Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Radiator Grill Mesh

Hi gals and guys

I've just bought a Roadster 2004 , to be transported on Monday

very happy but no radiator grill mesh ->What to do ?

i looked on. eBay and Lockwood heavy mesh is there and lots of others

I take it if you can cut it with scissors, it's no good ?

Is it easy to find the right mesh and cut to size or do the ( possibly very expensive ) dealer grill meshes win as they have bolt holes?

Can anyone please tell me what to do I want the looks and longevity and not so expensive if possible -> simple to you all , to me less simple and I would be so grateful for some advice

thanks in advance,Tim

Welcome to TM Tim.

Even the original mesh is problematical to fit because it can so easily damage the sides of the cowl going in. Some meshes are quite well attached to the grille, but others are much looser, maybe aftermarket.

I suggest you wait until your Roadster arrives, take the grille off and then you'll see what's involved.

Welcome, I wouldn't worry about the grill mesh Morgan's have managed many years without it.

Thanks

Is the grill mesh actually ( really ) useful - stopping rad damage etc or do most people fit them simply as a cosmetic thing?

Just feeling my way around this subject, thanks. Tim

Hi Tim, the mesh could probably be trimmed using heavy duty tin snips, but bear in mind it's stainless so quite hard. It has complex curves to match grill and original has hook eyes spot welded on to attach to the grills two tangs at the top. See below.



I suggest it would be a lot easierr to source a factory made one.

Hello Tim,

I was on the same way. But I do it different with a 10x5mm mesh from „Racegitter.de“.

If you (and others) are interested send me a PM with your email for pictures. I‘m not able to public pictures here.

Greets René

Welcome Tim
I drive 2 Morgans.
1 with more than 180000 Km and no mesh grill.
The other with grill and about 40000 Km.
The only difference other than the better looks is that fewer insects get into the radiator.
The installation was quite simple. No cuting or adjustments at all.

Grts

Hello Tim, I made one from stainless steel mesh purchased from a local metal dealer for around £8 (this was a good few years ago and had enough to make two) My reason for this extra protection was that returning from a holiday in Spain in the Morgan and we had just entered France when a car in front picked up a flattened can which flew up into the air and came bouncing down the road heading towards our car. By pure luck it missed the radiator and went under the car. However it could have destroyed the radiator.
I made a cardboard template to obtain a good fit then cut out the mesh using a grinder with a cutting disc after marking the mesh with a black marker pen. It took a little time to get it right but the peace of mind of giving the radiator some extra protection was worth the effort. Yes to purchase a new grill is expensive but to have one fitted for the extra protection is for me worth it. We were a long way from home when this happened.
Dinko

Tim,
I have had both without a problem. As Richard says newer cars have lugs to fit the mesh to tabs on the grill. M previous Roadster didn't have this & the mesh was essentially only held by the two bolts at the bottom.

This is the 2014 car manual showing the grill fitment

I was shown a very helpful way to fit a mesh by Steve Simmonds years ago. Place a soft towel on the floor, put your grill face down on the towel (prevents scratching) place mesh on top and if possible get someone to GENTLY press in centre with their hand.

The idea is to concave the mesh a little.

Fit cable ties to hold the mesh in place, use a good number to hold the shape.

Now put on bench and in turn pull the cable ties tighter and tighter to curl the mesh into the shape of the grill, it will also reduce the outside dimensions and help avoid scratching when fitting.

Now refit whole assembly to car ensuring your happy with location and security.

Finally cut all the cable ties and remove. The mesh with spring outwards slightly and be secure in place. I have fitted a few for owners using this method.

It can also be used in reverse to secure the mesh to the grill if a grill needs removing!

BR
Colin (all credit to Steve S for this method)