Bugscreen for radiator grill

[ElectroBoy]

After several long distance trips this spring through CA, AZ, and UT I got tired of cleaning the bugs and butterflies out of my radiator fins when I got home. Frequent cleaning of the windshield and front end is expected during bug season, but removing the plastic cover to access the radiator to vacuum and scrub the fins with a toothbrush and toothpicks is a pain. Plus it’s possible that severe clogging could result in the engine running hotter than normal. So I got some black nylon window screen material, 0.125 in black splining and rigged up some protecto-shields for the exterior surfaces of the front grill.

For the large section I cut a piece of screen approximately 37 x 7 inches and tucked it in around the edges with the spline using a small flat blade screwdriver. It’s a snug fit but it works. Using a cardboard pattern, I cut out the two small screen sections and spot tacked them to the grill with black E6000.

I’m not sure how long this will stay put, but so far it’s holding up well. The bugs easily brush off and the radiator stays clean.

 

[TOYO74]

Well done! I've been wanting something like this but had not thought of using these materials. Can you hear any wind noise at speed?

I'm surprised you haven't been arrested in Calif. for mass murder of the endangered Radiator Blocker (aka butterfly). <8^)

 

[ElectroBoy]

I'm surprised you haven't been arrested in Calif. for mass murder of the endangered Radiator Blocker (aka butterfly). <8^)

Haha! The windshield was also splattered badly. I had to stop every every 2-3 hrs to clean off the yellow mustard-like mess. I wonder if those plastic hood deflectors make much of a difference.

BTW, no noticeable wind noise. What I worried about was maybe impeding the airflow to the radiator. But my analog dash gauge looks like the same temperature, and I monitored it with an app “Car Scanner” which used my Carista OBD2 dongle. The temp stays right around 188F at 65-75 mph.

 

[TOYO74]

Haha! The windshield was also splattered badly. I had to stop every every 2-3 hrs to clean off the yellow mustard-like mess. I wonder if those plastic hood deflectors make much of a difference.

BTW, no noticeable wind noise. What I worried about was maybe impeding the airflow to the radiator. But my analog dash gauge looks like the same temperature, and I monitored it with an app “Car Scanner” which used my Carista OBD2 dongle. The temp stays right around 188F at 65-75 mph.

I've been through a few of those "mustard storms" on drives to San Diego. Could have made a couple of sandwiches! Don't know if a hood deflector would help, might just raise the mustard level to the top part of the windshield.

Thanks for feedback on screen noise, and you answered my other concern about airflow impediment. Sounds like you have found a good solution.