I am so sorry that every one of these pics posted sideways, and I don't know how to correct ?
- First off lets address "unprotected radiators" :
Looks like 98% here run unprotected radiators ! The fine line and question in our minds here, is looks VS function.
I have selected a cold rolled plain steel, Hexagonal hole design, 22 gage, mill surface with a 79% open area at McNichols.com.
Very easy to cut and bend then power coat paint a color of your choice. I used the heavy type art paper that you buy from say Walmart, and layout and cut an exact template. This then is used to cut out your pattern on the steel. I also slit length wise, some 5/32" black poly tubing, to slip over the 12 high plastic chrome shroud supports, that radiate from center - outward around the circumference. This was to protect the chrome from peeling off (we've all seen that)! Miniature black nylon wire ties (black ones are UV resistant) are used to go around those radial spokes and through the screen, to secure in place. As seen, I cut-out the screen, to go around the fan motor's chrome cover.
- Next comes added transmission cooling :
I believe in extra cooling period ! And I would highly recommend the B&M # 70265 a "plate and fin" design, like the factory used, before they began welding them to the LS radiators. These are "tuff" and can take small projectile rocks without harm. They have a 1/2" NPT inlet & outlet. These coolers are a perfect size to fit under and just ahead of the cross member. It's height also allows a slanted install, and along with shrouded air scoop, looks and WORKS good ! I have also installed 3- small IP64 60 CFM fans, mounted onto it's leaving air side.
If your machine is before the LS engines came out, then adding a SPDT 3- terminal (on-on) toggle switch + a temp. sensor, will allow the OEM coolant temp. gauge to be dual functional. This arrangement has been discussed many times, including wiring schematics.
However on the newer CanBus data com. OBD2 systems, DO NOT electrically tie into the existing temp. gage.
An added trans. temp. gauge, mounting means and a temp. sensor is needed. For this gauge, I went with matching my OEM Speedhut gages. I selected the exact style, face and font type gage that is on my trike, 60-260 deg. full scale range and labeled "Trans. Temp".
Because Boss Hoss does not offer this particular gage, and when you can prove to Speedhut (like a picture of your machine), that it is "your" machine that you are buying for, they will also put "BOSS HOSS" on it, to provide a exact match ! In my LS application I also added a SPDT 3- terminal switch and two temp. sending units. Flip the switch "forward" and read the oil temp. leaving the TQ (going to my two "in series" coolers). Flip the switch "back" and read the trans. oil pan (sump) temp. (the coolers returning oil - drops into the pan).
I built a gage housing and had it chromed, to hold the trans. temp. gage and two push button on-off switches.
I mounted it to be just above my handlebar to riser clamp, and to look as OEM as possible! On the top leaving air side of the added cooler, I installed 3- 60 CFM IP-65 12 VDC puller fans. These can energize in one of two ways :
1. A 190 deg. on - 180 deg. off, strap-on snap disc thermostat located on the metal line portion "leaving" the TQ.
2. An override push on-off button located on the left side of the trans. temp. gauge.
