What can a radiator grille be made of. Installing a protective mesh on the radiator

Often, motorists upgrade appearance car with your own hands. After all, the reconstruction of the bumper, headlights and other elements of the exterior of the car does not require large expenditures, but not to a small extent improves the appearance. vehicle. This type modernization of the appearance, it is quite easy to install with your own hands, without special knowledge and expensive equipment. To date, a popular method of changing the image of a car is a new do-it-yourself radiator protective mesh.

Quite often you can see a spectacular car with original radiator protection. This is due to the simplicity and productivity of this type of modernization of the image of a car. An unusual grid on the radiator, in addition to the standard protective properties, attracts a lot of attention. To implement such a change, you can use several methods. The simplest and most proven is the purchase new protection in a specialized store. For greater originality, you can make a radiator protection with your own hands.
Buying a grate at a car dealership is easier, but does not always meet the needs of a car enthusiast. As a rule, factory grilles have an inconspicuous appearance and are designed to perform the main protective function. Such devices are easy to install with your own hands and do their job well. If, however, you are seriously thinking about changing the look of your car, then the most effective method will be - creating a lattice with your own hands.

Radiator protection options.

Before you start creating your own and unique protection, you need to familiarize yourself with the types and characteristics of the device in question. Depending on the preferences of the motorist, the materials for creating the original protection may vary. Accordingly, the amount of work and the cost of upgrading the car depends on the choice of the motorist. The most popular and used are radiator protection:

• Made of aluminum or steel.
• Plastic or carbon - nets.

Aluminum nets, have good protective properties and long term operation. As a rule, aluminum gratings are equipped expensive cars. It is quite difficult to make such protection on your own. Therefore, to create original protection, it is better to consider the most easy-to-use material.
Steel protection is more affordable and cheaper, while being very effective.
Chrome-plated steel grille will look rich enough. The material in question is durable, due to its good resistance to destructive influences.
The cheapest and most popular material for the manufacture of the radiator grille is plastic. The mesh on the radiator, made of plastic, can have an attractive appearance, with good performance. As a rule, this material is used to create original and unique gratings. Plastic is easy to impact and takes the desired shape. At the same time, the plastic mesh on the radiator is strong enough and can serve for a long time.
The least common and more expensive are carbon fiber radiator guards. As a rule, this material is installed on sports cars. After all, it is ideal for protecting the radiator, thanks to its good endurance and low weight.

Grid on the radiator with your own hands.

Protective mesh do-it-yourself radiator, the best option for creating a spectacular image of the vehicle. A simple upgrade, a simple component of the car, can greatly add to the car's showiness. To carry out the work, special knowledge and expensive equipment are not required. You can independently change the appearance of the car, you can in your own garage, if available standard set motorist's tools.
Most simple option radiator protection, is a simple mesh netting. This material is inexpensive, yet easy to use. In addition, the chain-link mesh will prevent debris from entering the radiator and will significantly change the appearance of the car.
To carry out the work, it is necessary to stock up on the appropriate materials and tools. For effective protection, it is better to choose a mesh with small gaps. In addition to the main material for manufacturing, you need to stock up on the following materials:

• Canvas for metal.
• Welding machine.
• Plastic clamps.
• Self-tapping screws.
• Sandpaper.

The first stage of work will be the dismantling of the old protection. Removing the grille is quite simple; for this, it is necessary to loosen the holders and dismantle the device. At the same time, it is necessary to preserve the integrity of the old lattice, since it will be useful to us as a layout. If the grille has a chrome trim, it is important not to damage it when removing it.

Next, you need to cut off the additional holders on the grid itself, after which it will become more elastic. The next step is to remove unnecessary elements to make the structure more uniform.
The resulting gaps can be removed by cold welding. After that, it is necessary to process the protection with sandpaper. Next, you need to fit the resulting frame with a new mesh. To do this, it is necessary to cut off a sufficient amount of material and attach it with self-tapping screws. Thus, the original protective grid of the radiator, made by hand, is obtained.
The final stage of modernization will be the painting of a new part.

