Hey all, I have a stock grill shell on my 30 model a coupe. The PO used some type of poly fabric material to cover the front side of the radiator. It does not offer what I would consider any protection at all from anything larger that a pea sized pebble. So I am looking for something to use as an insert that doesn't look like I just picked it up at home depot and stuck it in there. So, what are you running? Where did you get it (or the parts to make it)? Let's see some pics. Thanks Chappy 24185 by Chappy444 posted Apr 5, 2018 at 7:38 AM
I've had several Model A's and never used anything,if you feel you must have something in front of the radiator why not a aftermarket grille guard? HRP
A number of years ago a car I front of me kicked up a piece of debris that broke through the plastic grille of my DD. A towing bill and new radiator later and I am a bit gun shy of having some plastic mesh material between the world and my $700 radiator. I have looked at the bolt on grille guard but I was hoping to come up with something that would mount inside the grille in the space between the grille and radiator. I am pulling the grille to remove a PO added "hood ornament" and prefer to do all the work in one area the first time I take it apart. I was thinking of some straight bars similar to a 32 grille, or something like that and was hoping to see some pics of what others have done. Thanks for the reply Chappy
I honestly don't think there is enough room between the radiator and the original Model A shell for any type of bars,that is unless your not running a hood and create a space by moving the shell forward. You always have the option of using some expanded metal from your local hardware store and cut it to fit within the confines of the space allowed. HRP
@HOTRODPRIMER That's what I was thinking of as well. You could even paint is a semigloss black and it would virtually disappear!! Best of both worlds...protection and stealth! OR...If you wanted something more "decorative" Check out the stuff on this link: http://www.stainlesssteelblog.com/2013/08/decorative-metal-sheets-perforated.html Dad used to have the "hexagon” design as an insert in his shoebox back in the late-'50's.
"@HOTRODPRIMER That's what I was thinking of as well. You could even paint is a semigloss black and it would virtually disappear!! Best of both worlds...protection and stealth!" That's a pretty good idea. I'm personally using the grille guard that hot rod primer posted. I'm not 100% thrilled with the look, but it looks better than the credit from my bank account of $700+ for a new radiator.
I think the mesh used in the grill guard cut to fit behind the grill would look really nice and more factory.
Mine's a '28, but I used an office building's ceiling ventilation duct screen. I plucked it from a dumpster during a coffee break, took it home and trimmed it to fit.
Considering how close to the radiator anything you use will be, I doubt it will stop damage to the radiator from any substantial debris.
You always have the option of using some expanded metal from your local hardware store and cut it to fit within the confines of the space allowed. HRP I used expanded metal, had it powder coated and it fit right in. I like a black rad, it rinses down easily and doesn't chip. Probably cheaper then an after market grill. Warren
A friend uses plaster reinforcing mesh. It is an expanded metal, sometimes is has some straight lines in it as well. You could also look at the insert for 31 Chevy. At one time you could buy a square of material to cut to fit anything. I don't know if it is still available like that. It is about 1/4 inch thick.
Mesh in a Model shell always looks like you are trying to hide something like a Falcon or maybe one of those undersized ebay aluminum radiators.
I used a welded chrome plated wire mesh in my 31 Chevy grill shell. Not to expensive ,used my die grinder to fit it. /www.twpinc.com/wire- this is the company I bought the wire mesh from. they make all kinds. I used a stainless steel polished about 1/2" square holes. i think i paid around $250 for a sheet 2x3 deliverd to my house. most of the grill inserts were fro fords very few for chevys and the ones i saw were over $500. too much for me. this is the dsame material that the after market car places use i just cut it to fit myself and fastened it to the grill.
Not the best pic but I used powder coated stainless steel security mesh (like they use on security doors and windows) You can get it already powder coated in black and it is very durable. I picked up a security door for $15 at the local recycler and cut the piece out I wanted. Cut it to fit behind the shell and used some small bits of double sided tape (behind the headlight bar) to keep it from chafing on the radiator. Glue fixed the stainless to the shell with liquid nails. Can does not overheat, I have over 70,000 miles on this with no problem, it has stopped many a rock from going through my radiator and still looks as good as it did when first put in place.
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