Hello Everyone again, 

I have been researching for weeks off and on about our trip to Alaska and things to consider doing before leaving to make our trip a little more enjoyable and hopefully trouble free thanks to ideas from others.  Today I completed taking the steps to protect our tow vehicle for our Scamp, (1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Laredo).  It has been mentioned many times before about people picking up rocks from some of the rocky roads we may travel on and when this has happened to others that the rocks got into their engine fans and also their radiator making it a terrible day to get repairs and the cost really high on the road.

So as usual on my projects, I overdid or overbuilt you might say but I am happy I took the time to do as I am about to show you through my photos as usual too. 

Jeep viewed from underneath, partially anyhow before installing rock screen.

Another view from underneath, showing more of the area to be protected from rocks hitting the radiator, fan belt etc. 

I even put this great screen material on the jeep cowling on the front ot the jeep, but installing it as in this photo is not possible to mount the jeep cowling back on the jeep.  Soooo, I had to re-configure how to mount the new safety rock screen to protect the front of the radiator directly.

I ended up having to mount the entire piece of rock guard screening I had as in photo above, then after mounting to the jeep cowling using tie wraps to secure the screening, I had to use a grinder to trim off the excess un-needed  rock guard screeing.  This allowed the proper assembly of the jeep cowling which could not be done with the screen over the entire cowling as in above photo.  I used a small grinder in last photo of this post to fine trim the screening to the cowling after mounting the screening with tie wraps. 

This photo is the underneath of the jeep with the security of the new screening to protect from flying debris and rocks on our trip.  Notice, I also used oversized washer, (fender washers) and pop riveted the screening to the plastic bumper of the jeep. Removing the pop rivets is easy using a 1/8" drill if the screening is no longer needed after a trip like we will do.  It doesn no harm so I will leave it if it is not in the way, why not?? These oversized washers veing oversize added more holding strength of the screening if needed in the plastic bumper.  The screening took about 1 hour to keep trying to fit into place and look half good, I am satisfied now that the undercarriage of our tow vehicle is as protected as can be.  We may have to get a bug screen for the front of the jeep cowling as well but we will see if that is necessary on our trip and will get it then.  If you do such a modification to your vehicle, take your time, use the little grinder below or one like it to make close cuts, always, always wear your safety glasses when cutting upside down or in any position.  

You can't even tell I put the protection screen on back of the jeep cowling unless you look specifically for it.  I may just leave this feature in place, it allows all the air needed for the fan and also security that you have take time to protect your radiators on the front. 

Here is the MINI grinder I always use, it is made by Ryobi, it is of good quality, do not get HF grinder such as this.  It will not hold up to much force.  Use (Diamond cutting wheel from Harbor Freight, they are tough and last and last, and cost about $7,00.  You get about 5 cutting blades, I have not used up one as yet and have done many projects just using that one.  Be careful, this will cut you easily in a heart beat, deep and clean and will take months to heal.  Use Gloves, wear safety glasses and for gods sake be careful and take your time!!  These are fun projects to take care of your vehicle and not have to think about again in your travels in this particular vehicle you modified. 

Hope this helps if you decide to do this project, going to Alaska should be a condiseration at the roads there are still being worked on all the time and to repair after harsh winters as well.  It is up to you what steps to take to protect your investments. 

Thanks for viewing, 

Garylee