Protect Condenser from Debris Passing Through Grill?

[DougR]

Photo shows condenser after 100K miles. I'm thinking of installing 1/4-inch galvanized wire screen between the grill and condenser to reduce rock and debris strikes. A 1/4-inch mesh should have a minimal effect on engine cooling. I'll paint it black.

A forum search turned up the Satoshi Grill Modification thread and the Custom Radiator Stone Guard thread. Both look nice, but that's more effort than I want to expend. I don't like the looks of Grillcraft.

What have you done to protect the condenser? Is extra protection necessary? I don't go off road.

 

[messeduprex]

there is nothing to worry about your condenser looking like that. the condenser needs sufficient airflow through it to work properly, and the radiator behind it. i have yet to ever see a radiator or condenser with 100% straight fins. unless you put a solid plate in front even a bug can bend a fin.

 

[MossJenks]

Heck, that's practically brand new. You're worried about nothing. 3x that many bent fins would be no big deal - how far past 300k miles do you plan to run it?

 

[Dillusion]

Looks pretty good for 100k miles.