Technical Need a grille insert idea

I’ve started clearing space around my ‘32 Dodge PU. A few years back I mounted a rebuilt 318/727 in it. The 318 was a ‘71 MH engine and when I had it rebuilt, I said put “an RV cam “ in it. So maybe a 225 HP engine.
The Dodge has a honeycomb radiator and a grille shell sheet metaled to it. I like the looks of the radiator out there in the open, but several signs of leakage. So won’t be using it.
I’ll source a radiator, probably aluminum, but want put an insert/cover/etc in front of the radiator to protect it, and hide it from view.
I don’t want a piece of sheet with holes in it, but something that would kind of resemble the honeycomb look.
Yes, airflow is important as well.
Any ideas what to Google for?

Thanks.

 

How about a pic of what you have now?

 

Do a search for grille inserts.
I used an office ceiling ventilation duct screen. It's just the right size for a '28-'29 Ford.
Good luck & be sure to post pictures.

 

I have a few fireplace screens that will be sacrificed when the time comes.

 

Sounds like a cool truck and neat project. Have you checked out McNichols metals for perforated sheets. Some cool stuff like slots ,honeycomb and other designs like the old aircleaners.

 

https://hyperracing.com/pages/produ...MIsN7StKmF-gIVIdSzCh2TDgcjEAQYASABEgKPWvD_BwE

https://www.vintagewingsandrads.co.uk/pages/m-radiators-dummy.html

Google honeycomb radiator or dummy honeycomb. It's out there. Mike

 

Cut the original one thin and put new one behind it. Hard to explain. If it's 3 inches thick cut it to 1/2 inch thick. Hide new one behind it.

 

Look up Bentley grill mesh

really cool looking stuff and available aftermarket



or use stainless brake tube

 

I’ll head out this evening when it cools off and take a pic.

 

I’ll head out this evening when it cools off and take a pic.

 

Some good stuff there. Some good ideas too!

 

Well dang, how easy it would have been to just search for what I needed? Lol.

 

Search for "stainless steel cloth".

 

Brice Thomas for a radiator.. never bought from them myself but help install one in a 39 Ford. Nice product.

 

...I'm not sure this is a 32 but it was listed as such...nice looking...it will take perhaps a two piece mesh peaked in the middle and that curve might prove a little bit of a challenge or maybe the 32 is flat enough that it can be one piece but we find a way in Hotrod generally...and make sure you paint the rad black with radiator paint...I think it matters...

The original was thin bars...maybe you can fab up a bar insert with steel rods...

 

Yogi's part # G-BLANK.

.bjb

 

That’s newer than mine. Mines more Model A looking.
Edit: the other thing I want to do is have the chrome/nickel plate stripped off. It peeled pretty bad, has some pits. I’ll paint the grill shell the same color as the truck, but the matte black the insert I use. That should hide the radiator being aluminum.

 

WOW! Stare at that for a few seconds and go cross-eyed for sure!

 

I would just get some flat stock, 1/16th x 3/8 and make a grill similar to what would have been used in that period

 

Apologies Budget...I was honestly su****ious, usually my searches for a direct year are more fruitful and straightforward but I guess since everything's a Dodge as we all know...Right Van.........no one knows what year their truck is...I'll try that again or maybe I should wait till you get your camera going...Stogy wants to see it!!!...I mean we All want to see it...

 

What would Van do if he saw a real
Dodge?

 

You cleverly disguised your thread so he won't know about it...

The secret is just call it a Dodge and forget about the year......Cripes, I just did another search...what a mess of mixed up stuff...maybe I'll try a Hamb search...that'll get results...

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dment...LiV-fMsLvp-au2UGy-fuDsSN-cjTh6Y-qYnnyT-atZeWr

...Fingers crossed and the grill is obscured...It says 32 and the plate is 32




https://forums.aaca.org/gallery/image/14362-1932-dodge-brothers-truck-gray-cab-fvr/

...this is a big truck...also said to be a 32...I'm thinking 33...but I dunno...

Now I know where the canted 32 Ford shell inspiration came from to those hotrodders that did it...Dodge...

​

 

Expanded steel, 3/16" brake line bead.

 

I used a piece they sell as a heater shield. Painted it semigloss black and it’s worked as camofloge for radiator for over 30 plus years Most people don’t even notice it isn’t radiator

 

The top/first truck is like mine. I don’t have enough ****, er, stuff cleared out around it, but only have my cab on now. I will get a pic of the shell in a bit.
I sill have the front and rear axles with the wood spoked wheels, I swapped them out for ‘32 Plymouth front/rear so I could use steel wheels. Time moved on, last year picked up a dropped Ford tube axle for the front, and will likely change the rear out again as well. A Ranger 8.8 is about a spot on match for width.
Or, I’ll die and my kids will just have it all s****ped

 

Let’s see if I have enough access to post a pic.

 

Weld done Budget...there she be, that'll be a pretty straight forward fix for the material you choose...

 

Plaster lathing mesh has been used for years. That is what I ask for. It may not be the right name.

 

I'm thinking that one of the smaller mesh hexigon screens that Contintal John posted in post 5 that was painted radiator black as far as color goes would look reasonably right.