pet05

I love my truck but why the engineers never installed protection for the condenser is beyond me! That entire area is subject to flying rocks and other debris as it is dead center, unlike cars which have the radiator/condensor protected by the front end. I must admit that having it dead front center is a main reason why the trucks run so cool. Anyway...






Went to Home Depot and bought a 30x33 powder coated steel door protector. It is basically a steel grill used to protect your home door from the dog or kids from destroying the mesh on the door. $21.00

Then I got Aluminum screen/bug mesh. This is basically home windown mesh. A 36x84 inch roll. $8.50

The grill fits in the front area of the condenser. It will actually extend to the bottom of the condensor and it will be about a 1" higher than the condenser on top. So that ENTIRE area is protected. It will also "sit" about 1" further away from the condenser. I think it is better as it allows the object to impact the grill or the mesh. It is a sort of "buffer zone".

I then ran the aluminum screen mesh over the top of the steel grill. I removed FOUR of the condenser hex bolts and then installed large lock washers and re-installed the hex bolts. This holds the grill in place.

I then bought the aluminum screen kit. $8.50
This kit includes 4 - 36" aluminum pieces that are used to make your own mesh frame. I only used TWO pieces and then cut them to length to sit on the top & bottom of the grill to keep the mesh nice and tight. I then used zip-ties to hold the aluminum pieces to the top and bottom.

pet05

Any input??
Comments??

Equalizer 2

I think genosgarage sells a product that does the same thing. It if some type of plastic IIRC.

I do like the idea of the screen as I think the one from genos has 1/2 inch holes. I just might have to do this myself.

dogger

Pet05,

I like inexpensive, good home grown ideas. I agree that the condensor is "overexposed". In fact I have a good rock ding in my condensor. I have used fiberglass screen material in order to cut down on the bug population that inevitably ends up in the fins here in south TX. It is great as I just cut a piece of screen and zip tie it over the condensor. When it gets "full" I replace it with another screen. About $12.00 for several "bug guards". I probably will implement your stone guard as it is cheaper than Geno's.

L8r,.........dogger

nickleinonen

when i made mine, i think i spent like $50cdn in parts for it...
link to my condensor guard

if i ever do upgrade my intercooler though, i will need to rework this one or make a new one, as it already just kisses the hood latching mechanism [has worn the paint off] when closed

MikeyB

I used a heavy gauge stamped screen for the slot in the bumper to protect the condenser. A bird went through the slot while I was traveling at 70mph and made a pretty good size dent in the condenser.
And what's the deal with birds and my truck?? I never hit a bird in my life until getting this truck, killed three so far in three years of ownership, last kill was a couple of weeks ago.

MikeyB

trik396

MikeyB, same here. The first bird I hit was a big ole' blackbird. I swear I though I would have front end damage I hit it so hard. Pulled over and just found some feathers and bird guts on the bumper and headlight... I hit another one recently and no damage as well, thankfully. These trucks have large frontal areas, I guess. Either that, or these birds are on suicide missions.

Dodgezilla

I had some screen laying around and made mine from that. A couple of tie wraps and no more bugs. Plus, with the fiberglass screen material, the bugs fall right off once they dry up....

2003Ram

Kilby makes the stone gaurd and costs around $40. Uses existing bolts. Have had mine on for a couple of years.

dale29

I got some leaf guards (for the rain gutters) they are expanded metal, (about 1/4 in holes). I wired 3 of them together, they stop the majority of the bugs.
Cost $4.50+tax

cromulius

I know the ranchhand does the trick for white tails and birds. Still need a little more lower protection. Thanks for the good ideas.

tweeter

The guard from Geno's is metal, and works great with their upper condensor guard with or with out the tool tray. Install is super easy and uses all exiting holes.

2003Ram

Geno's gets their gaurd from Kilby.

Maybe it costs a little more at Geno's???