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radiator rock/bug guard designs
I'm going to fabricate a radiator rock and bug screen for my ERA 289FIA. I'm looking at stainless steel screen (10 openings per inch) from Pegasus Racing, and am wondering if any of you have fabricated your own frame and mounted screen on it, and how you did it.
I'm thinking of fabricating a frame from some 1/2" angle stock aluminum that I have on hand. Basically, make a picture type frame with a center support. I'm not sure how I would attach the screen, but I want it on the inside of the frame so the ends don't show. For mounting, I was going to add some bolts to the panel around the radiator, sticking forward. Screen would have holes that would slide over the bolts, and then I'd put wing nuts on top of that (for ease of removal for cleaning). How have you other guys fabricated a rock and bug screen for your radiator? What did you do? Also, I'm planning on a similar screen over the oil cooler inlet. For this, I'll form a ring the same shape as the opening, then put the sceen over it. Perhaps put a secondary ring around the outside to clean up the look. Suggestions?:D DD |
The first time, I just made a simple window aluminum frame and screening and used Velcro to mount it and it worked well and was cheap.
The second time, I used the honey comb material that we use on the sprint car. We bought it from Speedway Motors in Lincoln Nebraska. If I have time later, I can post the link. It works great and you just wash it clean with a garden hose. Don't worry, that it will stop air from coming into the radiator. Like I said, it's shaped holes inside are like a honey comb so, no problem's. |
Doug,
Is your engine getting up to the appropriate operating oil temp with the oil cooler connected? I drove my car about 4,500 miles with no screen on the oil cooler and I never picked up any bugs or rock dents. You many not need to cover the oil cooler. BTW - My radiator screen picks up bugs/debris all the time. At the beginning of the winter, I blocked the oil cooler off completely with some rubber sheeting because the engine oil temp wasn't high enough. I just built version 2.0 that has (4) 1/2" holes to allow some air flow as the spring temps rise. |
I'm actually not running an oil cooler. Don't need it with the lovely California climate.
I do, however, want to keep any rocks, bugs or debris from making it's way through the oil cooler inlet and clobbering (or caking) my radiator. Now that my Cobra is running, we'll have to meet for coffee at Peet's or Starbucks on Saturdays. Tom mentioned an early morning hot rod gathering at Starbuck's off of 41st in SC. DD |
Here's what I recommend and use on my Cobra. Looks good and is cheap. Your local hardware store may have something also and I think it's called, heavy duty pet screen's for doors. (I live close to speedway motors, so I picked it up)
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Radiat...reen,3546.html Radiator 31" x 19" Shaker Screen, Plain Steel Item #: 91734220 Price: EA Save your radiators from rocks and mud with this steel shaker screen. Measures 31" x 19" and can be trimmed to size. (Hardware not included.) http://i43.tinypic.com/an10kz.jpg OR- This is what we use on the sprint car. http://i40.tinypic.com/2zecmyb.jpg Honey Comb Radiator Protector, 15" x 22" Item #: 91734213 Price Nomex honey comb. The same stuff the Outlaws use. Lightweight but very strong. Place directly in front of radiator and let it take the beating instead of your aluminum radiators. Some guys have raced a whole season with one honey comb. Usage will vary depending on track conditions. Can easily be cut down. Great for street rods as well! |
I used the SS screen from Pegasus. It works just fine. After all these street and track miles, the radiatoer fins are still fine.
I kept it real simple. I got a strip of aluminum 3/4" plywood edging, and bolted that the front of the radiator flanges. I rivited the screen to the edging. And then used silicone to attach the screen to the sides of the radiator. Simple, "cheap", low bulk, light weight, very effective. |
Quote:
I'm not sure what time the Hot Rod guys meet at the Starbucks on 41st avenue. I pulled into the Starbucks in Scotts Valley one time and some Hot Rod guys were there....the looks I got you'd think I'd landed in a spaceship. :LOL: |
Your car? Rocketship, but close enough.
DD |
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