Installation of Bug Mesh Over Condensor/Radiator?

[Greenleaf]

I read in the owners manual you don't want to do this. Is it because it will not allow the a/c condensor to plug up enough



I think I'm going to try this and see if it will protect my new condensor. Anyone done this? Didn't dodge have an optional bug screen and winter front that snaps on and is formed to the grille of the 91-93 trucks????

 

[dpuckett]

I have installed a piece of window screen over the Ac condensor and radiator in the summertime, esp when I was driving home at night between rice fields and bean fields- bugs galore, sounded like I was in a hailstorm some nights. With your non-towing application, I dont see why it wouldnt work for you.



My genetic donor has a bug screen for the grille of his pickup truck that was made for it. No idea where he got it though.



Daniel

 

[Philip]

Dodge did have a bug screen for the 91. 5 to 93 year models. Jeremy has one on his W350. I got it from a friend of mine that worked at a Dodge dealer. They were going threw old stock and having a cleaning spree. My friend grabed it to use on his 93 D150. Then he decided that he didn't want it and I got it for Jeremy.



You might want to hit the local dealer and see if they can find a screen in a dealer location somewhere. I don't have the numbers.



I have never seen a winter front.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

I put one on black sheep when I was delivering campers for FEMA to Mississippi during love bug season. It is still on there, just hose it off every once in a while. Sure did help keep the bugs out of places I didn't want them.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[RDyson]

I bought the black cloth window screen and put over mine. That way it is not as visable. Had it on since new with no problems. I figure if I can keep the bugs and crud out of all the coolers, It would be a good thing.



Randy

 

[ScottLewis]

I put black window screening in front of the radiator of my "98 at about 25 K. Sold it at 103K and it was still there. Put the same on my '06 as soon as I got it home. Used black cable ties to hold 'em in place. Don't plan to take it off. Never had a problem with it and it kept nearly all the bugs and dirt outof the cooling coils.



Dan

 

[AlK]

I also put the black window screening right behind the grill on my 92. Never had a problem. That is also the first thing that I did when I go my 2006.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

I just put a window screen in front of mine. Never had any trouble with doing it. I also had a winter front, that snapped into the grille, no problems with that either.

 

[BGlidewell]

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I put on a Kilbys:

http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KILBYCG

 

[RWWinslow]

I had to change radiators 2 years ago and the amount of crud in the fins motivated me to put in #8 screen behind the grille - makes all the difference and I do not even live in a buggy area. . . . the most important part seems to be to not install the screen right next to the radiator or condenser. Installed too close and it will block off the air flow when it fills up with bugs.

 

[Mel Fuelling]

I have the perforated Lund winter front inserts on both of my D-350's.



D1 has a 5sp Getrag, weighs 9,200 that I work out of. I have to put the fan back in it in the spring when highest daily temps exceed 65 degrees F. If I pull an 11,000 trailer, it will get hot on long hills when I have the AC on if ambient temp gets close to 100 degrees unless I stop and pop the inserts

out.



D2 has an automatic, runs empty most often. It will start showing higher

temp on the gauge just running empty at 100 degree F ambient temps. I need to blow the bugs and dirt out of its radiator and see if it will do better.



The Lund perforated winter front inserts do a terrific job of keeping bugs, gravel and sand out of the condenser, intercooler, and radiator. I would hate to be without them.



Mel

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

FWIW, I was just in at Lowes here a few days back and they had something that made me think of this thread. Down buy the 4x8 sheets of paneling/osb, they had sheets of this mesh that was pretty stout but yet lite weight. I tried finding it on there web site but to no avail.



Next time I'm up that way (if I remember to look) I'll find out more about it. I would be perfect for behind the grille.

 

[JLEONARD]

There is also a material called "phifertex" which is a course mesh that is used outside of windows on boats to block out the sun yet still allow you to see thru. It is tough fabric and would stand up to the abuse of being in front of as radiator. Comes in several colors. Would be another good choice.