Hi guys and gals - My first post, been lurking for several months. Had the L for about 3 weeks. Ordered a mask before I took delivery, arrived Friday. There is a screen mesh over the entire radiator opening. With the mesh blocked opening, the engine temp increased significantly! Needle moved up scale about 1/4"!! With outside temp approx 65 F, needle now sits just above top of temp icon. Not sure how this converts in degrees. I doubt removing the mesh will allow the mask to retain its original excellent fit. Something to keep in mind if you are considering getting a mask.
Would also like to thank everyone for their input on this forum. I have enjoyed reading the topics and stolen many terrific ideas.
chuckw
Red '00
(hey - I'm a fireman...it had to be red)

 

I was told that the Lightning was kind of touchy about grill openings, but I had no idea that it would be that bad

I was looking into billet grills for mine, but I was curious if air flow would be restricted to much.

L8R

 

I have the new bra on and haven't notice
a major jump in eng. temp. The bra fit's
great and protects my front end from
rock chips.I've had the truck up to 100mph
and there was no noticable rubbing or flapping from the bra. I wouldn't drive my truck without it. If you plan on taking
your L on long road trips, I'd get one.

 

the billet grills look like they would give better airflow over the bleyver honeycomb stocker. last years lovebugs were about a 50/50 split, covering my grill/radiators evenly. this years mosquitoes, so far are 80% radiator, 20% grill. or, i could wait until lovebug season again for a true test, because measuring the surface area of each grill, and trying to apply the math needed to solve this question might kill me.

 

Just wanted you to know that my temp is at the same location as you mentioned. I don't think you need to worry. Don

------------------
Hambone (2000 Rd Lightning) 32 3 window cp 99 Roadking

 

May have been a little hasty in my comments on my engine temps. Did a little more testing today. Temperatures were not that much different with and without. Think I am guilty of making a judgement on the airflow from a preconceived bias that it might restrict flow just by design. When I went out the first time to get temps, tried to prove my suspicions. The temp gauge doesn't have calibrated markings, so..for me.. was difficult to judge.
The mask is from Ford. I have a contact at CoverCraft (Mfg. of the mask) but was told they have a contract w/ Ford and can't sell them to anyone but Ford. It does fit extremely well. Am going to continue with more tests to see if I can rule out my bias. Kinda nice to have an outside temp gauge to compare against. Will post my findings and hope some of the other mask owners will too.



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chuckw
red '00

 

I ordered that mask for the Ford Outfitters catalog. Was not impressed with it at all. It does not even form to the front of the truck, it just hangs there. And what is up with using velcro to hold it on. What happened to good old fashion snaps that never come loose. The thing is going back. Expected better for $120.

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Jerrod
99.5 White Lightning
Snuglid, sprayed on bed liner, phantom boost gauge

1987 White Mustang GT (waiting for heart transplant)
HALO member

 

Mine normally sits at the very top of the thermometer icon when up to running temp.

------------------
Red 99.5 Lightning,
#0975,
Born 5/6/99...Adopted 5/27/99
SuperChip,
PSP Filter,
2 Chamber Flowmasters,
Water Wetter,
13.498@102.69

 

Chuckw,
Did you get the one direct from ford? How does it fitt? Saw a picture of a truck with one on it on the ford site and wasn't impressed. Does it look good in person. Post a picture if you can.
Brian

 

My only experience with this issue was with my Cobra. I installed a billet grille on my 97 model, which drove the operating temp. up quite a bit. In fact, Ford used to install the "honey comb" looking grille in the earlier model Mustangs, but removed them on later models due to poor air flow, or so I was told.

------------------
Mark Swaim
1999 Lightning (sold)
1997 Cobra (deceased)
1993 Cadillac Allante (Sold, Finally..)

 

Remember fellas, that Bras, and front end covers/masks, can and usually will cause damage to the finish of your front end over time.

The clear coat will have that device moving ever so slightly over it while the wind moves, or during rain. Be very careful, and find out about warranty issues from these manufactures. I am "not" putting anything other then 3M invica shield on this front end. I have experienced severe paint damage in the past with different bras/mask on automobiles.

JMH 0.2 cents

 

This is the Ford bra that I put on...it fits good and looks great. This is an advertisement picture cuz mine wouldn't post

Its easy to put on and take off and I haven't had any probs yet (I've had it 4 months).

------------------
'99 F150 SC, 4x2, Oxford white, flareside, 5.4, 3.55 rearend,
bodyside mouldings, Snugtop hard tonneau, K&N dropin and airbox mod.
Duraliner drop-in (gave up on the Penda Nascar). Gibson Supertruck. Ford 2-piece bra. Catch-All floor mats.
No door cracks yet at 6K!!!

Future mods: 2/4 lowering, and some Roush stuff.

 

Chuckw,
That does look better that I'd ever imagine. Does it move around alot on the highway?

Also BTW where did you purchase that Lightning Windshield Header? That is real
nice.

Later,
Terry

------------------
99.5 Giallo Modena Yellow Lightning, Chromed SVT rims, Polished Billet Grills (powder coated Ferrari Yellow),F1 Cobra Hood, Color matched Lo-pro snuglid & bugshield, clear corner lenses & tailights, superchipped, sal air filter, Bel-tech 3/4 lowering kit, okole seat covers (yellow), rhino liner, color matched muth mirrors, 25 piece Yellow carbon fiber dashboard kit, JBA headers and V1 radar detector.
BTW-Some secret stuff...
Should be completed by 4/1/00.
Stay Tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



[This message has been edited by asdeman (edited 04-05-2000).]

 

I don't like the way the full front end bra looks.

JMO.

 

That bra looks like one from a prototype vehicle. Are you sure you aren't doing some testing for Ford???