Would anyone be interested in Radiator Grills on their bikes.
I am in the process of making some.......Working out the bugs on my bike. They are going to look like the ones that BPP are making..but much cheaper in $$$$$$

jforbush


Show us what you are working on.:)

Yeah, post some pics!

As soon as I get it perfected (Very Close) I will post some pics

I might be interested

I think I have it....Pics to follow. I have been orking on it while typing..... I am not using stainless steel. Found some polishid aluminum gutter mesh @ Home Depot. works great and looks great too. Bought 2 pieces of it. (Can make 2 out of 1 piece) for $2.38. And for you doubters out there I will post some pics. It really does look great

Bought 2 pieces because of the mistakes I knew I would make from trial and error

I am thinking you have a good idea.
What are you thinking on pricing ?
Back at you !
BobT

We NEED pics.

Honestly don't know about $$$ yet. Definately Great price for Forum members.Not looking to make money (Iwill give materials list and tech help for free) Just a hobby guy. Not into it for business. But glad to help out forum members. need to borrows my wifes daughter's camera. My digital just died. But I will have them up soon

Gutter Mesh!....I love it! Good thinking - Crash

The SUSPENSE is killing me!

Hey send it to me, we would be happy to mark it up 4 times and sell it to the harley stores, lol. DH

Polished Aluminum Gutter Mesh! From Home Depot no less.
How cool is that?!?

Now THAT's customization.

Can't wait to see the pics, and any general thoughts on the best way to cut and install would be cool.

I would love to just have the flat pattern! I could get my own Gutter mesh and snips! But whatever, dude... I would love to support a forum member!

Mike

Another possibility:

http://jeepsunlimited.com/zj/stull/

Even Better! :

http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/analmespgr.html

Actually Crash. That is pretty close to what it looks like.

Glad to see that you are working on this project. This is exactly why forums are helpful. They provide an environment in which participants who share the same interest can exchange communication.

My appreciation goes also to Max who established and runs this forum. Without him, none of this would be happening. Max, send me you address so that I can send you a contribution to assist forum maintenance activities.

Best regards,

:cool:

seems like i saw a company that already makes some for the V-Rod. I will look around and see if i can find the site again and post the link.

ok here is the link to the grilles. Breathless makes them.

http://www.breathlessperformance.com/products/V-Rod%20Radiator%20Intake%20Grilles.asp

ACer,
The problem is that no one has been satified with Beathless Performance's parts. jforbush is trying to come up with a better fitting part solution without the huge mark-up.

-Bry

sorry didn't read the first post very well i guess. didn't see the BPP abreviation.

No problem... in someways I wish that the Breathless parts were of better quality 'cause I would have them now.

But it looks like that there might be a better :thumb and cheaper :D solution...

jforbush... Any progress?? :stilpoke

-Bry

i have noticed a bunch of people complaining about them. I thought about getting them until i realized it was BPP.

-Alan

I hit a snafu tonight. I already had one made and I was working on the second after I got off of work tonight. I miss cut the piece twice... BUt the best thing is, it's cheap; very cheap. I am trying to make it look as good as I can before posting pics. A buddy of mine is going to clear coat them after I get them made to my satisfaction and after I polish them. I definately will make some templates if anyone is interested. I am just trying not make it look cheap. with the finshed product. The gutter mesh does polish up beautifully though

Need some help guys..... I'm having trouble making the cuts look good around the Vortex generators....any ideas????

You can not cut it to fill in the Vortex generators, due to the fact that it is a mesh and it will fall apart. Just cut them straight down as close to the Vortex generators as you can. I have the BPP guards. By the way I am not happy with the fit and finish. Keep at it.

Just a thought, but when I did the screens years ago on my honda civic i got tired of paying the prices everytime they got bent. So i used the wire mats from lowes or home depot that masons or tile layers use to put mud on. The worked greart. Seems it might work here as well. the cost was 3-4 dollars a 4 x 8 sheet.

Keep me posted I am very interested!

