Radiator Screen

I don't really care for the looks of the stone guard, and much prefer the look of the my 1931 Model A without one, but after spending more than $800 for a new radiator, I've got one mounted on my car to protect it.
 
If you live anywhere near gravel pits, and the uncovered gravel hauling trucks that drop it on the roads, you'll appreciate having a rock guard on your A. Also, it comes in handy when a lifted truck with knobby tires throws the gravel up in the air as it goes by. Otherwise I prefer the "unprotected" look.
 
I like the looks without the guard, I do trailer mine a few times a year with a open trailer. My luck, it would be me who flips the rock.
 
I've heard that the worst culprits for throwing rocks are those Motorhomes/Trailers, with a wide BRUSH, that almost drags the ground!
Bill W.
 
I run an original Globe brand (see page 167 in "Those Wonderful Unauthorized Accessories for Model A Ford") stone guard on my unrestored '31 roadster. There both 85 years old and rusty and compliment each other:). I also have three other "screen grilles"
as they are referred to in the literature of the day. One, another
original with these markings: 'Norman Shield' Pat. Pend. Los angeles.
Two, most likely an original, but not sure. And, three, a '28-'29
style screen with a Made in Taiwan sticker on it probably from the
'70s:eek:. At least it was not made in communist China. They all are chrome plated and not stainless steel like the new repops:cool:. I wish I could supply pics, but I've never figured out how to do it:o.

Bob-A:D
 
They may serve a purpose to protect your radiator from rocks when driving the Alaskan Highway, but I don't like that it covers up the widows peak of my shell and FORD emblem.
 
Bob-A said:
I run an original Globe brand (see page 167 in "Those Wonderful Unauthorized Accessories for Model A Ford") stone guard on my unrestored '31 roadster. There both 85 years old and rusty and compliment each other:). I also have three other "screen grilles"
as they are referred to in the literature of the day. One, another
original with these markings: 'Norman Shield' Pat. Pend. Los angeles.
Two, most likely an original, but not sure. And, three, a '28-'29
style screen with a Made in Taiwan sticker on it probably from the
'70s:eek:. At least it was not made in communist China. They all are chrome plated and not stainless steel like the new repops:cool:. I wish I could supply pics, but I've never figured out how to do it:o.

Bob-A:D
Click to expand...

Easy way for pics:
Click the "blue post reply" lower left bottom of page, when text box opens, in the top middle of the bar you will see a "paperclip" click that, a window will open "manage attachments" click "choose file" then pick your picture, after you picked up to seven pics click the top "upload" on the right hand side of the text box, wait for it to upload.
You must type something, anything into the text box message, scroll down to see "preview post" at bottom of your text box, you should see your message as it will appear when you post, if you like it click "submit reply" to post.
Easy-cheesy
 
I am one of those that think the unadorned 1930 radiator and stainless shell really help define the car and just looks simple, clean, and classic just the way it is. I have owned and driven 2 Model A's over 45,000 miles and have yet to have a radiator damaged in any way.
 
Anything in front of the radiator will have an effect on the airflow through the fins, will it not? I read studies of the screens that were popular in the 60'd. like a bra and some cut a considerable amount of air flow. In the neighborhood of 25 to 30 % if memory serves me correctly. Most of these were to protect the air conditioning heat exchanger that rode in from of the radiator, as I recall. Maybe not so bad on the Model A with the slower speed and wider mesh of the stone guard. Be interesting to see real results of some legitimate air flow tests.
 
Our '31 roadster came with a stone guard and I think it adds to the jazzy look of that design. Don't think I would put one on any other model as it would not be in keeping with their simple beauty, particularly of the sedans and pickups.

Glen
 
Some like to "bling" up their model A's with as many accessories as they can. Not me! I think my 29 has a beautiful uncomplicated design. On mine: Headlight visors GONE. Wind wings along with the nasty holes drilled to mount them GONE. Yellow painted wheels GONE. Chrome "deluxe" trunk rack GONE. Running board step plates ARE GOING (when I get to it).

I prefer the uncluttered classic look of it now, and I think it looks much better without the "bling". And of course when it comes to my 29 tudor my opinion is the only one that counts!:D

As for the white walls = I am not going to buy a whole new set of tires just to get rid of them. But I must admit I don't think they look too bad with the now black powder coated wheels.
 

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