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What are you guys doing to protect the two front radiator grills? I see a few of those honeycombed screens but I think it just kinda screens out the big rocks and debris. I sure like something like a cloth mesh material. I would hate to pick up something that would pierce the fins and tubing of the radiators.
Also, has anyone had luck in covering up the two air scoops on the sides of the car?
Any advice will help.
Thanks. She arrived August 7th, 2022. She's wonderful.
Fabric would reduce airflow and raise engine Temps. Radiator Grill store sells a full set for front and side intakes. Easy install and work great. Have had them on since July 2020 16k miles no issues
I prefer the hexagonal mesh type. There are several vendors selling them. Pre-cut for installation or material you can buy and make your own. And, mounted behind the existing grill work or in front of it. There is now a GM approved one, for the front inlet covers only - it uses a slightly larger mesh than some of the others. I made my own. I did not cover the side scoops and do not plan to do that.
Here are links to some of the available screens - that have been discussed on this forum:
This one sells the material, in two different size mesh (in metal) and also sells pre-cut ones.
There has been a ton of discussion about whether or not they can cause overheating. Something too restrictive will cause overheating. But as far as I know, no one on this forum has reported any overheating problems resulting from the use of radiator screens. The have, however, illustrated that the screens prevent bugs and rocks from damaging the fragile fins on the condenser that are directly behind the existing grill work.
I prefer the hexagonal mesh type. There are several vendors selling them. Pre-cut for installation or material you can buy and make your own. And, mounted behind the existing grill work or in front of it. There is now a GM approved one, for the front inlet covers only - it uses a slightly larger mesh than some of the others. I made my own. I did not cover the side scoops and do not plan to do that.
Here are links to some of the available screens - that have been discussed on this forum:
This one sells the material, in two different size mesh (in metal) and also sells pre-cut ones.
There has been a ton of discussion about whether or not they can cause overheating. Something too restrictive will cause overheating. But as far as I know, no one on this forum has reported any overheating problems resulting from the use of radiator screens. The have, however, illustrated that the screens prevent bugs and rocks from damaging the fragile fins on the condenser that are directly behind the existing grill work.
I guess what concerns me is that the hexagonal plastic screens will prevent the bigger bugs and rocks from getting through, but still the smaller bugs and rocks will still get to the fins of the radiator grills. I was thinking that I could put the same screen material that I have used to repair my house window screens for this purpose? I think airflow is pretty good through this stuff. I know anything is better than nothing at all, but I really want to protect the grills. Thanks for your ideas. I'll check out your links you've given me. Do you have any pictures of what your radiator grills look like now after all the miles you've driven. Thanks, my friend.
Thanks for your suggestion. I know that it's not good to restrict the air flow to the radiators. I guess I'm just looking for a way to protect the grills from any rocks to pierce them. I appreciate your comments.
I guess what concerns me is that the hexagonal plastic screens will prevent the bigger bugs and rocks from getting through, but still the smaller bugs and rocks will still get to the fins of the radiator grills. I was thinking that I could put the same screen material that I have used to repair my house window screens for this purpose? I think airflow is pretty good through this stuff. I know anything is better than nothing at all, but I really want to protect the grills. Thanks for your ideas. I'll check out your links you've given me. Do you have any pictures of what your radiator grills look like now after all the miles you've driven. Thanks, my friend.