Best regards,
:cool:

I looked at the gutter mesh from HD (the other HD - Home Depot).

It is pretty nice looking. But I wish the grid was a little more dense. I bought a roll anyway... only $4 bucks for 20'. So I'll give it a shot this weekend. I may end up not doing at all though because I like to vacuum out the sand/dirt now and then.

Leon, the stuff I bought was in the 3 foot sections. I believe it was the one's with hinges on them.. They were a little more stout that the roll of gutter mesh. For three foot it was I think $1.17

Dude - post your pics!!!! It's OK if it's not perfect yet.

I agree, let's see some pics!
I too am one of the guys that made the mistake of buying BPP's screens and therefore can't wait to see how yours look.

You Guy's Kill me!:rolleyes: I like My BPP Mesh Grills!:cool:

I will post the pics. give me 24 hours

Hi

I would like to get a set as well.
Keep me updated.

Thanks

Ori

still waiting................

I have a set of BPP screens for you Ori...just ask Kaz...they're REALLY nice ;) lol

Hey I do Like Mine.I think its 1000x's better looking then stock,but what do I know!:rolleyes:

Hi fehrc

I will be happy to buy your BPP screens. Can I chrome theme for better looks?
Please advise.

Thanks.

Ori

I looked at the site(BPP)
89 bucks..........
Forget it. I can get my kids to clean it out once a week for a buck and never spend that much.
Especially knowing all BPP has into them is a couple bucks,a couple of days of trial and error fitting, plus some chrome(which I realize costs more than the original product).
Nothing against the American,capitalism,freedom thing, but I for one would like to see someone else make them to create some competitive marketing within this arena.
Just me blabbering again,
BobT

Hi Ori,

I should tell you, I cut (trimmed) one of the screens down to fit before I realized that I didn't want them on my bike. They should still fit your bike, but just wanted to let you know this.

Because I cut one screen down I can't return them to BPP. And since I have no plans to use them I'll just give them to you. Give me your address and I'll ship them to you.

Craig

BTW, how's that bag working out for you?

Hi Fehrc

Thanks for your help.

I have sent you a PM.

Please check and advise if you got it.

Thanks again.

Ori

Got it Ori and already replied

I used the rain gutter stuff. You can easily cut both grills from one piece, which I think was less than $1.50. (Although I bought 3 pieces, just in case)

It cuts easily with a pair of tin snips, and I'd say that the color and style match the bike very nicely.

I did do my own calibrated airflow test*. This grill does reduce the airflow between 56.2% and 71.5%, depending on angle. We'll see how well she does during a Tucson summer.

*Calibrated Airflow Test: Blew on hand. Place grill in front of hand and blew on hand again. Recorded difference

:plause

When I had the bike up on the lift to cut the slots in my black plastic radiator cover (for the 9" tool bag); I used the Dremmel to cut out (2) 1 and 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch rectangular holes in the bottom of the fan shroud toward the cent of the very bottom. I left about 3 inches between them. I did this a week ago, and when I get back from a ride there are almost always no rocks in there any more; and if there are a few they blow out the bottom holes very easily. Just an idea for something less time comsuming.
:2cents from:redrazor (I'll try to post some pics soon)

I want to see this tool bag set up, I'm intrigued....

redrazor,
I am wondering too, Sounds cool.
BobT

OUCH!

http://www.harleydavidsonforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=308772#post308772


Breathless performance
Hey all you Vrod owners out there. Be VERY carefull what you buy from Breathless Performance. I bought the following three items and here is what I got for my money:

1) I bought the temp gage kit without the fiberglass housing. I called and explained to them that I had a road rod with an RG fairing so I did not need the housing. They gave me a discount for no housing and assured me the gage would fit into my dash. When I received it, the gage DID NOT fit into my dash si I had to go to the local autoparts store and get a gage that did fit. I then cut the radiator hose and installed the new gage and their welded "t" fitting to accept the sending unit. Put everything back together, fired the bike up and found a leak. It was in the welded T on their fitting!!!! I had to disassemble everything, take the fitting into work and have one of my guys re-weld it! I paid (i think) $110 plus SH. I basically got a T fitting that leaked and forced me to do the installation twice!

