Radiator Grill Cover

[Michael O’Harran]

Not my car, but the idea of covering that large void in the engine block is appealing, but on the other hand it’s a large piece of cover and to me they look awkwardly large and plain. Has anyone found anyway to do something more with these? Curious for ideas that might look good.

 

[JimB73]

Ive thought about this as well. If I remember there was a thread about this topic a while back. May be worth doing a search in the forum and see if it comes up.

 

[Sheriff41]

Check out some of the metal fabricators for drag racing. They do some nice work with aluminum panels.

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

I have one. You will find out really quickly that it doesn't work on NACA hood cars with hood pins. I don't have mine permently installed. I throw it on the car at car shows, just sitting there loose. I laminated copies of the Marti Report , build sheet, etc and have them velcroed to this piece. I'll post some pics.

 

[tony-muscle]

I got one from MP Products, which looks just like the one in the picture. I got one not for the looks but to deal with aero as I am going at high speed in the track. The idea was to reduce the lift created by the air that is pushed up between the radiator and hood. Instead, force this air either through the radiator or down. I have to say that this one does not fit too well, at least in a 71. The 73 is longer and it may fit better. I had to modify the area around the hood lock and lever because the hump was too tall and didn't allow complete closure of the hood. I also had to cutout the area where the hood pin brackets go and also trim the edges of the panel. I attached it with bolts and not with the provided tape. Since my goal was aero I went through all that effort but if it were for looks I would have not. I didn't do the best job of fitting it nicely because I was kind of pissed and in a hurry before a race.
BTW, it is a very good place where to place tools and stuff while you are working in the engine bay.

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

Here's some photos of how I use mine. Like Tony essentially said, they fit like shit. I have a 73 and had the same problems he did with the hood not closing. So I keep mine loose in the back of the car. When I pull into a car show I pop the hood and toss it on there. With the laminated documents velcroed on, this takes about 3 seconds. It presents nicely I've had tons of positive feedback on it.

 

[Stanglover]

I wish I had a big enough vacuum former!!!

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

I wish I had a big enough vacuum former!!!

I'm sure you could make a better fitting one than these guys do!

 

[Stanglover]

I'm sure you could make a better fitting one than these guys do!

No doubt.

 

[rcadd1ct]

I had to melt mine to get the hood closed.

It did help me get from running 205 degrees on the freeway to around 198 as it forced more air through the radiator.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Large 3d printer?

 

[tony-muscle]

I had to melt mine to get the hood closed.

It did help me get from running 205 degrees on the freeway to around 198 as it forced more air through the radiator.

Nice to hear that it worked in practice because my thought process was theoretical. My car temp doesn't go over 200 in the track, more like 195, so temperature was not an issue. I just wanted to redirect air flow.

 

[rcadd1ct]

Nice to hear that it worked in practice because my thought process was theoretical. My car temp doesn't go over 200 in the track, more like 195, so temperature was not an issue. I just wanted to redirect air flow.

I think my higher temp is due to not being able to turn off the fans and/or the Evan’s coolant I am running.

Griffin radiator. Shelf be ok to keep it cool at speed

180 thermostat