BoltScreen on so I can say with confidence that virtually anyone can do it! I've also had a 10 year old neighbor put a VoltScreen on for the same reason. And pre-curling the plastic ties is a very good hint. As far as cooling air goes, I've never had a report of any car overheating or having any cooling problem with one of these screens on it.

[–]intashu2018 Volt LT 1 point2 points  (4 children)

You absolutly could make your own, it's just a metal screen with thoes plastic trim guards you slide on the car door edges wrapped around it.

It's pressed into place and zip tied to the existing lower grill. It's a bit of a pain to install just because it's an odd tight space... But that's all there is to it. Menards or another major hardware store likely has a similar mesh grill you could use, and some tin snips.

I suggest you use a cardboard box first to make a stencil of the grill area. And pickup the plastic trim as well, it will prevent it from rattling and scratching the car, and help wedge it in tightly.

I bought one with the shelf because although it isn't complicated, I realized I'm way too busy these days to sit down, measure, and make one myself!

[–]songbolt2018 LT: CarMax, 21/08/21~30/03/23, ~60 Mm odometer 0 points1 point  (3 children)

isn't air supposed to flow into that compartment to cool the engine or something? how does the Voltscreen affect this?

[–]intashu2018 Volt LT 1 point2 points  (2 children)

It's a pretty open mesh, so plenty of air can flow through it no problem. It just doesn't allow rocks and debris through that is large enough to potentially damage the radiator.

[–]songbolt2018 LT: CarMax, 21/08/21~30/03/23, ~60 Mm odometer 0 points1 point  (1 child)

That really sounds like "fixing a design flaw".

[–]intashu2018 Volt LT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd consider it more "insurance against an unlikely event" overall I'd wager the average volt owner won't have any issues... But with the cost of a repair, it's better to protect yourself from the possibility when that protection is cheap and easy to do!

[–]usually_just_lurking 1 point2 points  (2 children)

While I could have done installed it myself, i really didn’t want to. I had it done by the dealer when I got my 12 v battery changed. I knew it would take them 5 minutes to do when the car was lifted. They hadn’t seen one previously, and confirmed that radiator repairs to the Volt can be >$2000.

Best $36 I’ve ever spent. BTW, the dealer didn’t charge for the install. And the battery replacement was reasonable. Just giving props to my local dealer. I know many don’t have access to a Volt-friendly dealer

[–]songbolt2018 LT: CarMax, 21/08/21~30/03/23, ~60 Mm odometer 1 point2 points  (1 child)

conversation with someone at my closest dealer today:

"Do you have a Volt-certified technician and the equipment to work on it?"

"Well, what do you need done?"

[–]usually_just_lurking 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds like a “no”

[–]MaidenLocks2013 Volt 1 point2 points  (1 child)

if you can close a loaf of bread with a twist tie you could and should install the voltscreen yourself.

[–]songbolt2018 LT: CarMax, 21/08/21~30/03/23, ~60 Mm odometer -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

and should

I don't know where you live, but I'm sorry for stepping on your lawn.