It's Leaf Guard Time!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Frizzle Fry · 09-19-2007, 06:03 PM

I got the basis for idea from Putter (thanks buddy!). Since I've had to fish a couple leaves out of my cowl already this week I decided it was time to put up a fight before they all come raining down...

I built this in such a way that I didn't have to modify the cowl at all because I have a radio delete cowl I want to use at some point.

I bought this expanded metal at Home Depot a few months ago. It was less than $10 (and no, it's not 1/2" thick...).

The length (24") is perfect for using two sections joined under the center rib. For the width I used about 4". I curved them slightly, cut holes for the wipers and washer nozzles, then joined them:

Instead of just putting the screws through a convenient opening I decided to cut out the areas surrounding the screw holes and weld in some 20 gauge sheet. This allows the cowl to be mounted properly without being excessively raised by the guard. I marked the holes to be drilled from the other side:

Next I made Z tabs from the same sheet, welded them in place and drilled holes:

72armyswbtruck · 09-19-2007, 06:04 PM

sweet, no more leaves.

Frizzle Fry · 09-19-2007, 06:07 PM

Here's how it sits under the cowl. The Z tabs just get sandwiched into the hood/cowl seal:

Installing cowl:

All back together:

BWWWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH!!! Not this time suckas!

Frizzle Fry · 09-19-2007, 06:13 PM

I think I'll paint it flat black.

ChevLoRay · 09-19-2007, 06:14 PM

Nice work.

I have a friend who has owned and done body work on a buncha these trucks. One thing he suggested to me on my truck was to open up the plenum, with the fenders off. Then, cut a huge X large hole in the bottom. Doing so will let anything that makes it through the plenum, fall all the way out of the cab. Of course, unless you're pulling the fenders, this is a lot of extra work.

The Mustangers' (i.e., 64.5 to 68) have plastic covers available to them that seal the plenum from any water that may fall. I wish we had them available to us, too. What I'd like to have would be made from Lexan, for instance, and curved to fit the contour. You could use some J-hooks with wing nuts to hold the panel in place. Wouldn't have to leave it on all the time, just when you felt like it would be the right thing to do. Using some foam weatherstriping to protect the finish would be needed, too.

wibilly · 09-19-2007, 08:51 PM

nice job looks real good. i need to make one too but i need somthing to keep the pine neadles out too

72freak · 09-19-2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wibilly

nice job looks real good. i need to make one too but i need somthing to keep the pine neadles out too

Good luck..............that wont happen!!!!!!!!

PanelDeland · 09-19-2007, 09:36 PM

Mine has the stainless ones available from the BB vendors.I think they ran about$40.00 but are stainless.They install the same way and are small enough to stop most of the pine needles.I've had them on about three years and can't see any rust and still have good drainage.

glock35ipsc · 09-19-2007, 09:40 PM

Cool Mike, they turned out great!

LawMan02 · 09-19-2007, 10:16 PM

I also built my own using aluminum gutter screen. You can get it at most hardware stores in a roll and it's cheap. It's also easy to cut shape and it doesn't rust. Randy

LawMan02 · 09-19-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LawMan02

I also built my own using aluminum gutter screen. You can get it at most hardware stores in a roll and it's cheap. It's also easy to cut shape and it doesn't rust. Randy

Forgot the pic:

bad6772 · 09-19-2007, 10:26 PM

looks good frizzle, and good fab skills.....execellent. work

Brad · 09-20-2007, 01:22 AM

Great Tech Tip Mike!

I prefer the smaller aluminum window screen and have mine epoxied in place. It catches most everything but the smallest of stuff.

70c10 · 09-20-2007, 07:11 AM

Great write up Frizzle!. Lawman- how did you attach yours?

68c-10 · 09-20-2007, 08:03 AM

I used regular plastic screen like for a window screen. I attached it to the cowl with hot glue, it has been on there for 6 years now and I have not had any problems. It is nice because the holes are smaller and keep even little items out.

72BlckButy · 09-20-2007, 08:20 AM

That looks great and actually serves a purpose.

2 birds with 1 stone!

**lks dcvn** · 09-20-2007, 09:24 AM

Looks good Mike - thanks for sharing the details and the photos of the process.

I used the black fiberglass (door) screen and used the mounting screws/bolts to hold it in place.