Mine look exactly the same now as the photos at the link to the other thread. I used the smaller 1/4 in hex perforated sheet from Custom Car Grills. As far as I know, no-one has reported any rocks getting through or at least no damage to the fins when using that size mesh. If you think about it, a 1/4 in rock cannot fit through the mesh unless it happens to be perfectly centered on one of the mesh openings. If it is slightly off-center it will be deflected. As the rocks get smaller, they still must miss the edges of each mesh opening. Simply put, rocks that get through will typically be much smaller than the 1/4 in mesh. I personally would not use screen with mesh the size of a screen door. You want to consider what is called "open area" of the mesh. The 1/4 hex perforated sheet (on McMaster Carr or at Custom Car Grills) has an open area of about 80%. That is the ratio of the surface area of the open part to the total size of the screen. It is NOT exactly the same as the flow (that is, 80% open area does not necessarily restrict 20% of the flow) but it is definitely related to it. Lower open area numbers will be more restrictive. I could not easily find it, but I believe that screen door size mesh will have a much lower open area. You cooling system has excess capacity and thermostatically controlled coolant flow. A restrictive mesh will reduce the cooling system capacity, but will not increase operating temperature until the capacity is reduced below what is needed to keep the car at operating temperature. A lower "open area" rating is more likely to do that. There were some screens made by a vendor that could be rolled up and inserted through the existing grill work - where they would unfold behind the grill work. They looked in photos to have a mesh size more like a screen door, and also had some thickness to them (from photos). Some on the forum got them, and reported no issue. Those screens did come with a caution about removing them for tracking. Last I checked those screens were discontinued.
I guess what concerns me is that the hexagonal plastic screens will prevent the bigger bugs and rocks from getting through, but still the smaller bugs and rocks will still get to the fins of the radiator grills. ......
Also, all the screens I mentioned are metal. Others have used the plastic screens - and I don't recall seeing any issues with those either. The metal ones I mentioned are made from a sheet that is punched or perforated somehow. The are not made from woven wire (except possibly the ones I mentioned above that were discontinued - I don't know much about them other than what was on their website and what forum members posted).
Mine look exactly the same now as the photos at the link to the other thread. I used the smaller 1/4 in hex perforated sheet from Custom Car Grills. As far as I know, no-one has reported any rocks getting through or at least no damage to the fins when using that size mesh. If you think about it, a 1/4 in rock cannot fit through the mesh unless it happens to be perfectly centered on one of the mesh openings. If it is slightly off-center it will be deflected. As the rocks get smaller, they still must miss the edges of each mesh opening. Simply put, rocks that get through will typically be much smaller than the 1/4 in mesh. I personally would not use screen with mesh the size of a screen door. You want to consider what is called "open area" of the mesh. The 1/4 hex perforated sheet (on McMaster Carr or at Custom Car Grills) has an open area of about 80%. That is the ratio of the surface area of the open part to the total size of the screen. It is NOT exactly the same as the flow (that is, 80% open area does not necessarily restrict 20% of the flow) but it is definitely related to it. Lower open area numbers will be more restrictive. I could not easily find it, but I believe that screen door size mesh will have a much lower open area. You cooling system has excess capacity and thermostatically controlled coolant flow. A restrictive mesh will reduce the cooling system capacity, but will not increase operating temperature until the capacity is reduced below what is needed to keep the car at operating temperature. A lower "open area" rating is more likely to do that. There were some screens made by a vendor that could be rolled up and inserted through the existing grill work - where they would unfold behind the grill work. They looked in photos to have a mesh size more like a screen door, and also had some thickness to them (from photos). Some on the forum got them, and reported no issue. Those screens did come with a caution about removing them for tracking. Last I checked those screens were discontinued.
Good explanation. I think I did see the discontinued 'mesh' screen on a friend's C8 grills last year on his car. But maybe the company who made them, thought there was some inherent liability for restricting the air flow. I will be giving serious thought to getting one of the smaller sized honeycombed screens and hope for the best. I'm not planning on tracking my car, so there's no problem if I did use the mesh screen. Thanks so much for your advice. I'll let you know how things progress later on.