2) I also bought the radiator grills for about $90 bucks. They arrived..three pieces of chrome chicken wire wore three bucks. After installation the woven chicken wire started changing position and looked like S#$T. I took them off and threw them away!

3) Got the carbon fiber gas tank covers. There were three pieces per side of the bike. These did fit and had some pretty good double stick tape to hold them on. However, each piece had the carbon fiber "grain" running in a different direction! This made them look stupid and phony. Took them off the bike as well!

The bottom line it that for about $400 bucks I got a bunch of crap out of which I actually used one radiator T...AFTER I re-welded it and got rid of the leak!

THese guys are crooks and I vote with my feet by NEVER doing business with them again. Don't let the same thing happen to you!


I'm really suprised this wasn't deleted as DP seems to really protect Ernie, his buddy.



John

I Guess the Nazi Moderator is Chillen out Now!:diablo:

Kaz,
I actually expected it to be deleted at DP's order, not just by a mod.

http://www.fototime.com/35FA52B32906BF9/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/BA8E60497B8DE9C/orig.jpg


The guy really seems to be a snake oil salesman!

John

John,
It's getting good there Now Your Buddy Robin was asking How you have Been!:rolleyes: Ernie Gave a Great Response Now it's Your Turn Brother!;)

Well I can see that someone did not understand what someone else was making reference to but whatever the case let's leave this on the other forum please gentlemen.

Max

I see no new reply from Ernie. :confused: I did reply to Robin however.

Yea Max, Robin did miss that one and I let him know it. You got it, NO MAS!


John

Max!:1:

Morey000, That is exactly the same stuff I have been sing to perfect mine. Lokks good

Thanks. And thanks to this forum for the el cheapo' home depot idea.

After a couple of days of riding, I haven't yet noticed any oil temperature difference, although it's been cool (40's in the morn, 60'in in the pm), so I haven't really stressed her.

They have remained wedged in there pretty good. No rattling or moving around, and they look like they were made for the bike.

Oh, for those of you who haven't removed the front cowling- it comes off easily, if you remove the correct bolts -which took me a bit to figure out. So I'll share what I learned in the process.

How-to: After removing the anodized side plates with the single torx bolt (#25 I think) on the bottom of each, the whole front cowling comes off with the removal of the two 4mm allen head bolts and washers on each side. However, be sure to pull off the rear brake fluid reservior on the right side, and remove the electrical connections on the left. The largest of the 4 connectors is fastened to the side of the cowling with a metal clip. I found it easiest to unplug the connectors and remove the cowling, and then get at that clip with the cowling mostly removed. Two of the electrical connectors are identical, so mark at least one set of them. I used a little 'white out'. You might be able to do it without unplugging the connectors, but it might be more hassel than it's worth.

Once all loosened, it takes a bit of tapping and prying to get her off. Making sure to lift the plastic tabs off and over where the 4mm allen bolts secured it.

Probably took me 45 minutes to get it off the first time. I think I can do it in about 6 min. now.

Then removal of the plasti-chromed beauty rings is easy. There are three obvious fasteners on the back of each. Trace, snip, fit, and put it all back together. Takes a bit of snipping and fitting to get the mesh to lay nicely around those little turbulator thingy's.

Hey Jforbush, are you ever going to put the scans of your radiator mesh up?
:hmm:

No Prob, I actually just got them perfected this weekend. I will definately post some pics. I don't have the nasty gap that BPP has on theirs. (The gap @ the top of the Votex Generators.) I also got the mesh as close as I could to the V Generators and then mad a bend back toward the radiator. No sharp edges to scratch the trim.

No Prob, I actually just got them perfected this weekend. I will definately post some pics. I don't have the nasty gap that BPP has on theirs. (The gap @ the top of the Votex Generators.) I also got the mesh as close as I could to the V Generators and then mad a bend back toward the radiator. No sharp edges to scratch the trim.