I removed the cowl - cleaned all the junk out of there - then using one long sheet - cut the screen down to match the shape of the cowl and then placed the cowl panel over it - and then bolted it down - nothing in the cowl since then - including pine needles, etc.

It does somewhat (as in slightly) restrict the airflow into the cab when using the kick panel vents, but not enough for me to complain about - especially when I am not cleaning the cowl out all the time...

Although mine does just sit in the garage when not being driven...

dave3156 · 09-20-2007, 09:31 AM

I used the aluminum gutter guard with a real fine mesh and used clear caulk to attach it. Works great. Two years no problems. Don't have a welder. My kid is in welding school now so soon it will be time to attack the rust!

Putter · 09-20-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

I got the basis for idea from Putter (thanks buddy!).

Not a problem. Thanks for the props. I see you took yours a step or two past my idea (no mounting tabs for me). I just cut mine to shape and attached to directly to the cowl with black RTV.

Here's my pic....

Frizzle Fry · 09-20-2007, 04:38 PM

You guys have me thinking about maybe gluing some finer window-type screen on top of the guard after I paint it. I don't seem to have a pine needle problem but it wouldn't hurt. I may also look into Cheloray's suggestion off opening up a trash escape hole when I have the fenders off. Probably not needed now, but we'll see.

You guys with the aluminum screens; I have to admit they look good left silver colored.

LUV2XCLR8 · 09-24-2007, 11:03 PM

Nice

Brad · 09-25-2007, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

You guys have me thinking about maybe gluing some finer window-type screen on top of the guard after I paint it. I don't seem to have a pine needle problem but it wouldn't hurt. I may also look into Cheloray's suggestion off opening up a trash escape hole when I have the fenders off. Probably not needed now, but we'll see.

You guys with the aluminum screens; I have to admit they look good left silver colored.

Mike, if you're going to the cruise on Wed, take a look at mine. I'm using black fiberglass screen door mat'l that I got at Parkrose Hardware. It comes on a 60" roll and I just got 7" of it. 60" just covers the width of the slots. I just glued mine on.

Gray Ghost · 09-25-2007, 08:03 AM

Great idea....thanks for posting that....

crzngmychvy · 09-25-2007, 11:31 PM

You are still a ninja. I you ever get around socal let me know because it would be great to cruise with a person with your skill and along side a truck like yours. One of my favorites, and it's not even done.

68GMCCustom · 09-26-2007, 12:08 AM

My '72 had a set on it when I bought it. Couldn't say if the PO made them or bought them somewhere. Look and work nice though!

09-19-2007, 06:03 PM	#1
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	It's Leaf Guard Time!!! I got the basis for idea from Putter (thanks buddy!). Since I've had to fish a couple leaves out of my cowl already this week I decided it was time to put up a fight before they all come raining down... I built this in such a way that I didn't have to modify the cowl at all because I have a radio delete cowl I want to use at some point. I bought this expanded metal at Home Depot a few months ago. It was less than $10 (and no, it's not 1/2" thick...). The length (24") is perfect for using two sections joined under the center rib. For the width I used about 4". I curved them slightly, cut holes for the wipers and washer nozzles, then joined them: Instead of just putting the screws through a convenient opening I decided to cut out the areas surrounding the screw holes and weld in some 20 gauge sheet. This allows the cowl to be mounted properly without being excessively raised by the guard. I marked the holes to be drilled from the other side: Next I made Z tabs from the same sheet, welded them in place and drilled holes:

09-19-2007, 06:04 PM	#2
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! sweet, no more leaves. __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

09-19-2007, 06:07 PM	#3
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Here's how it sits under the cowl. The Z tabs just get sandwiched into the hood/cowl seal: Installing cowl: All back together: BWWWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH!!! Not this time suckas!

09-19-2007, 06:13 PM	#4
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! I think I'll paint it flat black.

