future62

Changed my oil yesterday... damn splash shield was a PITA. Looks like the G37X shield has access panels. Has anyone put the X shield on a RWD sedan?

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

The whole "access panel" thing comes up a few times a year here, and to date I've not heard a definitive explanation as to which cars get it, and which don't... between models and model years. There just doesn't seem to be any pattern. I also don't have one, so I feel your frustration.

Pretty sure an attractive aftermarket, aluminum panel will cost less than OEM. I've been eyeing the ones at TBW: https://www.tbwperformance.com/

iCrap

iTrader: (8)

My X has it, and the dealer cut it off, so now I have a nice big hole!

future62

I was gonna go the used/junkyard right. I'm kinda at someone getting an anodized splash shield. The things people spend their money on lmao.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Future, does you pan have a large crease all the way across it? If so, you just take off the back four bolts and fold the entire flap back to access the filter and drain plug.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Good thing no one sympathized with your problem, or suggested an alternative, only to get backhanded.

Because that would be a shame.

future62

I meant nothing by it Rochester, my apologies. It's still a little funny to me though

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

OK. Butthurt abated.

Some three years ago, I had my car pulled up on a flatbed and carried to the dealership (for a blown CSC). I didn't realize until months later that the tow guy's chain completely ripped up my undercarriage cover. Dealership never said a thing, too, which was odd, but it's just a piece of plastic under the car. It's going to get abused.



So I drilled some holes, and used some outdoor zip ties, to literally stitch it back up. And then yet again after a few years, because zip ties don't last forever. Anyway, three years later, and I still haven't bought a fancy aluminum cover... but I suspect I will eventually.



...which is a scary thought, because should ever the car get pulled up on a flatbed again, it will destroy a $200 piece of underside bling.

future62

I recently hit a chunk of semi truck tire on the highway... knocked my lower grill out and some of my splash guard. It was dragging on the ground. I'd have nobody to blame but myself if it were some fancy metal splash guard.... though maybe it would have offered better protection.

saywat?

iTrader: (3)

seems it came with the x's. but it seems small and hardly worth it. id rather jus take it off or make the opening bigger

SonicVQ

When my CSC failed (again!), I instructed the tow truck driver to use the front tow hook to pull in on the flat bed. It worked great with ZERO damage

Epiphany

My 2012 X used to have the access panel. Now it just has a hole after it broke off on the hinged side and I just removed it. Doesn't really give enough access anyway.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Of course! I never actually thought of that. Great idea.

Where's the hook? Seem to remember seeing that near the spare. And is it easy enough to pop off the inlet cover? I've never actually done it. I should go out to the car and get this tow-hook idea solid in my head, should ever I need it. And that would eliminate worries about damaging any fancy aftermarket shield.

Sweet! Thanks, Sonic.

Epiphany

Tow hook should be in the foam cutout under your trunk carpet. Plastic cap on the front should pop in and out easily, just make sure you don't lose it when it's out.

JustROLLIN

iTrader: (1)

Not too mention, the plastic one, at least on a used car like mine, is a mess with the clips and bolts and rust and.... You get the point. Its hanging on by the bolts that go into metal and maybe 2 or 3 others.