Big Hole

Ghostface · 12-31-2004, 12:22 PM

Suprised I have not seen any mention of this yet....
Am I the only one that is disturbed by the huge hole in our grill that exposes the radiator and fan to any rocks or debris that could fly up? This just seems like a huge potential of putting a big ole rock right into the radiator causing a hole.

Been seriously looking at the billet covers for the bottom hole but was just wondering how other people feel about the hole. I know there are other posts about billet covers for looks but thats all fine and dandy but what about radiator protection?

**CaliforniaTitan** · 12-31-2004, 12:27 PM

Thats why we personally have put the aftermarket billet grilles on both of ours...I too don't like that 'big exposure area' and the best way to close it up was put on the billet.

Chris

BigSkiff · 12-31-2004, 12:40 PM

You have a valid concern. I added a Westin Bullbar with the skid plate and that covers some of the opening. I also though about cutting a piece of heavy gauge metal wire mesh to fit the opening and painting it black.

titanwild · 12-31-2004, 12:45 PM

The exposed radiator sure seems worth some kind of protection, either a grille insert or possibly a low-viz screen recessed in the opening. I think that's been discussed on this forum before, don't know what the best solution might be.. Problem here in Texas is that the front license plate is required, lose it and you get a ticket! Plate isn't for ID, but rather as the reflective metal target for lasar speed guns.

**CaliforniaTitan** · 12-31-2004, 12:50 PM

Wild..front plate required here as well...you can see it is mounted still on ours with the factory plate holder...it has a lil bit of a funky angle because of the way the plate holder is shaped and I will probably 'figure out' a way to change it sometime.

Chris

Clint · 12-31-2004, 12:54 PM

I put a grill on my Frontier for just that reason. Some people think it restricts air flow, I've never had the temp gage move at all. On my 02 Quest it's the same thing, a hole waiting to appear in the A/C and the radiator.

Clint

Titan4x4Aggie · 12-31-2004, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaTitan

Thats why we personally have put the aftermarket billet grilles on both of ours...I too don't like that 'big exposure area' and the best way to close it up was put on the billet.

Chris

Is that what you told your wife in order to get it?

RockyMtnTitan · 12-31-2004, 01:01 PM

Yeah, that big, gaping, butt-ugly hole! I want the billet grille set just for that reason.....but now, since you point out the damage potential, maybe it will be a less painful sell to the spousal unit!

**CaliforniaTitan** · 12-31-2004, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

Is that what you told your wife in order to get it?

Shhhhh of course....gotta have some 'valid' reason for putting things on...LOL

No, seriously...it was one of the things she actually didn't like about it when we first saw the truck back in Aug '03 in person (At our Z Car show we had one of the prototypes displayed).

Chris

dman · 12-31-2004, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaTitan

Wild..front plate required here as well...you can see it is mounted still on ours with the factory plate holder...it has a lil bit of a funky angle because of the way the plate holder is shaped and I will probably 'figure out' a way to change it sometime.

Chris

Here is what you need to do - put screwdriver into head of screw on top of license plate holder, turn counterclockwise approx. 20 turns...repeat with other screw. Put screwdriver back in pocket and drive off...All Done.

garo1 · 12-31-2004, 02:54 PM

I haven't looked at the billet grills. Do they look pretty good when the hole is covered?

Ghostface · 12-31-2004, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyMtnTitan

Yeah, that big, gaping, butt-ugly hole! I want the billet grille set just for that reason.....but now, since you point out the damage potential, maybe it will be a less painful sell to the spousal unit!

Well with all the supportive posts on having the billet grill I can tell my wife that the TitanTalk guys agree that we should get one...he he thanx for helping me sell it to the ole lady

cali-titan · 12-31-2004, 07:24 PM

Put this way, one rock and it can cost you about $500 for a new radiator and maybe leav you stranded... out goes the whalet and for $150 you can have the grill and some sleep.
14,000 miles since Feb. and no heat problems with after market grill.