Thread: How many of you guys are running an unprotected radiator?

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I'd like to remove the "chainlink fence" radiator guard on my '31 Chevy sedan, but am worried about the exposed radiator. I bought some plastic grill mesh that I may try use to protect it. What are your thoughts?

Not my car, but an example of what I have now:

And what does the wire mesh do? Do you have that many rocks coming up to hit the radiator? Birds? If so, how often do you replace headlights? Isnt a similar sized Model A Ford radiator unprotected? I thought these were for rocks in the old days and for dress today.

I guess your right, I'm probably being too paranoid. The radiator doesn't quite fill the shell, I figured the mesh would make look a little nicer.

Paint it black. Then it will visually disappear... give an "even" appearance... and also protect against damage.

Maybe this will give you an idea (if you like it). I took the original rock guard grille and cut it down to fit behind the radiator shell. Since the shell slides straight down, I made small brackets with spacers to attach the cutdown grille to the radiator itself instead of the shell. Just a thought....

Have a great day,

Milner

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Here's a second idea that I did on my 32 chevy. Cost me less than $25. Same as above on the ford but I used a plastic egg crate grille (hardware store-lighting dept.) that is used for ceiling flourescent light fixtures. Then took chrome door edge protective strips and attached them to the outside edge of the grille (I notice I need to adjust it a little,lol.) First picture is of it painted flat black. Second picture is after I took some good silver paint with a one inch foam brush and highlighted the front edge (there is a slight splotchy effect due to reducing the image for the forum). Hope this helps, it really depends on what you like.

Milner

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Great ideas guys! I ended up buying grill material from one of those import car shops. I cut a shape and fit it behind the grille shell. I have a couple of electric fan zip ties holding it in place, behind the shell. Im happy with it. Glad that chain link fence is gone!

LOOKIN GOOD.....

Milner