Coloring protection.

The manufactured device is already ready for installation on a car. But for greater effectiveness, it is necessary to give the grille a colorful appearance. If you decide that the grille and frame will be painted in the same color, then you can process the assembled protection. In the case of choosing separate colors for the mesh and frame, it is better to color the element before it is fully assembled. The process of painting the radiator protection is completely similar to painting metal surfaces car. Before applying paint, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Then, it is necessary to apply a layer of soil and wait until it dries completely. After that, we apply paint to the surface of the element. Often, the protection frame is pasted over with a film. Thus, an interesting appearance of protection can be obtained. After complete processing, we mount the part in place.

Self-manufacturing and installation of the element is quite simple, but very in an efficient way car upgrades. At enough desire and enthusiasm, you will definitely achieve the desired result and add attractiveness to your car. Good luck!

Typically, the protective mesh on the grille is made of decorative expanded metal, allowing you to reduce the tuning budget. It can be mounted under the grille or outside, depending on the owner's preference. This guide discusses both options in detail.

The purpose of the grid on the radiator

In the antifreeze cooling system, a protective mesh on the radiator grill ensures that the copper plates are not damaged, the gaps between them are clogged with insects, dirt, and random stones. In addition, installing a protective mesh on the grille improves the exterior of the vehicle with a minimal tuning budget.

In other words, the driver refines the design with minimal labor and reduces the operating costs for radiator repairs.

Varieties of mesh for tuning

Manufacturers of auto accessories produce a mesh screen to protect the radiator from polymer materials, chrome steel and aluminum alloys. You can independently make a car radiator protection from the same materials, copper or brass mesh.

The most difficult moment is the installation of the mesh, so some wicker modifications will require processing the perimeters of the screen. Since the wire after cutting a solid roll begins to unravel.

Preparation method

In various tuning salons, a radiator mesh is used, made using different technologies:

• wicker - made using textile technology, wires of the same diameter are intertwined instead of threads;
• welded - usually has a three-dimensional pattern;
• twisted - made on special machines, the cell has a hexagonal shape;
• expanded metal - the press cuts slits in the sheet material in a checkerboard pattern, then the sheet is pulled out;
• cast - only from polymeric materials;
• chain-link - individual wires of complex shape are intertwined with each other.

With the exception of the Rabitz mesh, all of these technologies make it possible to obtain a rigid web that retains the spatial geometry attached to it. However, the transverse rows of woven mesh wire do not have an absolutely rigid connection with each other. With curly cut edges protective screen additional fixing required.

After being cut out from the roll, the protective grid of the radiator has sharp edges around the entire perimeter, which can spoil the tuning of the exterior of the car. Therefore, before installing the radiator protection with your own hands, insulation from a cable / wire of a suitable section is put on the edge of the screen.

materials

The car exterior is tuned with meshes of several materials:

• polymers - capron, polyethylene;
• steel - stainless steel or black with a chrome finish;
• non-ferrous metals - aluminum alloys, brass and copper.

It is more convenient to work with a plastic mesh:

• it can be cut with scissors and a sheet for metal;
• the edge of the protective screen does not need additional processing;
• the material retains the spatial geometry;
• resistant to solar ultraviolet, moisture, temperature extremes.

The disadvantage is low strength; upon contact with large stones, the mesh is destroyed.

A universal material is considered to be an aluminum mesh "notched":

• it can be painted and chrome plated;
• bend in any direction;
• the material is resistant to aggressive environments;
• not afraid of mechanical damage.

Dents can be straightened by hand or with a tool without dismantling the screen at any stage of operation.

Copper and brass nets acquire a noble patina of antiquity over time, are not subject to corrosion, and are easily cleaned with brushes. The choice of specific material depends on the existing exterior of the machine. For example, in chrome grilles you can install a steel mesh on a radiator with a similar coating or an aluminum screen.