Thanks mate.
Between you and a few of the other fellas, I would suggest this will be the best set up of its type, for the least cost.
It's great to be able to use others experience, and not have to reinvent the vent!

Best wishes.

Ken.

I hop these pics show detail well. I am really proud of how they turned out

Congratulations! They look great!

Dam those look Great! :thumb:

Looks a very nice job, thanks for the pics.
A big sheet of this mesh is available at Machine Mart in UK, it's only a few £s. Now we all have something to do when the weathers bad and that's most of the time here.

After I got them trimmed and fitted, I took some Master Formula Metal Polish and polish the until they would cut your eyes. I then put a very good clear coat on them so they wouldn't tarnish anymore. I figured that they would be a bitch to polish when they were mounted. All in all, I have (Believe it or not) $1.17 in material. I know it took me a while to get them right and to post pics, but I am not going to put anything on my bike that doesn't look right. Nor am I going to if it looks cheap. Thanks everyone for the patience.

Great job! A+

You've got to tell us what the Tuscon summer does to it. It's hot here in Florida, too, and I'm nervous about possible over-heating. It looks great, but I'm scairt!

The Discovery Channel video showed HD agonizing over the size of the air intakes and it looks like they kept it marginally small to satisfy Willie G's styling team.

I sell commercial laundry equipment for a living, and the dryers we sell/install are sensitive to incoming "make-up" air. So sensitive that when we install holes in the walls to bring in that air, that the use of screens over the holes (to keep out insects, for instance) typically decreases the incoming air by up to 50%! It's a whole lot of blockage even though it doesn't look like it would be. We have to increase the size of the ventilation holes substantially when we install screens or louvers. If we don't, the dryers don't perform when they're stressed (busy laundromat). They work fine when not stressed.

So, keep us informed on your experience when it gets cooking out there!

love to see the pics, but I do understand about having to borrow a camera. I use my work camera. THe problem I have had is the pics are too big to post, and I havent been able to figure out the softeware that came with it to make them smaller.

Justin, those are awesome! Great job!

Looks great Justin, if i was'nt such a screw up i'd try it myself..lol

Hey Greg, I could send you a Windows Power Tools program that will allow you to shrink Windows Media File picures into 3 different sizes.
Let me know, as I still want to see your saddlebag set up!

Great looking grills Jforbush, well done. Any chance of posting the template on the site?

Look sharp. Like stated by post before, need to know tha air flow is Ok before adding any air distrubance to the main radiator cooling.

I have to agree with Jimaroo. Mesh of that type will reduce the effective free area by about half. I'd hate to find out the hard way that it caused a problem. I'm not sure you will know until too late.

Would anyone be interested in Radiator Grills on their bikes.
I am in the process of making some.......Working out the bugs on my bike. They are going to look like the ones that BPP are making..but much cheaper in $$$$$$


Hi -- YES, I would really be very interested to buy one but would also like to see a photo of it first. Write to me to: rpujals@cfl.rr.com thxs, fafin

Yep, I'd certainly be interested. Just waiting to see the reports from those in hot climates.

I've been eyeballing car and truck grills.There are some bars for grills that look like they might not only look good but also direct air in.I know of the wind tunnel testing and the problems Harley had with the radiator but our vortec directers at the bottom are designed after a packing box from Fed-X.It was supposedly picked up off the floor at the height if disscouragment and tried.They got sufficiant cooling and moved on to other obstacles.The new Lexus is what I'm looking at real hard.There are some older,late 80s eary 90s GMs that might work.Honeycomb looks good but I think it will be too restrictive.Well maybe Sadisco will get an 04 Lexus in.
jforbush your custom grill looks great.Very professional.


