Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) stone guard

Just a quick poll really

1. Has anyone out there had a radiator damaged by a stone chip abroad?
2. Anyone have an opinion as to whether a stone guard is effective?

Looks nice perhaps, any views?

Christopher

Do you mean a stainless mesh insert???

Never had a problem even in Africa (East & South) with stones going through a rad.

Bent wheels & broken exhausts due to the series of potholes claiming to be the E Afica highway yes.

I have never had a radiator broken by stones, but a couple of windshields and a headlamp.

However, many motorbikes use radiator guards. I guess it is there for a reason.

If you fit an oil cooler, I would definitely recommend a mesh in front of it.

Harald

I've had to replace 3 radiators (in the space of 3-years) because of stone damage caused by normal UK road use; I would hasten to add that this was not on a Morgan but they were in a similar position and unprotected by any stone guard.

If at all concerned about it, I would fit a simple mesh grill.

Thanks to all, Yes I was referring to the stainless mesh fitted behind the grill, it says something when it is not needed in East Africa but in blighty is a must. I was thinking about France principally but I can only suppose the size of stones prevalent make account, a bloomin' great rock will not get through any gaps whilst a small stone will, then again the high velocity of the small stones thown up by quicker road speeds may also make a difference.

My wife likes the look of the stone guard so that settles it I suppose.

Have just fitted one to the MX-5 (yes, OK... ), due to it having a large hole under the bumper with no rad protection at all. But, the car seems to be a magnet for stones/rocks/motorway debris.
Now contemplating fitting to the Mog, though it doesn't do the same motorway mileage...

Cheers,

Well guys you persuaded me, I have fitted the mesh grill, also my local dealer sells stainless tube which (with a bit of assistance from a Manchester spanner) fits over the bumper bar supports, all very shiny - shiny.

treated the area around the radiator to a thin spray of black as well as the suspension brackets, car looks very well, being a 4 seater there is very little tube at the rear but I think I will fit some to the back as well.

Looks nice

Christopher

Isn't the big chrome grill there to do just that job ?.

Having worked on 1000's of cars I've only ever had 2 rads damaged by stones, neither on Morgans.

Now Pheasents there a diffrent matter !

Yes but Mrs444 likes it !