^^^^
I looked at a lot of info and mesh for my now two-year-old C8 before settling on a mesh many have used with half the size openings as the GM "approved" mesh! Zero increase in coolant temps on 100F degree days in NE SC for two summers. If tracking in 100F Texas Track then consider the GM "approved" mesh size. This company, who specializes in AC Condenser rads, Custom Car Grills now offers that size as well for the same low price of $59 for silver and $69 for Black Power Coat that most used. That is for a cut your own which is enough to do all 4 needed for the font and IF you desired the rear fender sccops. If you don't want to cut your own they offer two kits of precut for the C* one what is needed the 4 fronts AND if you don't care about covering the exposed in rads in the center the two large end rads which is all the GM approved screens cover. The 4 precut ready to install are $99 versus ~500 for essentially the same mesh from the GM approved source
Pcs below and this recently revised PDF How To Install that includes links to info forum member blaun who gives even more detail and patterns for cutting all screens: http://netwelding.com/CF_Splitter.pdf
You can search as I did for various mesh and the % open area. You'll find for example flimsy window screen has less than 50% open area. Plastic uses thick width mesh so the open area is less than a company who specializes selling protective mesh for many Cars and Trucks, Custom Car Grills. They also supply at a low price the raw mesh sheet. It's made from thin aluminum to have the largest open area and thick depth to make the mesh very ridged, so it is keep in place with minimum supports.
Most of us used the top mesh in pic, which is as small as I would use. They have introduced the bottom pic mesh that is about the same size as the GM approved mesh. Lets thru too many bugs and would only use if Tracking in say TX on a 100F day. BUT YOUR CHOICE. There are now copies from China on Amazon and eBay but would not trust the quality. The company has lowered their prices and suggest buying from them directly and use this US made and proven product.
This is my Black Powder Coated mesh installed. My PDF covers installing as I (and many did) by removing the GM grill bar so NO black wire tire attachments are visible - all hidden. It also shows what the install video Custom Car Grill supplies with a few visible but makes a somewhat easier install. Both covered in the many pic/long cation PDF
What are you guys doing to protect the two front radiator grills? I see a few of those honeycombed screens but I think it just kinda screens out the big rocks and debris. I sure like something like a cloth mesh material. I would hate to pick up something that would pierce the fins and tubing of the radiators.
Also, has anyone had luck in covering up the two air scoops on the sides of the car?
Any advice will help.
Thanks. She arrived August 7th, 2022. She's wonderful.
Hello, John! So I have approximately 24,000 miles on my 2020 C8-Z51, with thousands of those miles on-track. I have no front A/C condensers and/or radiators protection, nor side radiator protection. My fronts have countless thousands of bent fins however everything is cooling just fine, even on 90 degree F days on-track. However if you'd like to preserve the beautiful like new aesthetic, see www.scrapearmor.com.
By the way, I wouldn't waste any resources of time or money on the side radiators because I haven't even a single fin bent in those areas.
Also, has anyone had luck in covering up the two air scoops on the sides of the car?
Any advice will help.
Thanks.
She arrived August 7th, 2022. She's wonderful.
Originally Posted by copjsd
Hello, John! So I have approximately 24,000 miles on my 2020 C8-Z51, with thousands of those miles on-track. I have no front A/C condensers and/or radiators protection, nor side radiator protection. My fronts have countless thousands of bent fins however everything is cooling just fine, even on 90 degree F days on-track. However if you'd like to preserve the beautiful like new aesthetic, see www.scrapearmor.com.
By the way, I wouldn't waste any resources of time or money on the side radiators because I haven't even a single fin bent in those areas.
He asked for screens for the front, might as well buy the 4 front screens needed NOT just the two outer openings the GM "approved screens" provide, You can buy a 16" X 48" ridged full sheet of either the smaller 1/4" hex most of us used with no coolant temp increase for street driving OR NOW the same double size hex mesh (lets in twice the size bugs etc) as the GM "approved" screens that cover only the large outer openings NOT the inner front. If Tracking in TX on 100 F days the larger could be the choice. My PDF now includes links to member blaun detailed how too and patterns for all 4 screens if anyone wants to cover the rear scoops. Both mesh sheets are $59 for silver (they are aluminum NOT plastic) or $69 for what I bought, power coated black. This is the How Too: http://netwelding.com/CF_Splitter.pdf
Agree less need for the rear fenders but mesh is a close match the OEM lower rear bumper mesh!
