This article will go over the NRG Diversion panel p/n DVP-3051 installation for the 1st gen Scion tC. I like this style diverter panel because it secures from the upper radiator mount to the bumper cover and covers the enire gap. When the hood is closed it keeps gap between the edge of the hood and bumper uniform.
Adding fasteners
When I first installed these I replaced the plastic fasteners with a generic M6 fastener kit you can find on Amazon. The OEM plastic fasteners get brittle and break over time. If you’re always removing your bumper or servicing the front end, it helps to have these screwed in instead of plastic fasteners. You can also go with a more consistent dressup bolt look.
Fast forward almost a year later, I discovered the fasteners just rust.
Using Rivet Nuts instead
I decided to install rivet nuts instead. I cut the 3 plastic tabs on the bumper cover to reveal the metal bracket underneath (see below).
Parts you’ll need
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Box cutter to cut the plastic tabs
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Any rivet nut install tool that works for you
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3/8″ drill bit to widen the tab for the rivnut install
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I also replaced these plastic outside “bumpers” – they don’t seem to be doing much anyways.
Using generic dress up bolts
I eventually swapped out all the black bolts with Stainless Steel M6 bolts and Stainless Steel M6-18mm washers. A very simple dress up bolt look.
You can also use dress up bolts like these.
Other Diversion panels for the 1st gen Scion tC
Here’s an example of a diverter panel that only covers the opening and doesn’t secure to the radiator top bracket. While this is clean also, it doesn’t pull the bumper cover in. I like the NRG one better.
Here’s the carbon Password JDM diverter panel. It’s nice but will require some upkeep on the carbon fiber clear coat.
