Lowes ghetto gutter guard grille(rock stopper) to protect the condenser/radiator on a

Lowes ghetto gutter guard grille (rock stopper) to protect the condenser/radiator on a 2013

I originally tried a chrome ebay grille for extra protection but after a few days I didn't like the look as much as stock so I painted it black but it chipped too easily so It's now gone.

I've done this a couple times to previous vehicles with good results so I bought this tough plastic flexible gutter guard from Lowes cut it to size with scissors and zip tied it to the inside of the OEM grille/bumper. No need to remove the stock grille or bumper since there's enough room to reach down from the top if you're patient. It should provide the protection I want while looking stock to the average person. In real life you won't notice it unless you're looking for it on purpose.

 

Thanks. I'm going to do this for my lower grille. Luckily it's only been paper and carp that's gotten stuck in there. Hope ill never take a rock.

 

Sweet cheap fix. That looks good man. I might just go to Lowes

 

Take a picture next time you get a carp stuck in there. Do you have a snorkel?

 

FISH ON!

 

You been driving in the lake again?

OP - like your idea, thanks!

 

How did you attach it? Might do this to mine since its apart right now being painted

 

I've had a couple trout in mine, but no carp yet.

 

I wish I could catch fish with the truck. Damn smart phone auto corrected to carp instead of crap.

 

Nice re-purpose! I just had a friend need his condenser replaced and my truck has some bent fins so this fix is perfect and just in time for me. Cheers! I owe you one.

 

Great idea. Have to put this on the to do list. Thanks for sharing your idea.

 

Not a truck but he catches a fish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnR5pNrkX68

 

Did the same thing last summer works like a charm I used black zip ties to attach it..

 

Cool. Since I don't run a winch or off-road lights, I installed a mesh in the holes of my All-Pro bumper as one of the first mods. Mesh pattern actually matches the upper 2011 grille.

 

I've always used the 1/4" galvanized "carpenter's cloth" (which is a steel mesh) for the last 30 yrs or so... I like this idea.... Will it hold up to a sharp 2" rock on the Alaskan Hwy coming at you at 50 MPH..??

If so...that stuff is good to go man.... PS..I like that it is black also..

 

I used some mesh left over from the stucco when my house was built. I was pressed for time so it was a little bit of work getting it into place with the grill on.. making sure the cuts were in the right places etc, but I'm happy with it so far. I'm certain mine will stop a rock well, and I painted it flat black so it's hard to even notice it in there. I plan to go with something more thought out later on, and my current set up was just to buy me time for now.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'm doing this soon

 

Totally never heard of this issue... is this something I should look into or just an '13 problem?

 

All years are potentially vulnerable to this issue. The "good" news is the A/C condenser (located in front of the radiator) will usually take the brunt of any damage. A punctured condenser will cost you several hundred bucks to fix, but won't leave you stranded.

 

Good idea. Apparently I had a rock fly up and ding my radiator...coolant almost flows straight out now. Not sure this would have stopped it, but it would have slowed it down some. Once I'm fixed up I'll be doing this.