Before you install the grid of stranded, brass on the outside, you should make sure that this will not cause color dissonance during appearance auto.

Color solution

In 50% of cases, external tuning is performed with a chrome radiator mesh, the rest of the owners decide to put a black protective mesh or copper, brass screens.

In principle, tuning the grille can be done in a solid color with a body or, conversely, with a contrasting color scheme - it depends on specific model and owner preferences.

Protective mesh installation technology

Before you make a protective screen, you should decide on the place where to install it:

• a mesh installed outside will provide exterior tuning;
• if you put the radiator mesh inside, it will be almost imperceptible, but you will have to remove the bumper, which is very difficult on some foreign cars.

For a rational combination of heat transfer and the protective function of the made screen, the cell should ideally have a size of 3–5 mm. Then a large stone that can crush the radiator will not fly through it, and there will be enough slots for cooling copper tubes / plates.

On different machines how to mount the protective mesh screen will be different.

Outside lattice

Depending on the model and brand of the car, the radiator grille can be one or consist of several parts (under the bumper and on top of it). The main difficulty with the external mounting method is the nameplate, which is usually attached just to the grate. It should be dismantled first. The mesh protection for the radiator is made as follows:

Attention: In the places of installation parking cameras holes of suitable diameter should be cut in the mesh.

Inside the lattice

If the mesh is mounted in the bumper from the inside, the technology is practically the same as the previous version. However, you should take into account the nuances:

• on some cars, the grille is removed from the outside;
• in 75% of foreign cars, the decorative grille is not removable, you will have to dismantle the entire bumper.

On the wrong side of the bumper, there are usually standard mounts and power elements gratings to which the mesh can be screwed.

Mounting methods

To fix the protective screen, several methods are used, regardless of whether it is mounted from the outside or from the inside:

• self-tapping screws - the mesh in the bumper is fastened with slightly heated screws, the contact surface is increased with washers;
• fusing - the screen is heated with a hairdryer or a burner, pressed into a plastic grate;
• clamps - are selected in the color of the lattice, tightened only from the inside;
• regular holders - the screen is placed under the elements of the lattice, which snaps into place;
• glue gun - the glue is distributed around the perimeter at the point of contact of the mesh with the details of the bumper or grille.

In practice, in 20% of cases, polymer clamps are used, the remaining screens are fixed with self-tapping screws. A vein line is used less often, but only for aluminum nets.

Thus, most often, the universal radiator mesh made of polymeric material is fastened from the inside with self-tapping screws. For outdoor installation of a mesh protective screen, a fishing line or plastic clamps are usually used. Guaranteed to improve the exterior of the vehicle mesh made of copper, aluminum and brass wire.

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

Despite the perfection of the design of modern cars, an avid motorist enjoys constantly improving it, especially if there are any minor flaws. One of the elements requiring changes is the standard radiator grille. Often, cars are equipped with grilles with large enough cells that can protect the radiator from mechanical damage, but can not prevent the ingress of small debris. That's why great option a protective mesh on the radiator grille will serve, which will not only keep the radiator cells from contamination, but will also serve as an element of car decor, giving it an original appearance.

What is the function of the safety net?

The radiator is one of essential elements engine cooling system, which, most often, is located in front of the vehicle and is subjected to intensive air blowing. But, in addition to the oncoming air flow, foreign objects will absolutely get into the heat exchanger - road dust, grains of sand, dirt, small pebbles and gravel, various elements of plants, as well as insects.

All this garbage leads to the fact that the gaps of the radiator grill are clogged, and, as a result, heat exchange processes are disturbed, the radiator does not perform its functions adequately, and the car engine overheats.

The protective mesh is designed to trap a variety of small particles, which has a beneficial effect on the life of both the radiator and the motor.

Naturally, it will also become clogged, but cleaning it is not such a laborious process as compared to cleaning the honeycombs of the radiator grille.

Where is the best place to install the grid?

There are two ways to install the protective mesh - outside or inside the grille. Both of them are successfully used by car owners, while having their own advantages and disadvantages.

