Grill backer to protect intercooler.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Kernersville, NC
Grill backer to protect intercooler.
I saw a backer for the bacl of your grill a while back but have not seen one lately. my intercoller is getting eat up with bugs and such. anyone know if you can still get them or am i just crazy...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Corvallis, OR
I've been wanting to get something to cover the entire front under the grille and down to the blocker beam to protect the AC condenser and other parts from rocks. I don't think plastic screen would be strong enough, any ideas? If I go with a metal screen (like 1/4" openings) I'll make a frame and mount it so it wouldn't rub on anything. I just can't seem to find the right kind of screen material.
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From: Schwenksville,Pa
Check out this thread. I've done the gutter screen mod and it works great. You have to take off the front grill and glue gutter screens over the openings in the grill. The last post gives a link to pics.
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From: Schwenksville,Pa
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From: Kernersville, NC
OOps, forgot to post the link:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...grill-mod.html
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I just took off my entire front grill and used ordinary window screen from Home Depot. Get the black color stuff.
Lay your grill face down on a blanket on your work bench. Mold and cut the screen to fit and use small zip-ties to secure (you'll figure it out). Replace grill and your set.
For my '03 Excursion it covers the entire front grill area except for a very small area just below the grill (by the fog light and license plate area). Has worked for several years and does not interfere with cooling flow.
Good luck.
Lay your grill face down on a blanket on your work bench. Mold and cut the screen to fit and use small zip-ties to secure (you'll figure it out). Replace grill and your set.
For my '03 Excursion it covers the entire front grill area except for a very small area just below the grill (by the fog light and license plate area). Has worked for several years and does not interfere with cooling flow.
Good luck.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: South Alabama
I took my grille out and used the metal that is used as a backer for bathroomn tile. I is strong and has not rusted in 2 years. I comes in a 3"X6 or 8" piece. You can buy at Lowes or Hone Depot. Looks good and stops rocks well.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: BC Canada
Your wire will eventually wear holes in aluminum where it rubs, especially sharp ends where you have cut, I have seen people put plastic edging to prevent these issues but its not fool proof. I have used plastic for that reason. It is away from all the parts, its going to take a large rock to push into the condensors and cooler which are another 3 - 4 inches. Its cheap and effective, up here we have gravel and rocks on our paved roads spread for winter. Mine looks brand new behind there and its never been clogged up with snow, and we have 5 feet already. Good idea to tie to the back of the grill but a lot more complicated than putting it back there with 4 zip ties. Its been there since March of 2005. No holes in cooler, no a/c issues, no rocks through anything so far so good. Simple, inexpensive and effective.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Bradenton Florida
Yes what plastic are you using and where do you get it? I have tossed around the idea of ordinary screen behind my grille, but here in Florida in the summer when it gets 95 to 98 degrees i start to wonder if the regular screen would restrict any air flow to keep her cool while I'm towing!!