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Anyone use the Trash Catcher

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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 01:40 AM
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Default Anyone use the Trash Catcher

Anyone using one of those garbage catchers on their C5? You know, the mesh grill that goes under the front bumper to prevent crap from getting sucked up into the radiator. I have had so much crap pile up in there. Wondering on fit and installation and who sells them. I just installed new spoilers and pulled out a ton of leaves and napkins and stuff, lol. no good.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 01:51 AM
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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...elf-stuff.html

I made one from directions I got off of this thread. It works like a champ. My radiator stays trash free....
I painted mine black to match the car so it didn't show...
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 01:55 AM
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Not yet, but keep meaning to make one. Don't buy one of the kits. There was a thread on here many years ago about how to do it with some galvanized wire screen with approx. 1/4 inch square openings that seemed very protective, but much less air restrictive than most of the kits I see. The guy bought about three square feet of screen material for a couple of bucks, screws, etc. and did the whole mod for under $10.00!! Very effective, doesn't show, and no more paper cups, bird carcasses, leaves, etc. in the radiator!!

That's how I'm going to do mine anyway.

DSTURBD

Edit: Yep, the one I was talking about is the one from the link in the above thread!!! Very effective and almost no cost!!!!! He must have been posting at the same time as me. ha ha

Last edited by DSTURBD; Jul 23, 2012 at 01:59 AM.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:00 AM
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A couple of gentlemen from our local Corvette Club, Tulsa Vette Set made up a batch and sold them for $20 each. The profits all went to a local charity. Most everyone in the club is using one on their C5's. Ours were made from expanded steel and painted matt black and are a little more rugged than the one pictured by Papa.

Okie
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Papas02C5
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...elf-stuff.html

I made one from directions I got off of this thread. It works like a champ. My radiator stays trash free....
I painted mine black to match the car so it didn't show...
Did this also but used a little tigher weave and it works great remember these C5'S are Kirby Vaccum cleaners up front suck everything and then some up'em

Pops
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 03:18 AM
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Bare in mind that I worked on air cooled engines for many years (Harley mechanic) so max possible air flow is paramount to someone like me. I understand that some are worried about durability, but with materials liked expanded steel, etc., you are reducing possible air flow by approx. 50%!! You can tell by looking at it that the air flow is going to be drastically reduced. If it is what you are using and have not noticed increased temps. then good for you and you're probably fine. I would prefer to have the screen shown in the pic in the attacheed thread as I know it will not limit air flow!! Also, remember that GM chose not to put anything there to begin with so how durable does it need to be anyway?? Enough to deflect paper cups, plastic bags, leaves, birds, etc. and yet allow maximum uninterrupted air flow.

Just my $0.02.

DSTURBD

Last edited by DSTURBD; Jul 23, 2012 at 03:34 AM.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 11:16 AM
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I need to make one of those for mine. I don't seem to get a lot of trash up in the radiator area, but any that it keeps out is a plus.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 11:23 AM
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I've had mine for serveral yrs & it works! Got mine from Mid-America (pricey) if I had to do over I would have gone the DIY route.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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In installed the one from Elite Engineering when I installed my first set of fangs. I need it more than ever since I installed my Callaway Honker CAI.

Small stuff still sneaks up there, however it does keep the larger leaves, cups, plastic, etc. out. I either take it off once a year or shoot up some air pressure to blow out sand, etc.




Last edited by MSG C5; Jul 23, 2012 at 03:34 PM.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 12:52 PM
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Default Another item well worth the price.

I bought a "trash Catcher" from Mid-America 5 years ago, it ain't glamours, but nothing bigger than 1/4" gets up it the radiator and A/C evaporator cooling grillls. Well worth the money, Elite make a really great item, but you can't see the trash catcher unless the cars on a life, so I went with the cheap Mid-America one.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 12:57 PM
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I just reach my hand up there and get the junk out.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
I just reach my hand up there and get the junk out.
Your hand will fit that space? Yikes!
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 03:42 PM
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Elite Engineering here to-three years no issues
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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OkieBikerDude tell me more about the ones that are being sold for charity. Are they listed on here? I want a picture and ifo to buy if I like. I like the fact of it going to charity. Thanks. As for all the other posts, thank you, I will be making my mind up on this soon. Definitely need one. GM failed again at skipping an important part of the car.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by MSG C5
In installed the one from Elite Engineering when I installed my first set of fangs. I need it more than ever since I installed my Callaway Honker CAI.

Small stuff still sneaks up there, however it does keep the larger leaves, cups, plastic, etc. out. I either take it off once a year or shoot up some air pressure to blow out sand, etc.



I really like the Elite Engineering one. I also installed my fangs the other night, very happy with them. Make the underside look so much better, hiding the mangled skid bars.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
I just reach my hand up there and get the junk out.

Most of the debris (junk) ends up at the very top where nothing can get to it. To effectively clean it out, you have to pull the shroud between the rad and condenser and use water or air to rid the buildup.

BUT, I did install the screen and MUCH less debris is there. They do work.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 10:31 PM
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Not a great photo, but the old chicken-wire fix..... and it works for large items, grass clippings slip in, but easily washed out....

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Old Jul 24, 2012 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by KillSwitchNY
OkieBikerDude tell me more about the ones that are being sold for charity. Are they listed on here? I want a picture and ifo to buy if I like. I like the fact of it going to charity. Thanks. As for all the other posts, thank you, I will be making my mind up on this soon. Definitely need one. GM failed again at skipping an important part of the car.
I'll contact the "Tech. Chairman" in the club and send a PM.

Okie
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