Radiator Screen Question

[FARMER]

Hi;

Looking for suggestions of what you did on your 1969 Charger. The front of the radiator, what type of
screen did you use so that bugs, stones and junk does not hit the radiator? Does someone make a screen for it?
Metal or plastic? Was there a factory screen? What did dodge use? My car had nothing when I got it. Would like to put something there to protect the radiator and still cool the engine.

I need help for this question. Thanks.

[A383Wing]

most use screen door mesh, but it will block some air flow through the radiator

Bryan

[Fred]

That's what I use. I've had it on for the last 3 years and haven't had an issue with airflow.
After a cruise I just brush off the bugs and she's ready for the next cruise. 

[moparfan53]

 There was nothing there from the factory. I use a furnace filter and hold it in place with a bungee cord for easy removal at car shows. If you want, I can get the size for you in a day or two, the car is in winter storage away from my house. I did a rough air flow test by putting a sheet of paper in front of the filter with the engine running. The suction held the paper in place, the same as with the paper on the rad, without the filter. I also did not see any change in temp when driving with or without the filter.

[FARMER]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, will try each one. I did a full frame off resto, she is kickin nice
and takin her to car shows next year. thanks again for advice. 

[Mopar Nut]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, will try each one. I did a full frame off resto, she is kickin nice
and takin her to car shows next year. thanks again for advice. 

Pictures? 

[Charger4404spd]

Yep, pics? 

[472 R/T SE]

You performed a rotisserie restoration & you're worried about bugs?

Ha, kudos to you sir/m'am for doing what so many others (myself included) are afraid to do after that kind of resto., drive it.  And by drive it I mean not in & out of an enclosed trailer.
To be honest, if I had the $$ & had more than a couple rig's, half would be garage queens.

I'm gonna have to reiterate what other members' have asked.  Pix or it never happened,  .

[moparfan53]

Hi;

Looking for suggestions of what you did on your 1969 Charger. The front of the radiator, what type of
screen did you use so that bugs, stones and junk does not hit the radiator?...
...I need help for this question. Thanks.

Better late than never...??  I hope so.    The OP had PM'd me a while ago for info/pic of my setup. It is a furnace filter held in with a bungee cord for easy removal at show & shines. The filters are available at most hardware stores and come in many different sizes. I used one I happened to have (16"x25"x1") but a larger one would also fit. Of course it also depends on if you have the 22" or 26" rad. I gave it a light spray of black because the white really stood out from behind the grille.

[Big Sugar]

That furnace filter idea is trick.    BUT   Its also a dust trap and your rad is not (dust and sand will pass thru your rad) so be very carfull with that filter up front, pick up a dusty road and the filter could be blocking a lot of airflow thru your rad,  it similar to a screen up front , it will actually block or limit the amount of air going thru the rad,  heres a nifty trick......mount a screen away from the rad directly behind the grill is good and maybe above te rock gaurd at the bottom, this will stop the direct line of debris hitting the rad but will not starve the rad face of airflow.   
  During spring and fall pollen seasons or even harvesting seasons  your screen or filter will plug up in minutes and youll end up with a solid surface in front of your rad.

   I would personally never mount a screen of filter directly against the rad especially in warmer climates where you have condensers and oil coolers directly in front.   Keep the screen at least 4-6" or more away and your fan will pull air around the screen if it gets clogged


Ron

[Big Sugar]

Oh wait forgot another very important point !!!!   RAIN !!!!   Using a furnace filter and getting caught in the rain is a bad idea ! Like putting a wet towel in front of your rad .  Screens are the same when placed against the rad surface it'll collect water and block the airflow bigtime.


Most old school hardware stores or small window companies will make you a screen for your rad with a vinyl or aluminum frame that you can ziptie to your grill or front bulkhead.


Ron