2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bug screen behind Grill

[TowPro]

Getting ready for my summer camper runs with my new truck, I thought about putting a screen behind the grill to keep the bugs out of the coolers.



I take several trips per year where I follow a river for about 2 hours, the bugs are so bad at times it looks like its snowing!



My question is should I use standard window screen or will that restrict the air flow to much even when its clean? Thinking of using something dark to hide all that silver behind the sport grill.

 

[metal tech]

I use the dark/black fiberglass screen material on mine and you can't see it. It didn't change the temps while towing or anything. It does stop the bugs from getting thru to the intercooler & rad. Measure the width before you buy so it will cover the intercooler, mines a little close on the outer edges, and I let it hang down below the bumper openings. Hope this hepls.



Al

 

[Shovelhead]

I used the dark fiberglass screen also and attached it to the grille frame on the inside.

This catches the rocks and other debris that might make it's way through the opening and keeps them from dinging up the radiator and condenser fins.

 

[illflem]

Along the rivers where I live the bugs are so bad you have to leave your windshield wipers on. I found window screen plugs up too fast and went with 1/8'' mesh (window screen is 1/16'') also have had better results with the screen right up against the coolers than right behind the grill, bugs must get in from the bottom.

 

[C. Harlan]

Just go down to the Peterbilt House. I have a bug screen as well as a winter front from a 379, and the bug screen works great year round, keeping rocks out of the radiator as well! I think they cost about $30 or so. Just a thought to ponder.

-Chris-

 

[lebar]

Bug Screen

I measured the area in front of the radiator and went to the local "Home Depot" and bought one of the adjustable width window screens for your house windows. I painted it with chrome paint, drilled a couple of holes in the wood frame to use nylon ties to fasten it on each side. I did put a couple pieces of 2" wide cap tape behind the screen to keep it from rubbing on the AC Condenser. ! It's worked fine with out any temp problems. I plow snow in the winter and pull a 4-horse trailer in the summer!

 

[Chipstien]

I need to do this too... where can I get this screen?

 

[jerryrigg]

I put screens behind my grill a while back...



I went to Home Depot and bought a heavy duty coated black security door screen for about $15. Works great, stops everything and towing with 25k lbs does not effect engine temp

 

[Hohn]

Originally posted by jerryrigg

I put screens behind my grill a while back...



I went to Home Depot and bought a heavy duty coated black security door screen for about $15. Works great, stops everything and towing with 25k lbs does not effect engine temp

Ditto for me. I went and got the bulk screen-on-a-roll and rigged up an attachment with zip ties. Keeps all the fins clean, doesn't clog, and doesn't affect temps at all for even the slightest amount.



Hohn

 

[Mad Max]

I've run mine (black fiberglass) in S. Tx in front of the coolers, tie wrapped at top to upper core support. I have not had any air flow problems, besides if the bugs were bad enough to block the screen, wouldn't they be bad enough to block the coolers?



If my temp gauge ever ran up, and it was blockage, cleaning that screen with a brush of a gloved hand is a lot easier than pressure washing roasted bug guts.



That and my Gettman cold front, two economical engine bay mods I've been very pleased with.



MaX