I had looked at the area of the cooler but it looks like it's pretty tough to get at to install a protective screen. I don't have the tow ball mount but I think the cooler is standard with the AWD/tow prep package that I have.

 

Yeah, being the lazy one I didn't even try to remove any of the fascia...just used Soffit mesh as it's like screen material, easy to squeeze through, then used black wire ties to mount instead of zip ties.

 

Great works done. Sounds like the easy thing most of ppl can do.

Thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks for the gutter guard idea, I did this yesterday and it looks pretty good. I didn't paint it black to match the car since it is galvanized

 

You should paint it because galvanized does rust.

Coming to you with 22 years of experience.

 

Any suggestion which spray? The only one that didn't specifically mention not to use on galvanized was the Rustoleum for grills - though they were out of black when I went to get it. Now on second thought the silver/metallic might not be a bad choice

I bought a second piece of the screen just in case I found paint later, wanted to paint and swap out the screens.

I have to admit - it was a pita to get in there - took a good 45 mins start to finish

 

any black spray paint for metal will do, it will just give it some protection so it doesn't rust faster, eventually it will.

I am thinking of getting it powder coated, but might not be worth the trouble.

Did you do one piece or 2 separate pieces?

 

One single piece 36" x 6" I believe

 

anybody know which aisle it is found at home depot? i've looked all over yesterday at the plumbing sections, and even asked a few sales reps, but can't find anything.

 

The gutter guard is in the same aisle as the gutters and related parts. Usually near the lumber and insulation aisles.

 

At Home Depot you will find them in the area where the sell the gutters and gutter parts. A month ago I paid 1.94 for the 6"x3' piece.

 

I used the metal and painted it black, but I would recommend using the plastic gutter mesh. Working with the metal was a real pain in the *ss. I ended up having to cut it in 2 pieces to get it in there. The plastic is more pliable, the piece you are attaching to is plastic anyway so there is no durability issue, and you can probably get the plastic in there without having to remove any bolts or fasteners.

 

any pics and where to get the plastic meshes?

 

I didn't take any pics (nothing too special to look at) but the pics earlier in this thread are pretty close.

As to where to get the plastic, it's in the same aisle as the metal gutter screen. Home Cheapo, Blowes and most hardware stores and lumber yards should carry it.

 

FYI I bought the black powdercoated small diamond mesh from custom car grills. Much more substantial and solid than the gutter mesh.

Have to find some time to put it in. I'll take some pics and post over the weekend.