I just pulled the grill off my truck and was planning on installing some hardware cloth (galvanized mesh 1/4" holes) behind the grill. Looks like there is about 1"-1-1/4" space behind the grill before the radiator, so it shouldn't rub. I want to rivit it to the grill so vibrations won't work the fasteners free. I can't find my rivits, so I am going to run into home depot to get some more. I'll post back later to tell you how it went.

 

Some of the above statements raise a question for me if you please.

The point of a screen in front of radiator/condensor/behind grill etc - is to act as a screening device for incoming foreign objects, including bugs, right. This screen acts much like a filter.

The larger the mesh, the fewer small objects it's going to filter.

Finally- The question- Why use anything with a mesh as large as a 1/4", it's only going to filter out a % of the bugs parts. Even the diamond mesh screen would equal about 1/4". Certainly isn't going to do anything to love bugs besides split them before impact with condensor.

Screening, as in screen door size mesh, is going to stop or slow down dramatically any thing bug wise besides the bug sqeezins strained through the mesh.

The mention of vinyl soffit material, isn't that going to restrict air flow big time. Although it sounds like a great idea.

If your point is to stop rocks, birds, or similar sized objects, it's understandable to use hardware cloth. But the point in all the posts has been bugs. I know there are some hard bodied bugs out there, even squishy ones hurt like heck at 60mph. But for the majority of bug stopping, why not use something screen sized?
Just wondering.

 

The bugs I am trying to stop are big enough to dent the aluminum ribbing badly. Several 1000 miles of highway driving, and the metalwork on the front unit will look like someone has been throwing rocks, but its mostly big bugs. I put hardware cloth in front of mine just the other day to keep the new truck looking a little better.

 

I am mostly worried about rocks that can dent the fins of the radiator. The bugs I can was out easily enough with my pressure washer. I didn't have a screen front on my wifes truck this winter and since they gravel the roads for traction, the radiator fins are dented pretty bad. I didn't want to go any smaller and restrict airflow and hinder cooling.

BTW, I picked up the rivits, but the kids wanted to go on a bike ride when I got home. Kids came before the truck so I'll finish the install when I get back home in 2 weeks. I'll let you know how it turned out then.

 

Yes, directly in front of the ac condenser....it doesn't fit too snug,
just stops the bugs 'n stuff from getting mashed into the fins
of the ac and radiator....
I've used this for years and have had no problem....you see
it a lot down south...sometimes covering the entire front of the
vehicle. A lot of juicy, flying things down that way....
Good luck!

 

yea, i was just down through md to outer banks a few weeks ago, from here in south jersey, and man ... i couldnt even see the front of my truck ... even driving around here it aint too much better, these pine lands breed more mosquitos and annoying little bugs then i care for. so i just want something to help keep my condensor looking good for years to come.