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I have watched many U Tube videos on C8 grille guards and not sure which to buy. The Scrape Armor look robust, but $400 for 2 pieces of screen seems crazy. Can anyone chime in on their choice and difficulty of install?
Thank you
I have watched many U Tube videos on C8 grille guards and not sure which to buy. The Scrape Armor look robust, but $400 for 2 pieces of screen seems crazy. Can anyone chime in on their choice and difficulty of install?
Thank you
Sure, buy what many of us did well before Scrape Armor had them from a company who has been in the business for >10 years. I and others bought from CCG. I bought their 48"x16" sheet of aluminum power coated black. Others bought their precut that can be 2 (like Scrape Armor) for 4 that provide 100% protection. Install is easier than Scrape Armor and can be done with zero wire ties showing as I did.
Here are some of the ~30 pics with detail captions in the PDF. A number from other members:
My 2020 C8 with all wire ties hidden behind horizonal and vertical grill bars. Can even buy stainless steel wire ties on Amazon if you want.
Or as many did buy precut. Just the two like Scrape Armor or for 100% protection all 4. BTW ALL edges covered by OEM grill. If you want they sell neoprene "U" shaped material to cover but silly! As they say they keep their costs low. Been their MO and why their quality aluminum screens are great sellers.
These are the same ones I put on today. The most difficult part is removing and reinstalling the 7mm hardware on the bezel crossbar. Mine did not come with instructions so I watched the Paragon grille guard video. Same concept/design.
^^^^
The edges are all hidden by the OEM grill. If that bothers you they sell neoprene "U" shaped molding that fits their screen. Let's see get enough quality screen in a 48" X 16" sheet to make 4 for the front and two for the rear fender scoops. OR buy precut and the neoprene molding and install yourself. It will be hidden by the OEM grill (as all of mine) but if it makes you feel better, as Nike says- Just Do It!
Those openings in those grills block too much air....
My C8s' temperature has yet to be above the 180s and I don't drive like a grandmother. I believe 'tadda' has the same or similar front radiator grilles and installed them long before I did. Apparently, he lives in a state where temperatures run high just as much as where I live.
It is doubtful either type of radiator grilles will be a significant factor in blocking air flow when considering the gaps of space in between the radiators. Regardless, I would not make a suggestion if it would have a remote chance to cause a problem.
My C8s' temperature has yet to be above the 180s and I don't drive like a grandmother. I believe 'tadda' has the same or similar front radiator grilles and installed them long before I did. Apparently, he lives in a state where temperatures run high just as much as where I live.
It is doubtful either type of radiator grilles will be a significant factor in blocking air flow when considering the gaps of space in between the radiators. Regardless, I would not make a suggestion if it would have a remote chance to cause a problem.
Tadda has CCG's as he noted. Many of us have used them well before Scrape Armor started in the AC Condenser protecting business. CCG has two sizes. The one most of us use with 1/4 inch openings and one closer to Scrape Armor useful IF TRACKING in Texas on 100F days.
I and most used the 1/4 inch mesh, lets in half the size bugs AND drove aggressively 3 summers in 100+F degree days with coolant temps not exceeding 180F. Zero difference from winter. Your car your choice!
My friends son is an engineer and worked for Delco testing AC. He was in Death Valley and their AC systems had to work there. Guess if you travel thru Death Valley might use the larger mesh? ("Death Valley average summer temperatures often rise above 113°F." )
I and most others used the 1/4" Works fine and no increase in coolant temps on 100F NE SC summer days. It Tracking in TX on 100F day might want to consider the larger mesh, close to Scrape Armor. BUT you'll get pretty big bugs passing!
I live in SoAZ where our summer temps can get as high as 118~120F...I've had the CCG mesh grills installed for quite a while now and have not seen any impact whatsoever to cooling temps even during our "hot summer months here!
I got a set of four pieces of black aluminum with edging—very nicely constructed—that came with double sided sticky tape. They install OUTSIDE of those horizontal black dividers, instead of behind them as shown in the pics above. Took only 20 minutes to install, because there’s no need to undo any panels under the car and replace a bracket. I used double sided Gorilla tape, so it’s not going anywhere. As an extra measure, I secured the lower large grilles to the horizontal black pieces with two very small, black zip ties. After trimming you can’t even see them.
Personally, I think the front looks more finished and refined with the screen on the outside. Opinions will differ.
The only downside?— because these grills are positiined in front of the horizontal black pieces, the screen blocks access to the button that opens the frunk. I need to use my fob or button in the car to open it. However, if I’d thought about this I could have snipped away a small opening wide enough for my finger. Rarely use the frunk so it’s not an issue, but could be for some. I might at some point cut a hole but for now I’ll probably leave as is.
Here’s the link if you want to check them out: https://extremeonlinestore.com/collections/corvette-c8-parts-accessories/products/chevrolet-corvette-c8-front-mesh-grill-insert-cover
Definitely get grilles to protect those radiators. I got black aluminum mesh grilles for the side openings as well.
I got a set of four pieces of black aluminum with edging—very nicely constructed—that came with double sided sticky tape. They install OUTSIDE of those horizontal black dividers, instead of behind them as shown in the pics above. Took only 20 minutes to install, because there’s no need to undo any panels under the car and replace a bracket. I used double sided Gorilla tape, so it’s not going anywhere. As an extra measure, I secured the lower large grilles to the horizontal black pieces with two very small, black zip ties. After trimming you can’t even see them.
Personally, I think the front looks more finished and refined with the screen on the outside. Opinions will differ.
The only downside?— because these grills are positiined in front of the horizontal black pieces, the screen blocks access to the button that opens the frunk. I need to use my fob or button in the car to open it. However, if I’d thought about this I could have snipped away a small opening wide enough for my finger. Rarely use the frunk so it’s not an issue, but could be for some. I might at some point cut a hole but for now I’ll probably leave as is.
Definitely get grilles to protect those radiators. I got black aluminum mesh grilles for the side openings as well.
Interesting. Wonder if they will make for the E-Ray as getting those installed from the rear is a PIA. Can remove the bumper which has risks and install the Scrape Armor $699 or cheaper Paragon for $599 or rear mounted mesh from RGS for $395 or CCG for $149 but both a PIA to install and use visible wire ties.
Front Grille Guards
("Death Valley average summer temperatures often rise above 113°F." )
