Hoppers from hell

[Art]

On a day trip to Drumheller's Tyrell Museum, we couldn't help but notice that the local countryside was teaming with hoppers. Because of drought conditions, these little buggers were all over the place. After returning home, the XC's front grill/radiator/windshield was a mess. It took a deft touch with a power washer, making sure not to damage the delicate rad fins to get the front end looking like it should.

Any possible solutions on how to avoid this type of insect infestation from entering the XC's huge rad port.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
I've heard of other owners installing aluminum mesh to protect the rad from becoming a target but not sure if this ideal. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[ifnt420]

Holy Macro!! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif Art, you should be glad you weren't riding a Motorcycle without a full face helmet.

Have you checked out the "Colgan car Bra"?
I had one installed on my Z, which also had the "big mouth" opening in the front; and with the Colgan bra, the mesh screen was able let air thru to feed the radiator and also keep out the debris.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I don't think they have a website, therefore can't find a photo for the XC. But here's one on a Lexus, you can see the mesh screen.
Keep us posted.

Cheers

http://www.autoanything.com/images/bras/enlarged/carbon_fiber_original_car_bra.jpg

[barrysharp]

Art:

You might start your search at AutoSeattle (http://www.autoseattle.com/). I bought a very fine looking full nose Colgan Bra for my previous S80 T6 at this place -- still have it if any one wishes to buy it. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Art]

Thanks for the tip on the Colgan Bras Guys. Can't say that I'm a real big fan of these, but I'm sure they've improved on the build and fit of these since I last used one. Will certainly check into it. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif