I just swapped dual R1 coolers into my single cooler base model. The fins on my original were in bad shape; my car is a daily driver. The replacements (courtesy of Spyfish's mishap) were in great shape and I wanted to keep them that way.

Went to the hardware store to see about different meshes and found what I think is perfect: black vinyl gutter guard. I didn't want to use steel because I wanted the screens to be unnoticeable and was afraid painting them would soon look like hell anyway. The gutter guard is a sturdy black plastic mesh that comes in rolls (think 20 feet?) and cost me $6.50. I stretched it accross the fronts of the plastic ducts on the oil coolers and secured it with zip ties. That places it about midway between the front inlet and the cooler; perfect.

I assume since it's made to live outside is should last forever with no problems. Functional yet nearly invisible.

 

Not a bad idea. My oil cooler is also in bad shape and was thinking about doing the same thong when I replace it, only I was thinking of using window screen.

Those rocks are hell on these coolers.