09-19-2007, 06:14 PM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Nice work. I have a friend who has owned and done body work on a buncha these trucks. One thing he suggested to me on my truck was to open up the plenum, with the fenders off. Then, cut a huge X large hole in the bottom. Doing so will let anything that makes it through the plenum, fall all the way out of the cab. Of course, unless you're pulling the fenders, this is a lot of extra work. The Mustangers' (i.e., 64.5 to 68) have plastic covers available to them that seal the plenum from any water that may fall. I wish we had them available to us, too. What I'd like to have would be made from Lexan, for instance, and curved to fit the contour. You could use some J-hooks with wing nuts to hold the panel in place. Wouldn't have to leave it on all the time, just when you felt like it would be the right thing to do. Using some foam weatherstriping to protect the finish would be needed, too. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-19-2007, 08:51 PM	#6
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! nice job looks real good. i need to make one too but i need somthing to keep the pine neadles out too __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

09-19-2007, 09:36 PM	#8
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Mine has the stainless ones available from the BB vendors.I think they ran about$40.00 but are stainless.They install the same way and are small enough to stop most of the pine needles.I've had them on about three years and can't see any rust and still have good drainage. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

09-19-2007, 09:40 PM	#9
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Cool Mike, they turned out great! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

09-19-2007, 10:16 PM	#10
LawMan02 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Saint Francisville, Louisiana Posts: 157	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! I also built my own using aluminum gutter screen. You can get it at most hardware stores in a roll and it's cheap. It's also easy to cut shape and it doesn't rust. Randy __________________ 1972 GMC K2500, stepside, stock 350, 4 speed. Former F/D truck with 32,000 miles, no rust. 1973 Jeep CJ 5, 304, 33's with side pipes 2008 GMC 2500HD, CC, SWB, D/A, SLT

09-19-2007, 10:26 PM	#12
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,952	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! looks good frizzle, and good fab skills.....execellent. work

09-20-2007, 01:22 AM	#13
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Great Tech Tip Mike! I prefer the smaller aluminum window screen and have mine epoxied in place. It catches most everything but the smallest of stuff. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

09-20-2007, 07:11 AM	#14
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Great write up Frizzle!. Lawman- how did you attach yours? __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

09-20-2007, 08:03 AM	#15
68c-10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ashtabula, Ohio Posts: 105	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! I used regular plastic screen like for a window screen. I attached it to the cowl with hot glue, it has been on there for 6 years now and I have not had any problems. It is nice because the holes are smaller and keep even little items out. __________________ 68 Chevy C-10 custom, 350,4bbl, serp belt swap, th400, 5 lug disk conversion, added honda seats and factory tach. 71 Gremlin X, 360, t-5, 8 3/4 rear, and dodge dakota seats. 82 Spirit, 4.0,ax-15, 8.8 rear and sti bucket seats

09-20-2007, 08:20 AM	#16
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! That looks great and actually serves a purpose. 2 birds with 1 stone! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

09-20-2007, 09:24 AM	#17
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Looks good Mike - thanks for sharing the details and the photos of the process. I used the black fiberglass (door) screen and used the mounting screws/bolts to hold it in place. I removed the cowl - cleaned all the junk out of there - then using one long sheet - cut the screen down to match the shape of the cowl and then placed the cowl panel over it - and then bolted it down - nothing in the cowl since then - including pine needles, etc. It does somewhat (as in slightly) restrict the airflow into the cab when using the kick panel vents, but not enough for me to complain about - especially when I am not cleaning the cowl out all the time... Although mine does just sit in the garage when not being driven... Last edited by lks dcvn; 09-20-2007 at 09:25 AM.



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09-20-2007, 09:31 AM	#18
dave3156 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 336	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! I used the aluminum gutter guard with a real fine mesh and used clear caulk to attach it. Works great. Two years no problems. Don't have a welder. My kid is in welding school now so soon it will be time to attack the rust!

09-20-2007, 04:38 PM	#20
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! You guys have me thinking about maybe gluing some finer window-type screen on top of the guard after I paint it. I don't seem to have a pine needle problem but it wouldn't hurt. I may also look into Cheloray's suggestion off opening up a trash escape hole when I have the fenders off. Probably not needed now, but we'll see. You guys with the aluminum screens; I have to admit they look good left silver colored.

09-24-2007, 11:03 PM	#21
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,470	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Nice __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

09-25-2007, 08:03 AM	#23
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! Great idea....thanks for posting that.... __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

09-25-2007, 11:31 PM	#24
crzngmychvy "1972 C5" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 729	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! You are still a ninja. I you ever get around socal let me know because it would be great to cruise with a person with your skill and along side a truck like yours. One of my favorites, and it's not even done. __________________ - 72 2wd Blazer ...sold... 2wd Blazer Page

09-26-2007, 12:08 AM	#25
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: It's Leaf Guard Time!!! My '72 had a set on it when I bought it. Couldn't say if the PO made them or bought them somewhere. Look and work nice though! Attached Images __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

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