Or if you want precut they have two sets for the C8, one for just the two outer and another for the full four front screens. Since you have to remove the front aero panel might as well be 100% not just 75% protected. Your choice.
Bottom pic is me cutting a front side mesh from a template (forum link a link provided in the PDF.) Cutting is no big deal and ALL edges fit behind the car grill so are NOT Visible.
^^^^
I looked at a lot of info and mesh for my now two-year-old C8 before settling on a mesh many have used with half the size openings as the GM "approved" mesh! Zero increase in coolant temps on 100F degree days in NE SC for two summers. If tracking in 100F Texas Track then consider the GM "approved" mesh size. This company, who specializes in AC Condenser rads, Custom Car Grills now offers that size as well for the same low price of $59 for silver and $69 for Black Power Coat that most used. That is for a cut your own which is enough to do all 4 needed for the font and IF you desired the rear fender sccops. If you don't want to cut your own they offer two kits of precut for the C* one what is needed the 4 fronts AND if you don't care about covering the exposed in rads in the center the two large end rads which is all the GM approved screens cover. The 4 precut ready to install are $99 versus ~500 for essentially the same mesh from the GM approved source
Pcs below and this recently revised PDF How To Install that includes links to info forum member blaun who gives even more detail and patterns for cutting all screens: http://netwelding.com/CF_Splitter.pdf
You can search as I did for various mesh and the % open area. You'll find for example flimsy window screen has less than 50% open area. Plastic uses thick width mesh so the open area is less than a company who specializes selling protective mesh for many Cars and Trucks, Custom Car Grills. They also supply at a low price the raw mesh sheet. It's made from thin aluminum to have the largest open area and thick depth to make the mesh very ridged, so it is keep in place with minimum supports.
Most of us used the top mesh in pic, which is as small as I would use. They have introduced the bottom pic mesh that is about the same size as the GM approved mesh. Lets thru too many bugs and would only use if Tracking in say TX on a 100F day. BUT YOUR CHOICE. There are now copies from China on Amazon and eBay but would not trust the quality. The company has lowered their prices and suggest buying from them directly and use this US made and proven product.
This is my Black Powder Coated mesh installed. My PDF covers installing as I (and many did) by removing the GM grill bar so NO black wire tire attachments are visible - all hidden. It also shows what the install video Custom Car Grill supplies with a few visible but makes a somewhat easier install. Both covered in the many pic/long cation PDF
Hey Jerry, thanks for your very informative reply to my questions. I really like the fact that the mesh size is much smaller than the standard mesh. I just spoke with a Porsche friend who fabricated his own grill screens from material that he sourced. He told me not to worry about these smaller screens won't protect the grill, which is what I am hoping to do on my car. I just think those radiator grills are so vulnerable to getting punctured. Having said that, I am not going to track my car, I hope for some spirited driving once I've 'broken in' the motor. I mainly want a sharp looking, dependable car to really enjoy.
I'm going to copy and print out your replay and put it in my 3 ring bind of Corvette info and history of my car...yeah, I know I'm a bit obsessive about this very special car. Thanks again, my friend. I'll try to remember to let you know how it goes.
FWIW, you can protect ~75% with the GM "approved mesh" or 100% for less than 25% the cost!
You can buy a 16" X 48" black powder coated aluminum sheet with the same large mesh size of the GM "approved" mesh that only covers the two outer large areas. Or better if you don't track on a hot day, half that size mesh most of us used with NO coolant temp increase in even aggressive street driving. Stops 1/2 the size bugs! If you don't want to cut your own you can buy 4 precut screens for the front for ~$100. The mesh edges are hidden all behind the OEM grill and NOT visible so the fact that they are not covered is a None Issue!
