Radiator Stone Guards???

I put mine on this spring for our two week trip out east because I just had it re-cored and wanted to protect it. Last Tuesday I was invited to a car show at the retirement home where my father in law lives and decided it was a good time to remove the stone guard and look a little more original. After the show we were heading home and ahead of me someone tossed a French fry out the window of a car and a bunch of seagulls got so excited about the treat that they didn't look for cars and one flew right into the middle of my grill. I spent some time straightening some fins when I got home. But on the good side, I took best of show even though my car was not the best but was judged by old people who just love Model A's.
 
I like the looks of them, but I also like the looks of an open radiator. I have one on my leatherback because I just put a brand new radiator in it, and can't afford something to happen to it. :-)
 
I think they look llike a studebaker. My father always called such additions "guilding the lilly" and I think he was right. The car looks good like it came from the factory.
 
I wonder when they first came out? I've got to believe that getting holes punched in the radiator was a, fairly common occurence in the early days - what with gravel roads and stones from passing cars, not to mention from horse's hooves. I'll bet that there were some real interesting designs - going way back to the Model T days.
 
I'd actually like one that only cover the same area as the radiator and not any part of the shell --and in black only...

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I like the look of them and have them on my two A's.
They won't stop small rocks and bugs from hitting the radiator and it's very rare that a bird is going to hit it. So I think it's really only a matter of taste.
 
When I was a kid (a long time ago), we would put expanded metal, sprayed black, between the shell and radiator. Made our old crappy radiators look good and protected. WE mostly did it for the looks. Cost almost nothing
 
Kahuna said:
When I was a kid (a long time ago), we would put expanded metal, sprayed black, between the shell and radiator. Made our old crappy radiators look good and protected. WE mostly did it for the looks. Cost almost nothing
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One of our guys just uses 1/2" hardware cloth when we go on tours where the roads aren't the best. Takes it off all the other times.
 
BILL WILLIAMSON said:
If so, that's a SMART move, Glenn:D What qualifies YOU as an authority on what MOST people do? Some folks don't have the money to invest in PERFECT radiator shells or don't care about a dent or two, but just want to PROTECT their RADIATORS:)
Glenn, forgive me for sounding smart assed, but that was an unkind statement you made. We're ALL here to try to help & have a little FUN!
Anyone have a decent used one, for Vermin, my '29?--- P.M. me, please.
Bill W.
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Sorry, I didn't mean to offend anyone.
Glenn in Camino
 
Kahuna said:
When I was a kid (a long time ago), we would put expanded metal, sprayed black, between the shell and radiator. Made our old crappy radiators look good and protected. WE mostly did it for the looks. Cost almost nothing
Click to expand...

I don't care for the looks of the stone guards, but if I felt the need for one this is the way to go IMHO.:)
 
...bird strikes ????....... how fast are you guys driving ???....what about protecting your windshields or headlight lenses ? do you have those leather bibs that go over the front end of the fenders too ?

Doesn't the stone guard reduce air flow and create more drag ?

Sorry for the puns gentlemen but sometimes our opinions run away with themselves......
 
It seems that once the restoration is done, we set out on the next challenge, "To make our cars what they never were!" This includes everything from heater manifolds to air cleaners, to fancy rear view mirrors with clocks, various ways to make it go faster to Radiator stone guards! Personally, I like the looks. It's not for everyone, but I've acquired one and I'm looking for two more! Anybody?
Terry
 
al's28/33 said:
...bird strikes ????....... how fast are you guys driving ???....what about protecting your windshields or headlight lenses ? do you have those leather bibs that go over the front end of the fenders too ?...
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Depending on where we go on tours, many of our guys have headlight covers that are used especially on gravel roads or in construction areas. Those that don't tend to have headlight lens replacement after we get home. As far as windshields, just make sure they are safety glass, or you are wearing safety goggles!
 
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