So the installation of the mesh behind the radiator grille of the car has the following advantages:

• not conspicuous, so you can save on expensive types;
• fastening points are hidden;
• easier installation process;
• installation is carried out once for the entire period of operation of the grid.

The disadvantages of this method include the need to remove front bumper(most often, owners of foreign cars face difficulties) and difficulties in cleaning the mesh material (to solve this problem, you most often have to turn to professionals, so you should be prepared for financial costs).

The outdoor installation method has more positive aspects:

• ease of installation and, if necessary, dismantling;
• no need to disassemble the vehicle;
• for cleaning it is unnecessary to remove the grid, since this procedure is external;
• a more attractive front view of the car, especially if the mesh is color-matched.

This method has no global disadvantages. The only negative is the rather high cost. However, it is easy to avoid such a difficulty - it is enough to spend time and effort on independent production grille protection.

In order to make a mesh, the purpose of which will be external protection, it is necessary to prepare the following materials:

• aluminum mesh with small cells;
• 2-3 meters of thick electrical cable;
• universal glue;
• plastic clamps. It is advisable to look for options that match the color of the grille, or purchase a universal, transparent option;
• adhesive tape, clothespins;
• cardboard;
• stationery knife;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• roulette;
• marker.

Mesh production consists of several stages:

1. We apply a sheet of cardboard to the radiator grill, trace its contours with a marker and carefully cut it out. The shape match must be perfect.
2. The resulting template is applied to the aluminum mesh and circled with a marker. Having cut the grid with scissors for metal, we try it on the radiator.
3. Using a clerical knife, cut the cable lengthwise to remove the insulation. We take out all the conductors.
4. We put the insulation on the ends of the workpiece, thus forming the edging of the structure. It is necessary to fill it at some points with glue and fix these areas with clothespins.
5. After the glue has dried, remove the clothespins. The mesh is ready to install.

How to install a safety net?

Installing a protective mesh on the grille from the outside does not require much effort. If everything was done accurately during the manufacturing process, then the protection will fit snugly against the grille and all that remains for the car owner to do is tightening and securing with clamps. After fixing, the ends of the puffs are bitten with wire cutters, and the clamps themselves are turned so that their clamps do not stick out.

To install the grid on the inside of the radiator grille, you will need:

• a set of tools for removing the front bumper;
• metal scissors;
• cellular material - aluminum or plastic, and the plastic mesh can be fixed with a glue gun;
• plastic clamps or screws;
• tape measure and ruler.

Installation work is carried out in the following order:

1. If there are fog lights in the bumper, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. We wash and dry the car.
3. We dismantle the front body kit.
4. We apply the mesh to the inner opening of the radiator grille and cut it out, leaving a margin of 1 centimeter on each side.
5. We attach the resulting workpiece to the body kit. You can securely fix it by pulling it with clamps and screwing the edges with self-tapping screws.
6. We install the body kit in place.
7. We connect the headlights and the battery.

How to color the grid?

If there was no cellular material of the desired shade on sale, and you don’t want to install an unpainted element, then you can paint it. For this you need to prepare:

• paint of the desired color (in a can);
• degreaser;
• aerosol primer for aluminum (or for plastic);
• protective varnish;
• wipes with antistatic properties.

We paint as follows:

1. Using a wire, we hang the mesh from the ceiling or other support so that its surface is in a horizontal plane. Of course, you can try to paint it on the floor, covered with protective coating(paper or newspapers), but in this case the whole process will take much longer (the grid will need to be turned over), and the result may not be entirely ideal.
2. Degreasing cellular material special tool and antistatic wipes.
3. We vigorously shake the primer bottle and apply two layers (a break between each is 15-20 minutes). Soil spraying should take place at a distance of about 30 centimeters from the grid.
4. We apply the first coat of paint, and after 20 minutes - the next. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that there are no leaks.
5. After the paint is completely dry, cover the grid with a protective varnish (3 layers with an interval of 10 minutes).