Elrod on the V-Rod

I started some grill covers and then stop and bought BPP set. They look great on my bike but I think they can drop there price down alot and make every body happy and sell more of them becouse I felt robbed when I got them for what I paid. I also added some cheap lights from www.prike.com/product/productDisplay.asp?var1=35 . this I am happy for buying :thumb: Try getting some gutter grills for menards or some hardware store. You will be happy you did in less BPP drops there price down and sell them for what they are worth. Here is some pics at night I took. Or see them at my home page www.freewebs.com/speeddemonvrod/

The Grills and Lights look Real Good ..... :moped:

I started some grill covers and then stop and bought BPP set. They look great on my bike but I think they can drop there price down alot and make every body happy and sell more of them becouse I felt robbed when I got them for what I paid. I also added some cheap lights from www.prike.com/product/productDisplay.asp?var1=35 . this I am happy for buying :thumb: Try getting some gutter grills for menards or some hardware store. You will be happy you did in less BPP drops there price down and sell them for what they are worth. Here is some pics at night I took. Or see them at my home page www.freewebs.com/speeddemonvrod/


how many light did you put in each side?

how many light did you put in each side?
I put 2 on each side and used epoxy glue that stick to rubber and plastic. I thought I would try that first and then buy more if it looks good. I like it Im thinking about getting 4 of the courtesy lights to add on. that not a bad price at www.customdynamics.com/courtesy_lights.htm I think TMVICK is on to something. check this link www.vrodforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2452&page=3&pp=15

The Grills and Lights look Real Good ..... :moped:
thank you very much.. :diablo:

pmed you

I hop these pics show detail well. I am really proud of how they turned out

jforbush are you there?

Would anyone be interested in Radiator Grills on their bikes.
I am in the process of making some.......Working out the bugs on my bike. They are going to look like the ones that BPP are making..but much cheaper in $$$$$$

Im very much interested--whats the material and are they going to be chromed? pls keep in touch --Fafin- rpujals@cfl.rr.com

Does anyone have a "how to" install the grills once you get them? Do you have to take the entire radiator box apart, or do the trim rings snap out?

Also, what gauge wire is that you are using?

You need to take the radiator cover off. it's not too terribly difficult

You need to take the radiator cover off. it's not too terribly difficult

Justin are you still busy?

James

Yes, But making time in the evenings James. I will PM you when ready :):):):):):)
Thank You for your patience :)

hI J -- I went to Home Depot but did not find material suitable for a grill. he one I saw had he grill openings too wide where gravel can still get thru. So I will be anxious to see yours!!! Thxs Fafin

Would anyone be interested in Radiator Grills on their bikes.
I am in the process of making some.......Working out the bugs on my bike. They are going to look like the ones that BPP are making..but much cheaper in $$$$$$

I might be interested... Let me know a price and give me a pic???

Page 5 of this thread has some pics of my grills

For all of you looking for materials to make your own grills, check out McMaster-Carr. Here are two links as good starting points:

Grill Materials 1 (http://www.mcmaster.com/param/asp/psearch.asp?FAM=wirecloth&desc=Wire+Mesh)
Grill Materials 2 (http://www.mcmaster.com/param/asp/desc.asp?desc=Expanded%20Metal&descid=12106&term=Expanded+Metal)

If web site navigation doesn't work correctly with the above links (it doesn't for me when I click on "Catalog Page"), go to their home page and type in "Wire Mesh" and "Expanded Metal" as a searches: Home Page (http://www.mcmaster.com/)

You'll find expanded metal (like the Home Depot stuff), wire mesh, and punched metal. Pick your material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Galvanized, Brass, Plastic, $$$ TITANIUM ! ! !

http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/wirecloth/wirecloth.gif
http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/110/gfx/small/j3expshts.gif

I've found McMaster-Carr very handy for lots of projects. If I order before 11:00am, I usually get the stuff SAME DAY!!! Just click around to pick your order items, give your credit card and delivery info, and wait for the goodies. Prices are sometimes slightly high, but selection is FANTASTIC!

They have lots of stainless bolts too, if you're willing to order in quantity.

