It's Leaf Guard Time!!!

[Frizzle Fry]

I got the basis for idea from Putter (thanks buddy!). Since I've had to fish a couple leaves out of my cowl already this week I decided it was time to put up a fight before they all come raining down...

I built this in such a way that I didn't have to modify the cowl at all because I have a radio delete cowl I want to use at some point.

I bought this expanded metal at Home Depot a few months ago. It was less than $10 (and no, it's not 1/2" thick...).




The length (24") is perfect for using two sections joined under the center rib. For the width I used about 4". I curved them slightly, cut holes for the wipers and washer nozzles, then joined them:




Instead of just putting the screws through a convenient opening I decided to cut out the areas surrounding the screw holes and weld in some 20 gauge sheet. This allows the cowl to be mounted properly without being excessively raised by the guard. I marked the holes to be drilled from the other side:




Next I made Z tabs from the same sheet, welded them in place and drilled holes: