Stone Guard?

J

jeepguy1948

Well-known member
I’m not sure what it’s called but I need to get a protector in front of the radiator. Suggestions on where to go for one?
 
Stone guards is the way I see them listed.Most Model A parts places have them,it's something I believe in to protect your radiator , I paid close to $1000 for a Brassworks pressurized radiator with a hidden cap(looks stock from the outside of car)that fixed my overheating stock 90 some year old non leaking one. Goggle search will save you some time .
 
At least one Model A owner has cut up a purchased stone guard to mount the screen behind the radiator shell. That way the look of the Model A radiator is retained. My radiator shell is in not very good condition so the stone guard hides the defects.
 
I like the idea, but they are butt ugly. I wish they made one that fits behind the shell. I've seen photos of them made that way. Its a much cleaner looking installation. Also would rather it be powder coated black to blend in.
 
ndnchf said:
I like the idea, but they are butt ugly. I wish they made one that fits behind the shell. I've seen photos of them made that way. Its a much cleaner looking installation. Also would rather it be powder coated black to blend in.
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I agree. I just don’t like the looks of them.
 
There just more jewelry some owners feel they need to have on their cars.

In my humble opinion, nothing looks better than a completely stock Model A.

It’s like a pretty woman with no makeup. Have you ever seen a woman with to much makeup? How does that compare?

Enjoy
 
Bob, it’s a 1930 Phaeton.
I agree, they’re butt ugly but I think that for real touring it’s a must have (I would remove it for putting around locally). My radiator is perfect and I don’t want to mess it up.
 
I wanted the protection but felt there was not enough clearance between the shell & radiator for the screen to deflect larger objects w/o hitting the radiator so I formed a 1/4" rod into the shape of the shell opening and silver soldiered a cut down screen from a stock stone guard to it, fabricated clamping clips to mount to the edge of the shell and painted it flat black. A lot more work but I like the appearance of the full shell & the protection of the guard.
 
Ray in La Mesa said:
I wanted the protection but felt there was not enough clearance between the shell & radiator for the screen to deflect larger objects w/o hitting the radiator so I formed a 1/4" rod into the shape of the shell opening and silver soldiered a cut down screen from a stock stone guard to it, fabricated clamping clips to mount to the edge of the shell and painted it flat black. A lot more work but I like the appearance of the full shell & the protection of the guard.
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Please post a photo of it.
 
Hello, Stone Guards are available from Snyders , or check online, if venders offered an insert similar to the original look of the radiator,probably be a big seller as most radiators have bent ,damaged cores .
 
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We have found many cores are too close to the front of the shell. We also found stainless scream we could cut down to fit under the shell. It was a dull gray finish.
 
When I'm touring I often get a collection of large flying (rather, formerly flying) insect like bees, dragonflies, etc. on my radiator. Quite decorative, many different colors represented. Without the stone guard they're relatively easy to pick out carefully. With a stone guard I would anticipate much more of a hassle. Having said that, I have a stone guard I accumulated from somewhere and will likely install it on the new Brassworks radiator I've ordered for May delivery.
 
How many people have had a radiator damaged that didn't have a stone guard or know of a radiator saved by having one? Yes, I have had a stone chip a windshield on a modern car while traveling on a high speed highway, but the kind of driving I do in a Model A seems a lot less likely to put me behind a truck leaving a stone quarry. Unless you like the look, a stone guard just seems to me like a solution in search of a problem.
 
I’m not a fan of stone guards at all. I’ve been driving Model “A”s for over 50 years including trips clear across the USA and have never suffered any radiator damage. I guess I’m just lucky.
 
The'30 shell can support a vendor's store guard better than a '31 shell which due to the guards points mounting, may cause stress and potential tears on the upper shell where the insert intersects the outer shell. One can install as suggested some fine mesh 1/4" open mesh and paint it flat black. The problem is how to adhere it to the inside of the shell and prevent rattles without welding, etc. and coming off the stainless. McNichols company has many offerings for rigid mesh in different gauges.
 
duke36 said:
...The problem is how to adhere it to the inside of the shell and prevent rattles without welding, etc. and coming off the stainless...
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Most of the articles I've seen have advocated using JB Weld or something similar. Maybe a good RTV like Ultra Black would work, too.
 
Just a random, off topic thought. Ultra Black is one step above standard silicon sealer, it has a bit more body & is a bit stiffer & seals a bit better. Two steps above that is SHOOGOO,(the mailman's friend), it is a great sealer & is a lot stiffer & lasts FOREVER on the soul of shoes. I think it is about 2-3 steps below JBWELD. It also makes great rubber bumpers. Back to the regularly scheduled topic.
 
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