Last year an RX300 owner reported A/C radiator damage by road debris. Something entered the big hole under the front bumper and broke the radiator. It costed him a whopping $1,400 to fix at his dealer. So I figure that I'd better do something before the driving season begins.

So I got this chicken wire grille and cut it to proper size. Roughly a trapezoid shape piece about 24" x 29" x 4". I used cable ties to secure the grille in place. Took about 10 minutes. Here are some photos for those who are interested in doing the same. It's so easy, even a caveman can do it.

 

Before the install...... note the small damages by small rocks.

 

After the install, looking good. I decided not to paint it since it's not visible from bystanders. I used cable ties to secure the grille onto the vertical bars in the opening.

 

I need to figure out how to secure the grille in front of my tranny cooler. It's located behind the small opening on the front bumper - passenger side. Any advice is appreciated.

 

you really think that'll stop debris that would break a radiator. I dunno

 

Where did you end up finding that chicken wire. Did you get it at Home Depot, OSH, I have been looking for something like that . It looks great fabolous job, gives the rx a clean look. good job

 

I think it should help as long as its sturdy, since it is on an angle.

Only thing i can think of is making a new larger piece. I did this on my civic. It would have to form around the back of the opening.

So you would need to get behind there.

Then i just bolted 2 screws to hold it in.

It was formed tightly around the back so it was snug.

Can use glue also.

Is that stainless steel or aluminum?

 

I'm thinking the same thing. I'd use at least 22g stainless steel mesh and some small metal screw clamps. But that's just me.

 

It's better than nothing IMO. The bottom hole is 4 inches wide so a big rock can break the $1,400 A/C radiator. Note the stone chips on my bumper and A/C radiator so it's not IF, but WHEN. Chances are the chicken wire will get damaged over time. I'll just replace it with new ones.

I bought the aluminum chicken wire from eBay seller "marriedbecky." $5.99 plus $5 shipping. It's cheap insurance vs. the $1,400 A/C radiator. It is made of very sturdy aluminum, I had to cut the wires one by one. It should stop most debris on the road.

I'll try dmc888's tip to protect the tranny cooler. Thanks.