Ya, I removed the whole section that covers up that intake. just half a dozen clips to pop, then tailored fit the piece to fit, w/o any zip ties,,,, peace of mind,,,,Just did it with the expanded aluminum mesh, which is conveniently now on sale for Prime Day for just $12. Came out pretty well for just a few bucks. Sized at 21.5x8" with slight reliefs on the bottom corners, slotted into the surrounding bezel so it's quite rigid all around. Just make sure you put the zip ties through the grill first otherwise you'll be fishing the tails out through the holes with a dental pick.
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Post the file, please, if you want to share.So a while ago I got some mesh online, I liked it but now I think I can be that cheesy guy that makes a custom one. May do some resizing and playing with the size but I think I have maxed out my work laptop for its memory.
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But are they always closed? What would the utility be to install louvres that are open only when parked/off? On the ICE F-150s these are open to allow for more airflow when needed.I wonder if all this modification would be needed if we realize that the shutters are actually always CLOSED while driving... but, yes, if you just like the 'look', that's a different story.
And if they are open, then there is a pathway for debris to enter into the area. My point remains.the louvers/shutters on our EV Trucks are for a very DIFFERENT purpose than that of even the 'sister' gas/hybrid versions of the same F150:
Gas vehicles need it to provide COOL AIR to lower the temperature of the running engine, when driving, or even when just idling...
EV vehicles DON'T need any air when moving, but ONLY to bring in cooler air when CHARGING, where the battery is getting VERY HOT... quite the opposite.
I tested this with a camera attached to my front louver/bumper area, where you can see the shutters OPEN when I started the trip, out my driveway, after charging, but they quickly CLOSE when getting up to speed. This is for AERO purposes.