Bug Screen in Front of the Radiator

[Cowman]

Radar Doctor - Lund makes a SS clip in/on model similar to what Bob Wagner showed in his photo. I think they might also make a black screen "snap on" model. Cabela's also sells the black screen "snap on" model. SS is about $80+ and black screen is about $20. The SS model is available at AZtrucks.com and probably some other places.

 

[RMH]

Bugs

Howdy go to home depot and get a window screen kit. costs under ten bucks works great. seeya.

 

[WyoJim]

TowPro... Crossfork PA... Brings back memories. I used to go down there to hunt deer with a Bow and Arrow and fish Brookies in some little tributary streams. Late 1950's



B. G. Smith... You are right, my thermostat is bad and my serial number is below what you posted. Being aware of this I carry one with me.

When I tested the bug screen I thought maybe I ought to see what happens on the gauges with the overdrive off. On cruise control at 2500 rpm's EGT's dropped almost 200 degree's. Don't remember the boost because I had glanced at the engine temp. It was climbing so fast I could watch it move. Just before it hit 225 I put it back in overdrive. Thats the thermostat, but, then I looked at the trans temp and it had gone from 175 to 185 and climbing, so I will run in overdrive. Wind was bad, it was taking 10 pounds of boost to run on the level.



Jumbo Jet... When I am on a trip I check my oil every morning and sweep the screen clean with a whisp broom I keep under the front seat. Seems that over night those bugs dry out completely.



illflem... I have never heard my fan. I don't think it has worked since day one.

 

[lschultz]

Thats where I got mine attached to the radiator. I read somewhere on here that some have them attached to the inside of there grill so when you open the hood its on the inside of the grilll. Thought about doing mine like that but I haven't yet. There was a link on here to a place(think it was in Canada or somewhere up there) that made one that snapped to the outside of the grill. Peel the tape off the snaps and stick them to the grill then you just snap the wire to them.

 

[Cummins Corvette]

Re: Bugs

Originally posted by RMH

Howdy go to home depot and get a window screen kit. costs under ten bucks works great. seeya.

I did this morning and it works GREAT!! I figured that since I just barely got a new radiator, intercooler, ac condenser, and trans cooler that now would be a good time to do it. Do exactly what RMH says. I went to home depot, bought the kit for 10 bucks, the roller tool for 2 bucks (it is well worth the 2 bucks), and put the thing together. I made the screen frame 21" by 42", put the screen it it using the nifty roller tool, and cut off the excess. It fits perfect and was very easy to make!!! It even covers the two holes in the bumper to protect those spots too. Then I used one zip tie to hold the top snug against the hood latch. It fits very well, and nothing hits it when I close the hood. Good mod for sure!

Chris

 

[WTBurke]

I flew into Billings from Seattle to pick up my baby after I had it trucked from Castle Rock CO. Those guys at Billings Dodge were happy when I paid cash on the barrel head. I was signing the papers on Aug 1st 2001 in the office (it was Saturday) when a quick Montana storm came bustin loose with high winds and rain drops the size of quarters. They stood there behind the glass windows of the show room as I opened my flight bag and dug out my bug-screen kit with tie-straps and a cutter blade. (as you can see this was pre-911) I did a custom install right there on the lot... the guys were amazed to see a dude laying on the ground in the rain under the front bumper securing the screen. I guess they opened the dictionary to look up the word "anal" and my picture was along side the listing!

The maiden break-in voyage home was 1200 miles across Montana (stopped in Butte to show off... and get drunk with my cousins) then off to Idaho, Washington, Oregon and into Kommiefornia. GOD I LOVE THIS TRUCK! 5 states in 3 days.

Oh... I was on Interstate 80 out of SFO today at 2:30 pm near Vacaville... it was 102 F. and 105 F. near Oroville on Hiway 70 at 69 1/2 MPH for 2 and a half hours drive time... the rig runs cooooL all the time. No Bug Plugs here



William

 

[BK]

WTBurke, I know what your mean.

Friends of mine tell me that my picture is right there too.

