Radiator Screen - Fastening suggestions?

[frankym]

Decided to build my own. I looked at the olthoff screen, and it says easy to install but it looks like the dimensions are about the size of the radiator, so the only "easy" way to install it is to remove the radiator, and then if you wanted to clean it, it would be, well, not - so - easy. Any ways, I decided to make mine out of brass flat bar and SS square mesh. I made it in 2 rectangles so they can be inserted one by one and then fastened. I'm wrestling with how to secure them to the front of the radiator. I can see like a toggle type latch that gets turned 90 degrees to hold it to the radiator frame. The miter cut the brass and then used something called SSF-6 to braze it with a simple MAPP Gas torch. The results were pretty good, and the fit seems secure. I cut the mesh and used binder clips to fasten it and then used RTV high temp sealant to create the border that holds the mesh. Here's a photo.. I thought a cool look might be to create an X of flat bar into the dimensions of the assembled rectangles, but then, i figured, it's a lot more work and might restrict some wind flow.

[Ron61]

That looks good and is the same stuff that I made mine out of except I didn't have anything around the edge. My Cobra was easy to get to in that area and I just put in 4 wing type nuts with the bolts fastened to the frame and radiator support. That way I could take it out in about 5 minutes and wash it. Yours looks much better than mine did.

Ron

[frankym]

Thinking that i might use some more flat bar along the side borders to bridge the 2 panels with 2 long vertical strips of aluminum that have bolts facing to the front, then i can drill mated holes to join the 2 rectangles, then just spin on some wing nuts so that i have one integrated screen, and maybe just use safety wire to wrap it around the radiator to secure the whole thing.

[Blas]

velcro works just fine. except yours look much heavier. try it. Maybe pin the top screen to the bottom in the center.

[frankym]

all finished...

[Paintwerks]

Sorry, but it looks like a fireplace grille. Not a fan of the bar through the middle either. I know function is important, but with a Cobra, so too is form.

[vatdevil]

The Olthoff screen can be removed in a few minutes. I've only removed it once, normally just clean with a garden hose.

[frankym]

I had the olthoff screen on spf 1118 but never studied the fit. It must be smaller than the full radiator, otherwise it would not be revovable unless its very flexible. I like an industrial look and brass matches my wheel centers. But I may consider something else. I wanted to have a big X in the middle. I like building, so this was more of a project for projects sake and a need to protect radiator from a knock out pebble or stone. Maybe a full blackout of the brass and mesh would look better.

[vatdevil]

Olthoff screen in my car is wider than the rad. Attaches to the fiberglass surround. Easy to remove, but shouldn't need to as the screen openings are large.

[Shootnride]

Originally Posted by Paintwerks

Sorry, but it looks like a fireplace grille. Not a fan of the bar through the middle either. I know function is important, but with a Cobra, so too is form.

I'm always fascinated by people like you. This gentleman constructed something for his car that he was proud enough of to share with the members of this forum. I didn't see anywhere in his post where he was asking for opinions. I'm not sure why you would feel compelled to berate him.

Ted

[frankym]

Ted

Thanks for the kind words. Paintwerk's comment felt a little bit diggy but last month I did a roll bar retro fit using a csx style layout on a spf. In that case was seeking inputs about dimensions and style preferences. In the screen case I was trying to get fastening suggestions. I'm pretty confident about what I like and dont like. There are lots of opinions out there and I highly doubt he was trying to insult me. But your comment was really thoughtful and appreciated. This is a great forum and folks are very generous with their expertise and experience and yes sometimes their opinions. Again thanks.

Frank

[66gtk]

Frankym,

Curiously, what shade of red is that Cobra?

[frankym]

Its Monza Red. I believe that is a stock superformance color. Its the solid red that makes it so bright. I had spf monza red with white stripes on car #1005. The stripes of any color break up the glare and looks a lot less brilliant in my opinion.

[Sailfish]

For what it's worth, you've built some very beautiful screens. Mine are functional, but nearly as elegant.

I attached mine with Velcro. Readily obtainable at the local hardware store, inexpensive and durable. Plus, it allows for quick removal and reinstallation. I chose the type with adhesive already applied and have had no issues in almost 21,000 miles. Very satisfied.

By the way, mine were made by the local ACE hardware to my dimensions and cost about $22.

No matter what method you decide upon, you've made a smart decision in using screens. Won't protect a great deal against major debris (i.e. rocks, cars, pedestrians) but it makes bug removal much easier and faster.

[eedeutsch]

I used some black screen and attached it with black duct tape. Unless you look really close, you would never know there is a screen in front of the radiator.

[Paintwerks]

Originally Posted by eedeutsch

I used some black screen and attached it with black duct tape. Unless you look really close, you would never know there is a screen in front of the radiator.

And that's a much better way of saying what I was attempting to say.

Ted, I wasn't trying to berate Frank, and no, I never set out to insult him. If I did, then I sincerely apologise. I certainly appreciate that he has taken the initiative to implement a DIY solution to a very real issue. He has a beautiful car and I still maintain that I think while yes, it likely works very well, I just don't believe it looks right.

However, if it were blacked out then I feel it would look better...and that would suit the car more. That's just my opinion and he can do with it exactly whatever he wants.