Both installs require removing the bottom aero panels and inserting behind the grill. If you don't want any wire ties to show you can remove the grill bar (as I and many did to hide them) which is required for the GM Approved mesh install. Your car your choice.
Full details in PDF, including recently added links to details by blaun download @ http://netwelding.com/CF_Splitter.pdf
Note the inner screens are on a slightly different geometric plane so must be installed separately.
FWIW, you can protect ~75% with the GM "approved mesh" or 100% for less than 25% the cost!
You can buy a 16" X 48" black powder coated aluminum sheet with the same large mesh size of the GM "approved" mesh that only covers the two outer large areas. Or better if you don't track on a hot day, half that size mesh most of us used with NO coolant temp increase in even aggressive street driving. Stops 1/2 the size bugs! If you don't want to cut your own you can buy 4 precut screens for the front for ~$100. The mesh edges are hidden all behind the OEM grill and NOT visible so the fact that they are not covered is a None Issue!
Both installs require removing the bottom aero panels and inserting behind the grill. If you don't want any wire ties to show you can remove the grill bar (as I and many did to hide them) which is required for the GM Approved mesh install. Your car your choice.
Full details in PDF, including recently added links to details by blaun download @ http://netwelding.com/CF_Splitter.pdf
Note the inner screens are on a slightly different geometric plane so must be installed separately.
Thanks...I appreciate your comments. I just want to protect those highly exposed grills. AND, make my car a happy car!!!
^^^
Yep, was just indicating and showing that protecting the front AC Condensers (which on all cars with AC are in front of the coolant rads) requires 4 not just two screens. The inner are on a slightly different OEM grill geometric plane and can’t be covered by making the large outer screens bigger.
Most of us did not bother with the rear fender scopes. You can by the 4 precut Black Power Coated aluminum screens for ~$100 if you don’t want to cut your own.
^^^
Yep, was just indicating and showing that protecting the front AC Condensers (which on all cars with AC are in front of the coolant rads) requires 4 not just two screens. The inner are on a slightly different OEM geometric plane and can’t be covered by making the large outer screens bigger.
Most of us did not bother with the rear fender scopes. You can by the 4 precut Black Power Coated aluminum screens for ~$100 if you don’t want to cut your own.
I searched the forum and can’t find anyone who has done this. I am thinking about trying the Nomex or Kevlar (aramid) honeycomb typically used on race cars on my new Z06.
I am familiar with this stuff from my Howe ASA/TA2 race car.
It is installed to the front of the radiator, not the back of the grill. Very little obstruction of airflow due to the honeycomb wall thickness of only .001-.002” I would paint it flat black for appearance.
This would seem to provide better protection than the 1/4”+ screens.
Thoughts?
Charles
Last edited by adamsocb; Apr 23, 2023 at 03:22 PM.
Reason: Fixed bad formatting from iPhone
I searched the forum and can’t find anyone who has done this. I am thinking about trying the Nomex or Kevlar (aramid) honeycomb typically used on race cars on my new Z06.
I am familiar with this stuff from my Howe ASA/TA2 race car.
It is installed to the front of the radiator, not the back of the grill. Very little obstruction of airflow due to the honeycomb wall thickness of only .001-.002” I would paint it flat black for appearance.
This would seem to provide better protection than the 1/4”+ screens.
Thoughts?
Charles
The two side screens are covering the AC Condensers not the Rad. Have not looked at a Z06 but my Z51, although they mount on the grill are very close to the condenser.
The GM approved screens require removal of the front bumper to install. Also per GM instructions if Tracking when it's over 90 degrees you must "remove the screens. They have an open are between the two sizes offered by Custom Car Grills. What you posted does not show the honeycomb opening size. Hard to tell is will work and sounds like for whatever reason coolant of a Z06 requires no obstruction if above 90F.
FRONT Radiator Screens