 

[radar doctor]

THANKS TO ALL(BUG SCREEN)

Thanks Guy's, I now have several places to go get that Bug splitter. You are a great bunch to be associated with. Be 65 in Aug and i had a 95 12 v unit 147 K and ran like a Deer. I now have a 99 24 v and all the bells... Love this thing but i'm a bit upset over all this (LIFT PUMP) trouble. I hope if one of you ever come up with a realiable PUMP you'll Please Post it on here... . RADAR DOC.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Is there a tailormade sreen available, or do you just cut out a piece of window screen? How is it attached?

I just stuck one down in front of radiator etc on my old truck.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Ooops, didnt read far enough to catch the post about screen kit at Home Depot. Will do that today.

My maiden voyage with my new truck to Washington yieded lots of bugs.

 

[claymike]

We don't have any bugs in Oregon :--)

 

[RClark]

I put a fia(mfg) screen in front of my grill. Noproblems noticed and it lets me wipe off the large bugs easily.

 

[jerryrigg]

Instead of the Home Depot Window Screen Kit consider this...



At Home Depot go to the screen door department, get a replacement screen for their security doors, its heavy black powdercoated steel for $14. 50 and there is enough to do several trucks.

Also get some 18 gauge galvinized steel safety wire.



Cut the screen into (4) 4 1/2" by 22" sections (For 2001)

On the inside of the grill, 5 holes top and bottom of each grill section and one on each side just large enough for the safety wire, if you drill at the very top it is not visable from the outside.

Put the screen in place and thread the wire and twist.



Sorry don't remember the size for the screens in the bumper but you all can figure it out.



It looks factory installed and will stop anything, to clean it out just open the hood and hose it from the inside out.



Works fine last long time. I'll try to get some pictures posted for you all the see soon.

 

[CharlieMiller]

I have to say that the screen is great and cheap. Been doing this on every new vehicle for the past 10 years. I have found that the aluminum screening works best on the Dodge because its stiffer and holds in place better because of the size. Plus it blend in real well with the coolers on the 02's. My 2 cents. Oo.

 

[stg2500]

I have had my screen attached to the radiator for over a year since I owned the truck. I just wire tied the screen to a couple of the line on the AC condeser with no from. Not having the frame allows the screen to be pulled out from behind the bumper so that it can be hosed off.

 

[Cummins Corvette]

Update- Since installing the screen I have noticed significantly higher temps and more smoke (hotter intercooler). It is still livable while empty, but I will probably end up taking it off for towing. It does keep things clean though.

Chris

 

[Fuzz]

Used 1/8" screen

I tried the frame and window screen. Didn't really care for the frame. Couldn't get it to cover everything quite right. And the screen was regular window screen. Sure does cut down on airflow.

So got some 1/8" hardware cloth... no frame. . like it much better.

Stops the big un's. Guess skeeters or gnats still get through.

Like the airflow better. I pull heavy and wanted air to intercooler.

Guess it's a compromise,but what isn't.

Fuzz

 

[Tom G]

Bug Screens @ 110 Degrees +

Hi All:



Yup it's finally getting hot enough in good old Lake Havasu City Arizona to enjoy a cool dip in the lake. Now for some news about my alum. window screen bug getter.



Always keep my bug screen in place on my 3500 2001 QC and have never observed any difference in operating temperatures and have tried it with and without several different times. This last week while coming back from Lake Powell pulling my 25' 5th wheel the outside temps were generally in the 100-110 degree range. The mighty ram was working up and down the hills running from 190-195 degrees with that HUGE fan coming on from time to time to keep things cool. Boy when that fan come on the temps come down and I mean right now!



So to make the long story short - love that bug screen, will always use it and my 180 degree thermostat just arrived in town today. This should help keep the clutch fan from coming on as freqently as it does.



Tom G.

 

[jberelson]

I got my screen/winter blanket from www.gofia.com On their website there is a clearance tab. Click on that and there are bug screen/winter blankets for Dodges on clearance for $15-20. You have to call them and see what colors they currently have on clearance. They do not have black on clearance, I bought a gray one, it looks fine. They are made of heavy vinyl screen and heavy vinyl edges. The winter blanket has 2 windows in it, they also have they type that fold to open. Check their site for more info.