Radiator Screen

ReMorton · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 05:02 PM

I bought my SPF used. The car came with the optional radiator screen. After a few runs, I noticed that the screen was not attached to the radiator body anymore and drooping forward in the cowling. On inspection I found that the screen was attached to the radiator using Velcro.

How does Superformance normally attach the screen? The radiator is collecting bugs and I need to reinstall the screen.
Thanks

DWRAT · #2 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 05:21 PM

I'm not sure Superformance installs the screen, at least mine doesn't have one.
I don't see why Velcro would not work.

ReMorton · #3 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 07:55 PM

When the radiator comes up to temp, the adhesive on the Velcro starts to get soft and eventually the tape detaches itself from the radiator body and the screen comes loose.

Blas · #4 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 07:59 PM

Congrats on the purchase of your Superformance. Hopefully you know about registering your ownership with Mike Stenhouse at the Second Strike website. (Second Strike - the Superformance Owners Group)

FYI:
The radiator screens are dealer installed options. They are indeed installed with Velcro strips. Your Velcro may no longer be as sticky as newer Velcro is. You want an easy on and easy off bug screen for cleaning. Do not try to use screws as the surface you are attaching to is the radiator. Look for an automotive grade heavy duty Velcro at Home Depot or Menards.

Mark IV · #5 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 08:32 PM

The current screens we have do not use Velcro and attach with rods that go into the inner panels and are held tight with springs.

DWRAT · #6 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 08:37 PM

How about mixing up a little bit of epoxy to put on the sticky side of the velcro?
That shouldn't be affected by 200 degrees and allows you to continue using velcro.

ReMorton · #7 (**permalink**) 06-28-2016, 08:42 PM

Many thanks for the update. I've had SPO2089 since 2011, many happy miles. Hytec knocked it out of the park with this car, and I have had basically no real issues. The screen deal is an annoyance. Given the quality of the car, using velcro IMHO is a pretty mickey mouse solution.

So, it appears that the problems associated with screen attachment might have been mitigated in later cars..

I'll check to see if there is a high temp Velcro out there.

Thanks for the replies and interest.

Lou1119 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-29-2016, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReMorton

Many thanks for the update. I've had SPO2089 since 2011, many happy miles. Hytec knocked it out of the park with this car, and I have had basically no real issues. The screen deal is an annoyance. Given the quality of the car, using velcro IMHO is a pretty mickey mouse solution.

So, it appears that the problems associated with screen attachment might have been mitigated in later cars..

I'll check to see if there is a high temp Velcro out there.

Thanks for the replies and interest.

I have the screen on my SPF that is attached with Velcro and never had any problems. The only thing is that it looks like S--T. I have removed mine for shows and it looks much better than with the screen.
I use heavy duty Velcro from Home Depot and it works just fine.

Antny · #9 (**permalink**) 06-29-2016, 03:55 PM

Timely thread....been thinking of adding a grille to my superformance (grille, not a bug screen). Anyone have a source for such a thing!

cobrasnake · #10 (**permalink**) 06-29-2016, 06:06 PM

I replaced mine with a stainless steel screen that covers the radiator and then extends as tall and wide as possible. I did not like the appearance of slats within the area of the radiator. The mesh I used was 10 squares per inch, (bought on E-Bay) about the same as the screen that I purchased from my SPF dealer. Stainless is much heavier duty. I might suggest less squares per inch as it will allow better air flow and still catch most bugs. By having no visible edges, it is a much cleaner look while still providing protection.

I was told that 3M "Velcro" can withstand the heat of the radiator where even heavy duty Velcro probably won't. I bought some at my favorite store - Amazon. 3M Fastener TB3571/TB3572 Hook/Loop Black, 1 in. One inch width is about twice what one needs - I cut mine in half, lengthwise.

Hope this helps - Tom

P.S. - I have added this photo to give you an idea of what I did. Please discount the light reflection. You can see the vertical edges of the radiator behind the screen