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Front Grill Access

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4SUPER9

2022 Model S
Jun 6, 2013
3,554
3,578
So Cal
Does anyone know how to access the space behind the front grill? Preferably the upper part under the nose cone. I would like to install some shifters there and can't figure it out. I'm looking for a discrete install, even if it compromises function.
 
Does anyone know how to access the space behind the front grill? Preferably the upper part under the nose cone. I would like to install some shifters there and can't figure it out. I'm looking for a discrete install, even if it compromises function.

I tried to get behind the grill below the nosecone to install my shifters. It involved removing several plastic panels from the underside of the front bumper/frunk, but when stuff got complicated, I got scared, so undid all of that and worked from the front. This is what my shifters ended up looking like, I had to cut some of the grill away behind them so that I could recess them a little, and get them aligned correctly. Let me know if you need any other pics, these aren't the best, just snapped them with my iphone. Car doesn't really look that dirty either, at least from a normal distance!

shift3.jpg

shift 2.jpg

shift1.jpg
 
You'll need to drop the whole bumper to gain access to the honeycomb. If you're trying to install LASER sensors though, it needs to be in clear line of sight. RADAR can be hidden behind bumper, but LASER needs to be in the open. It's pretty much ineffective if not in line of sight.

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Don't do a discreet install, the reduction in performance could be significant. Might not be worth the money then. I have the ZR4 shifters installed behind my grill and a Stater punched through the jammer at a significant distance to get my speed. Luckily he let me go cause I was his first Tesla and he was interested in the car. You can be sure that I will be either upgrading my shifters to Laser Interceptors or Blinders but they will be mounted on the exterior of the car.
 
Thanks everyone. I was hoping for getting to this grill without removing the bumper. I'm really not a huge speeder anyway, and the illegality of these is bothersome to me. I already bought the shifters without thinking about it and will probably sell them if I can't return them (they are the ones that integrate into the Escort)
 
Thanks everyone. I was hoping for getting to this grill without removing the bumper. I'm really not a huge speeder anyway, and the illegality of these is bothersome to me. I already bought the shifters without thinking about it and will probably sell them if I can't return them (they are the ones that integrate into the Escort)

I didn't remove the bumper...see post up thread. just dangled the wires down, and pulled them through. Like you, I'm not a habitual speeder, but I do take issue with some of the local hiding spots that our PD hang out in, with the sole intent of revenue generation, not safety, so that's how I deal with the moral legality of them! They've saved me at least 1 ticket, and I'm 80% sure of a second occasion, so they've paid for themselves.
 
Don't do a discreet install, the reduction in performance could be significant. Might not be worth the money then. I have the ZR4 shifters installed behind my grill and a Stater punched through the jammer at a significant distance to get my speed. Luckily he let me go cause I was his first Tesla and he was interested in the car. You can be sure that I will be either upgrading my shifters to Laser Interceptors or Blinders but they will be mounted on the exterior of the car.

You are so right. Stealth installs that block any line of sight, even if a small amount, make laser jammers ineffective, Might as well not have them if they don't have a level, completely unobstructed view of the road.