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Radiator and Oil Cooler Guards

OK, I can't do some how to instructions as I've stuck mine on with silicone now.

All I did was measure my radiator matrix length (Top to bottom) and then subtract what the wall thickness was of the rubber seal. I then cut it to size and added the rubber edging trim and test fit the grill.

The width measurement is not too critical, just make sure it covers the matrix.

Don't forget to round off the corners of the mesh before fitting the rubber, it'll make it easier to fit the trim and look much better. You only need a small radius on the edges.

I did this on both sides until I had them fitting snuggly but not so tight they bowed in the middle.

As I said before fitting the edging rubber was a bugger and I found that I had to edge the mesh with insulation tape first then apply loads of soapy water so the edging rubber slid on easily.

In answer to your questions though:

1. I was never a boy racer, too poor to own a car that went fast enough - worked for TVR for a while, picked up a lot of sticking tips with them. LOL

2. The mesh is aluminium but you could use stainless steel too. Whatever your preference is I suppose.

3. Apparently it is readily available in B&Q although I could never find it - Tim got me some in France and kindly posted it to me.

4. It's 1.2mm thick with the holes being around 1.7mm apart but really it's a matter of what you like really.

5. My sheets came in three pieces and they were around 200mm x 160mm each. These sheets will do both radiators, oil cooler and possibly the side grilles too.

6. In all the materials cost me around £25.00 and it took me around 40 minutes to make, trim and secure the radiator grilles.

7. Silicone is impervious to heat up to around 3000 degrees Celsius. I used to use it to make an exhaust manifold seal on the race cars so it'll survive the radiator temperature.

Think that's it, if you have any questions just let me know.
 
Many thanks for that info, i have a B+Q in the next town from me i will have to pop in there and see if they have some.

Any other places you know of where i can get it? Sorry to be a pain but whats the make of the silicone you used i dont want to use the wrong one, lol.

Thanks again
 
Many thanks for that info, i have a B+Q in the next town from me i will have to pop in there and see if they have some.

Any other places you know of where i can get it? Sorry to be a pain but whats the make of the silicone you used i dont want to use the wrong one, lol.

Thanks again

You can get aluminium mesh online or from your local engineering shop.

I use Loctites black silicone sealant but you can use any silicone sealant you can get your hands on. I think the black window sealant down at Wickes and B&Q is around £2.99 a tube.

It's nothing special just plain old bathroom sealant but in black.

This is good stuff to use - Click Me

Here's where the mesh is located in the B & Q stores:

Did you ask the young scroates that mull around thinking that they own the place?! that was your first mistake :pirate its easy to make - I made that very same school boy error :biggrin anyways don't ask the staff look for the ilse that has the screws , nails etc (I'm assuming they're laid out fairly similarly all over the country) anyways they are packed into an upright shelf (by that I mean they are slotted in vertically like a book if you will) THERES The checker plating there too - it will be there but the staff are so fekin inept they will just say no - even the manager that works at ours said nahh got nuffing like that 'ere, sill cow.
Now go forth and search my son :thumbup glad to help

forgot to add ........................... I'm down souf too
 
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:thumbupSame here,just not too sure what is the best way yo mount them.

Guys, the best way to secure them is by using some silicone sealant.

It's strong once cured, impervious to heat, oil and water. And if you do decide to remove them for any reason all you have to do is carefully slice the sealant with a blade.

Wouldn't recommend using cable ties or wire just in case it chafes the radiator vains and causes damage to your radiators matrix.
 
Guys, the best way to secure them is by using some silicone sealant.

It's strong once cured, impervious to heat, oil and water. And if you do decide to remove them for any reason all you have to do is carefully slice the sealant with a blade.

Wouldn't recommend using cable ties or wire just in case it chafes the radiator vains and causes damage to your radiators matrix.

:thumbupSo you just glue them to rads with silicone sealant and thats it.Think i could even manage that.
Posted some swift leather photos on xmas present thread for you to look at amb 67.:biggrin
 
I done mine with mesh from B&Q, around £34 for the mesh and I used a hot glue gun to stick mine on. Gold for me, I dont think the silver stands out that much.
 
I done mine with mesh from B&Q, around £34 for the mesh and I used a hot glue gun to stick mine on. Gold for me, I dont think the silver stands out that much.

Smiffy,

You done your side bits as well??

If yes, can you add some close up shots so I can see how it looks? (Please)
 
:thumbupSo you just glue them to rads with silicone sealant and thats it.Think i could even manage that.
Posted some swift leather photos on xmas present thread for you to look at amb 67.:biggrin

Leathers look smart mate but you've cocked up the images on that post and your leathers picture appears in place of another image. LOL

I did that with a link the other day!!!
 
Did mine golden alloy mesh.
Just cut to fit and bend over the rad. I believe that the fairing holds it in place.
Alloy does not really weight anything and there is nothing to harm i believe..

I only did the oil rad since it is soo low...
 
Smiffy,

You done your side bits as well??

If yes, can you add some close up shots so I can see how it looks? (Please)

As requested mate
Mesh007.jpg


Mesh003.jpg


Mesh002.jpg
 

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