You can proceed with the installation only after the absolute drying of the paint layer.

Self-production of a protective mesh for a radiator grille is an easy process that allows you to save a significant amount on the purchase of a ready-made kit and car service services. The only thing to consider is the cost of time. Depending on the selected installation method, it may take from 2 to 8 hours.

No matter how reliable and beautiful our modern cars, however, every motorist will be able to add a few more items - options that he lacks in his car. Well, we can also practice a little in the ordinary, that is, list what any machine will surely need, without exception.
Since the troubles of our country are known to everyone according to Gogol, we turn to the most common problem, this is the operation of the car on the highway. Here you can find everything: mud, ice, snow blockages, puddles, pits, rubble. If we develop our idea, then the roads can meet our car with a hail of stones flying on the body, on the headlights, on the radiator grill and through it, directly on the radiator itself. This means one thing, that our machine oh how it gets, which in the end will affect not only the appearance, but also the life of the machine. In fact, it is necessary to approach the solution of such a problem in a complex manner.

How to protect the car from influences on the road without losing its appearance

If we talk about protecting the body, then there are many options. Pasting elements with armored film, using polish liquid glass, installation of deflectors. For headlights, only armored film is suitable and no more.
But to protect the radiator, you can not do without a fine mesh that will catch large stones and insects. The mesh cell should be of the order of 3 to 7 mm. No more and no less. If there is more, then the probability of large stones hitting the radiator does not become less. By the way, it is very unpleasant and expensive when a stone breaks through a radiator or crushes its plates.

If the grid is smaller, then this will significantly limit air currents, which may well lead to overheating of the engine, especially in summer. So, we decided that it is necessary to install the grid, and at the same time we decided on its parameters. But where to get it, how to fix it and at the same time ensure aesthetics and functionality?

Make a mesh to protect the radiator grill yourself or buy

The easiest way to buy a grid. You can buy mesh in hardware stores, where it is often sold in rolls and cut off by running meters. However, there are some drawbacks here. Basically, woven nets are sold, that is, nets that consist of individual wires, which means that if they are cut to size, then it cannot be avoided that they will begin to bloom. It is better when the mesh is made of sheet iron, that is, in fact, it is a penetrating mesh, when the roller rolls it out and at the same time punches holes. With the presence of such a grid is already more difficult, although it can be bought on the Internet by ordering in stores. However, the price here will be completely different.

As a result, you will need to purchase a grid, pay for shipping. And then think about how to fix it on the grille. Here a number of difficulties arise. Cutting the mesh to size is not a problem, but fixing its edges is already something to think about. Especially if you need to ensure a neat look. In most cases, surface anchoring of the mesh and high aesthetics are incompatible. Since for the layman the most affordable way fastening is simply to fasten the edges of the mesh with wires or plastic ties.

At the same time, there is simply nowhere to hide them outside. As a result, the mesh is attached from the inside of the bumper, that is, this will require its removal. What you will agree is not the most pleasant prospect.

(The mesh is fixed with self-tapping screws on the other side of the bumper)

What do manufacturers of specialized products offer us? In fact, this is a ready-made and easy-to-use product. Here is the mesh right size, which we talked about earlier, and it is fixed in the frame.

It is also important that such a protective mesh can be installed in a few minutes, and not in an artisanal way, using wires and clamps, but on regular mounts, using fasteners bolt nut. As a result, the advantages of factory options are obvious. It's a nice look, functionality, secure fastening nets on the machine, the efficiency of removal and installation. Here we have not in vain mentioned the removal, because such a grid can not only be quickly installed, but also removed. As a result, by removing the grid, you will get, although minimal, but still access to the radiator. So, you can carry out its revision or cleaning from insects, fluff, small debris.

