My '97 Maxima has had black nylon window screen installed in front of the radiator for several years now. It's actually secured to the inside of my front bumper and grille, so it is about 8 inches away from my AC condensor. Living in Louisiana, it gets well over 100*F and I've never had an overheating problem. It also "cleans" up the front end a bit, as you don't see the silver components (AC condencor, power steering cooling lines, etc) through the front grill. And the black screen is not noticeable at all.
Even though I used the nylon screen, it has survived many stone impacts intact. Not to mention the bugs. On a Maxima site, the material Laminar Lou linked to is used to make the "Home Depot Grille". I may get around to doing that on mine, but keep it mounted behind my grille instead of in front like others have done. I'll use the nylon screen, also, for added protection from very small stones and bugs. I want the protection, but not the obvious appearance.
As I may move back up north, can someone with experience using this type of setup comment on the likelihood of snow actually blocking airflow. I was in Ohio over Christmas and had no problems, but the snow was light.
Dave
Even though I used the nylon screen, it has survived many stone impacts intact. Not to mention the bugs. On a Maxima site, the material Laminar Lou linked to is used to make the "Home Depot Grille". I may get around to doing that on mine, but keep it mounted behind my grille instead of in front like others have done. I'll use the nylon screen, also, for added protection from very small stones and bugs. I want the protection, but not the obvious appearance.
As I may move back up north, can someone with experience using this type of setup comment on the likelihood of snow actually blocking airflow. I was in Ohio over Christmas and had no problems, but the snow was light.
Dave