I would think that he's referring to the inside of the radiator core, not the outside.

 

Cabelas sells a grille cover that seems to work well for some people. During the winter you can use a solid (vinyl?) cover to help the truck get up to operating temperature; during the rest of the year you take off the solid cover and snap on a screen cover to protect all those radiators/coolers.

Because I drive mostly dirt/gravel roads I had to have something a bit stouter. Several times in the past rocks thrown up by other vehicles managed to get through the grille openings and hole my radiator. Now, each of my rigs has a "custom" screen protecting the coolers and radiators. What I do is go down to the local hardware store and buy a section of "hardware cloth" which is available in various meshes. I choose the 1/4" opening size, paint it flat black, and zip tie a double layer (offsetting the openings by a half) to the inside of the grille where it is practically invisible. I have never had a rock get through that; the added bonus is that it screens out whatever bugs are swarming at the time. I have found the grille totally covered in grasshoppers or in moths after a night trip - but nothing gets to the all-important coolers and radiator. It's an easy job to clean them off the grille.

 

I use a soft bristle brush and soapy water. I had bugs up the wazoo after my vacation trip

 

how do you guys clip the screen in? i drive through the california central valley and its just cow poop orchards and bugs... lots of bugs. i spend a good 45 minutes clearing out all the dead bugs after a trip.

 

I use a soft brass toothbrush type brush and compressed air.