Where to buy a mesh to protect the radiator in Russia

We talked about the advantages of radiator grids, but still did not mention the manufacturers. In fact, there really are worthy manufacturers in Russia. This is Strelka 11! It is she who is able to provide all the advantages of a grid for radiators, which we listed in the previous paragraph. You just have to find the company's website on the Internet, choose the Standard, Optimal or Premium package, as well as the color of the grid. Then pay for the order and wait for it to be received!
Mesh installation is simple and fast, there are many videos about it on the manufacturer's website. There is also a guarantee, the possibility of a return within 30 days and an exchange of goods. All this is not unimportant and significant, especially if you are a busy person and you have no time and nowhere to make handicraft nets. So be sure to take advantage of this offer. Indeed, in fact, it is not only pragmatic, but also adds some zest to the appearance of your car, which is also important for someone.

Summing up about the protective mesh on the grille

So, summing up, we can summarize. A grid for a radiator is a necessary and useful thing. At the same time, it can be bought in running meters in a store and screwed onto the radiator grille with wire. It will be functional, but the appearance will not be the best. At the same time, in order to remove and install such a grid, it will be necessary to wind or unscrew a lot of wires or clamps. Not very convenient, agree?
However, the presence ready-made solutions, from the manufacturer "Arrow 11" changes the situation. You no longer need to try to make the mesh yourself. You can simply order a grid for a radiator via the Internet. The functionality of such a product will be on top. The only thing that will be a little embarrassing is the price. But let's figure out how much our cars cost? And what will be the costs if the radiator fails? If all this is compared, then everything will fall into place! And the goods will not seem so expensive to you.

Do-it-yourself radiator grill: option number 1

In progress external tuning cars are often modified radiator grille. And this is not surprising, because, in fact, it is the "face" of the machine. The tuning grille is striking and directly affects the uniqueness and recognition of the car. As always, those who want to change the appearance of a car have two ways: buy and install or do it yourself. Finished products do not always fit into the overall style of the car, and their quality often leaves much to be desired. That's why the best option there will be a do-it-yourself radiator grille based on the standard one. First of all, you need to decide on the final version type - the list depends on it necessary materials and tools. The most popular option is to replace the grate with a fine-mesh metal mesh. In this case, you will need: a grinder or a jigsaw, fiberglass, epoxy, sandpaper, putty, thin plastic (a document folder is a good fit), mesh and a native radiator grill.

Manufacturing process

So let's get started. First, carefully remove the grille from the car. Then, with a grinder or a jigsaw, we cut off the extra partitions, leaving the outer frame with fasteners. Irregularities remaining on the frame after trimming are removed with sandpaper. After grinding, it is necessary to eliminate the holes left from the cut partitions. To do this, we cut out strips from thin plastic with a margin in width and fix them on inside framework. We level the surface with fiberglass with epoxy and grind it with sandpaper, cut off the excess. For best effect it is necessary to putty the remaining irregularities and sand again. Now the part is ready for painting or covering with a chrome or carbon film. Next, a mesh is cut into the grille, which can be bought at a car dealer or borrowed from air filter truck or bus. You also need to cut it with a small margin, which can then be bent or cut off. Grid mounts can be different - self-tapping screws, wire ties, epoxy or poxypol. We put the updated grille in place and enjoy the result.

Radiator grille: we create and decorate with our own hands

With fiberglass skills, you can change the shape of the grille or add to it decorative elements. You can also use other improvised materials - the owners of the VAZ 2107 often modify the car using a cable channel. IN in general terms the process looks like this: vertical jumpers and a place for an icon are cut off from the lattice. The cable channel measuring 20 * 10 mm is put on narrow paired horizontal partitions and glued to them. In the place where the logo was, it is advisable to glue some kind of reinforcement for rigidity. It remains only to putty the joints of the cable channel and the grate, sand and paint. These are the main ways of budget lining tuning. What kind of appearance a do-it-yourself radiator grille will have is up to you. The main thing is attention to detail, accuracy and the desire to give your “ iron horse» beauty and originality. The question of how to make a radiator grill and stand out among cars of the same brand, as we see, is solved quite simply.