AA4OD

I am starting a new thread that was started by JoeG who had his engine destroyed by Lexus not providing a grill to protect his radiator. "4482" made this modification to his 2005 RX and again on his 2010. Thank you both for your information. Today I made the same mod using different material. I could not find a gutter screen that was satisfactory as most were plastic or the screen was to small. I went to the hardware store and found heavy roll steel galvanized wire that had openings of 1" x 1/2". This is what I used. I took "4482's" advice and cut mine 5 1/2" x 22" making two panels. I sure am glad that wire did not come in 40" widths as I could have never got it worked in. Using a 10 mm socket I removed the panel under the engine and the plastic push-the-dots snaps. I took me a while to figure them out. What you do is put a flat head screw driver under the dot and pull it up and pull the whole snap out and reverse that procedure to snap them back in. It's a snap when you figure it out so don't force it out with out pulling back the dot or plunger. I did cut out a cardboard pattern but found that was not necessary as you can cut the 5 1/2 " X 22" and overlap them. I am not sure you could do a 6" X 22", anyway I had already made my cut at the hardware store at 5 1/2". I then sprayed them with flat black with Rust-o-lium paint and worked them in. First one to the left and the other to the right. Using black ties I secured them and cut off the ends. I am going to try and put pictures on and hope that works. I give credit to JoeG for sharing his problem and "4482" the the pictures and advice, This inspired me to share what I did. By the way, you really can't see mine unless you really get up close.

Joe G

Great info!
The pictures are great as well.
Thanks for your support.

weaver483

AA40D, looks like you did a good job on the installation and the pictures are terrific. However, I would recommend using "Gutter Guard" (name on label) from Home depot as the material of choice since it is a much closer mesh, galvanized steel and light weight. It is found next to the gutters at Home Depot and comes in 3 feet length and is about 6 inches wide which is a perfect fit for the job.

afpj

Nice pics. Very similar to the 2nd Gen RX airdam mod. I would have to agree with using gutter guard however, for the smaller openings. Personally, since I'm somewhat lazy, I used Soffit mesh, as it does not require removing anything since it's flexible, and used black wire ties. Yes, it sags a little, but still quite functional and can't really notice in black color. The holes of the Soffit are smaller than the gutter guard, but I don't see or believe any reduction in airflow. I've put the soffit mesh over the main grill as well, as there are already several large insects and pebbles embedded in my condenser. My 0.02 pesos.

4482

AA4OD: Great job. I went to Home Depot today and bought the 3'x6" gutter guard. It was still at the 1.94 price I paid a couple years ago. I also bought the spray paint. I'm going to try to install it in one piece this time from the top after removing the plastic cover. I agree with you on the ease of removing the fasteners once you get the hang of it. While I have the cover off I'll use a old toothbrush and clean the bugs from the condenser.

73K8AV

RXSF

so this was also a problem on the 2RX? never even knew, nor do I think it will be a problem

rxets

Thanks for showing us the pics and DIY instructions. Really appreciated.

Btw, I love RX without the front license plate/holder.




Question:
Do you consider to use this one? It seems to get more protection!?

I guess some ppl here might have hard time to decide what kind of gutter guard they should use...

Thanks.


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/2622614-post9.html

.

4482

Damage was being done as far back as the 05 RXes because of the lack of a lower grill guard. You can do a search on the forum and read about it. That's why I put the grill guard in my 05 RX. Now with the damage (new engine needed) to Joe's 2010 RX because of the lack of a lower grill guard, I've just completed the grill guard today on my 2010 RX. That silver strip you see inside the guard is the bottom of the exposed radiator not protected by the condenser. I believe this is the area damaged in Joe's RX that caused his very serious problem. From eye level you can't see the newly installed mesh.

data2009

Nice. I'm just curious has anyone gave thought to custom grille mesh, like these http://www.customcargrills.com/products.asp?id=1. Of course, $3-5 gutter guard vs $50 mesh is a fair game, something just stinks about putting a drain cover on a 45k vehicle. Of course, the thought of loosing an engine to a rock is scarry.

4482

But you don't see the $1.94 drain cover from eye level...

rxets

"Diamond XXL Grill Mesh Sheets" seem to be good. ?

I just worry it's so hard to cut and fit into the right location.

Stormforge

AA4OD: thx for sharing your grill mod!

4482: looks good! i'll be looking to using the same grill as yours when i get a chance

weaver483

4482, good job on both the installation and the pictures, You have definitely become the expert on this mod. As I have mentioned before, I believe due to the location of the air intake on the 2010 it is more important to do the mod on the current RX than the previous two generations (we owned both a 1st and 2nd generation RX before our latest 2010). The location and orentation of the air intake will catch rocks, gravel amd other foreign objects bouncing along the highway. Not many construction trucks, trash trucks and other commercial vehicles on the Lexus test track, which is probably the reason for the design oversight. My thoughts anyway.

Joe G

Excellent thoughts, well said. I agree 100%.
Daily driving, lets face it are on these types of surfaces.
Too risky. The mesh screen is GREAT INSURANCE and peace of mind.

Audriuss

are u able to get this accesory in US&A?



it could help I think..