Quick change radiator screen

[Racenut]

I was watching a replay of the Daytona 24 hour and noticed that they always clean the radiator screen by hand. During last years Bathurst 1000 I am sure I saw someone changing the screen during a pit stop.

It got me wondering if I was dreaming. Was it real, how are they secured?

[ForumNick]

Radiator Screen, or Windscreen?

The New COTF composite windscreens have a number of clear 'tear-off' layers applied to them (similar to those used by the bikes & open wheelers on their helmet visors).

The 'radiator' screens/grills are part of the front bar/splitter assembly & requires the whole unit to be replaced - usually if damaged too badly. (attached with 4 speed bolts)

[Bell_End]

I can't remember radiator grill changes at bathurst specifically but can't see why they couldn't do it, they have use moulded plugs on the brake ducts to change their size in the past so well within the capabilities of the teams you would think.

[Racenut]

Yeah was definately radiator. I remember seeing a crew member kneel down in front of the car, pull out the screen and slide back into the garage, he then put in a new one. It happened pretty quickly.

[Jam3s]

It's actually just a simple bit of mesh cut to shape with some clips. Run during the enduros mostly and for the most part work quite well, especially to protect when going through a gravel trap.

[Racenut]

Originally Posted by Jam3s

It's actually just a simple bit of mesh cut to shape with some clips. Run during the enduros mostly and for the most part work quite well, especially to protect when going through a gravel trap.

What sort of clips would they use? You would not want it falling out

[Jerico]

Originally Posted by Racenut

What sort of clips would they use? You would not want it falling out

Velcro. It works very well.

[JAFA851]

The radiator grill you refer to is actually the blocker in the lower air intake in the bottom of the front bumper / spoiler assembly. By changing the blocker to another one with more or less holes in it, they are adjusting the amount of downforce the front spoiler creates. Less holes = more air goes under the spoiler ( as opposed to through it ) which creates more front downforce, but also means less cooling for the radiator. More holes = less air going under the spoiler because more of it is going through the radiator = less front downforce, but more cooling. So you need the right compromise between maximum downforce while retaining enough cooling.