There's a photo of mine- post #46, above, in this thread.
It looks great (IMHO), stays shiny, and does a pretty good job at blocking the gravel. I used the rain gutter screen material- which I found to be a bit nicer looking than the stucco mesh.

HOWEVER: It definitely blocks the air flow! It's starting to get warm in Tucson, and if the day is in the mid 80's, and I have to stop in traffic for any length of time- the fans are coming on and my oil temp gets to ~190F. I think I'm going to have to pull them out before it gets over 100 on a regular basis.

Hi
Did anyone install the new V-Mod Steel Ideas CHROME RADIATOR GRILL SET?

Hi Justin -- Whatever happened to the grills you were going to sell us--Im still very interested but youre traking too long -- I need them yesterday! Pls reply--rpujals@cfl.rr.com -- Thxs Fafin

I've seen alot of grills on Ebay lately.

I attempted to install my grills last night and ended up throwing them out. :tmbsdow: :bs:

I attempted to install my grills last night and ended up throwing them out. :tmbsdow: :bs:
I LOVE MY BPP Grills! :thumb: http://www.v-rodforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5556

http://www.steelideas.com/home.htm

Anybody tried these? There's a matching grill for the voltage regulator. $100

Website says:

***Tested with
No Air Flow Restriction***

*Also available Powder Coated in other colors for additional cost.
**Does require HD Chrome Voltage Regulator Cover.
***Plus Tax-Shipping and Handling. Overnight shipping available.

Has anyone compared the Breathless grill with the Steel Idea's grill that Steve sells on V-Mod.com?? Which looks better and installs easier? Any idea?

Fred

I have both, Steve V-Mod Steel Ideas CHROME RADIATOR GRILL SET are 100% better.
Thats the only way to go if you want to have grills on your V-Rod.

I have both, Steve V-Mod Steel Ideas CHROME RADIATOR GRILL SET are 100% better.
Thats the only way to go if you want to have grills on your V-Rod.

Thanks for the info - good to know.

So I take it those grills I sent you didn't work out, hey? ;)

http://www.steelideas.com/home.htm

Anybody tried these? There's a matching grill for the voltage regulator. $100

Website says:

***Tested with
No Air Flow Restriction***

*Also available Powder Coated in other colors for additional cost.
**Does require HD Chrome Voltage Regulator Cover.
***Plus Tax-Shipping and Handling. Overnight shipping available.

Looks good, but WAY too expensive for me. Such a simple part should cost around $29.95 or LESS in my opinion.

If you have seen these new grilles.... I would say definitely worth the price....
www.steelideas.com

If you have seen these new grilles.... I would say definitely worth the price....
www.steelideas.com

Very cool. I like the flames.

If you have seen these new grilles.... I would say definitely worth the price....
www.steelideas.com

Wonder why they state, "Does require HD Chrome Voltage Regulator Cover".

Otherwise look very nice.

I bought 4 square feet of Brake duct material from the Internet for $40 and made my own with a BOAT LOAD of extra material.

If anyone wants 2 blanks that you can cut to fit your opening I can send it to ya for $15. This is the same material used by race teams 1/8" opening stainless steel wire mesh.

If you want to buy your own bulk material do a search on Stainless Steel wire mesh.

Who is BPP and do they have a web site?

Kurt

Breathless Performance Products

http://www.breathlessperformance.com/

I bought 4 square feet of Brake duct material from the Internet for $40 and made my own with a BOAT LOAD of extra material.

If anyone wants 2 blanks that you can cut to fit your opening I can send it to ya for $15. This is the same material used by race teams 1/8" opening stainless steel wire mesh.

If you want to buy your own bulk material do a search on Stainless Steel wire mesh.

Greenham,
Check PM.
Let's meet up. I'll take some of that mesh.

Wonder why they state, "Does require HD Chrome Voltage Regulator Cover".

Otherwise look very nice.

they have the regulator mesh with the grill gaurds. if you look at the reg you will see that is has the mesh also. that is why you need the chrome cover.

I might be interested.