radiator protection?

[TJany]

i use my truck on the farm and for hunting, and continually get stuff lodged in the 5 heat exchangers on the front end. i've had cornstalks wedged into the fins and sticking all the way through, i know these thiings are built pretty rugged, but it cant be good. I was wondering if anyone makes a screen or something to slip in front of all the radiators to protect them. Any help is appreciated.

Tim

 

[JCyrbok]

radiator screen

I just got some heavy duty window screen, cut it to fit over the front of the entire radiator/cooler's area, put grommets in the corner and zipped tied it infront of the radiator but behind the front grill. Have had no problems with stones, bugs etc. Some people also use landscaping screen, which has a larger opening, maybe 1/4 inch square and is made of heavy material.



I just hose my screen down a couple time a year to get all the crud out and its good to go. never had any problems with getting to hot either.



Hope this helps,



J-



also depending year of your truck, I think Geno's sells a pre-made screen, but I think it is for 3rd generations only, but I may be wrong.



PS welcome aboard.

 

[TJany]

thanks for the info, my truck is a 2000, if i could figure out how to add it to my sig, i'd add it in... i was contemplating the screen, but was hoping there was something made for it

Tim

 

[JCyrbok]

No problem, I'm sure that there is something out there that is specfically made to protect the radiator. I had the screen and the grommets so I went the easy (cheap) way. Maybe check with a big rig shop or truck stop.



Glad I could help,

J-



BTW to add your info to a sig line, go up under the "DISCUSSION FORUMS"

heading and click on "USER CONTROL PANEL" you can then add and edit profile and signature info.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Sears hardware or even home depot sells a close mesh (Diamond shape hole) Solid screen or even sheet material. Cut it and fit it to shape behind the grille and as a "Skid Plate" type area underneath where the gap is between the bumper edge and frontmost crossmember up under the truck. Normally it's used on screen doors on the lower half for pet protection.



Or get a set of winter fronts that snap into the grille but still you have vulnralbility up underneath.

 

[SHobbs]

Hey, Tim check out Cabellas. I got a screen from them that also came with a quilted front for cold weather. I have had mine for 2 years and it has no tears. It comes with 8 snaps that have 3m tape on the back or you can use screws to hold them on the grill. Ten minute install is all you need. I used the 3m tape to hold mine on and have had no problems with it. Also it has done nothing to the finish on the grill.