Cub 125 Grille Info/Suggestions
 

I am going to make a grille for my Cub 125 from round hole 18 gauge perforated sheet metal. It appears in the photos of original Cub 125 grilles that the edges are rolled over. Is this for appearance purposes, to add rigidity, or to give the grille a little stand off from the grille cowl? If it is for appearance purposes to hide the rough edges only than I may use a rubber or plastic sheet metal edge trim. I would appreciate any info/suggestions on making a grille for my 125.

Why don't you just buy a used one?

I had a 125 missing the screen. I got one very reasonable.

I already have the perforated sheet metal and making one doesn't pose a great challenge, except, for bending the edges when I don't have a sheet metal bender. I recognize that buying a grille used is an option.

Do what YOU want.
My bet is IH rolled the edges for all three reasons you mentioned.

Folding the edges is easy. First you need to cut two pieces of ply wood that are shaped like the grill, then you cut the grill material about 3/8 bigger on all sides. Then you sandwich the material between the plywood and fold the edge with a hammer. Easy peezy lemon squeezey.

IHC probably rolled the edges for all three reasons I listed as you suggested. However, since I don't have an original grille screen to make a personal evaluation I thought maybe someone that is knowledgeable about the grille screen could give me a little info/advise.

olds45512, thanks for the advise, just what I was looking for. Nothing is "easy peesy lemon squeezey" for me but I love trying.

One thing I forgot to mention is that you will need to cut the material at the corners before you fold it, if you don't cut it then it will just bunch up instead of folding over nice.

I understand and I will do. Thanks again for your advise olds45512, much appreciated. If you think of anything else please let me know.

Another question about the Cub 125 grille screen. Is it painted? If so, what is the color? The photos I have seen make the grille look like it is silver or maybe not painted at all.

Should be silver.

125 grille
 

I think the original grilles were galvanized, Perhaps one of the guys here with first hand knowledge of an unmolested grille can chime in. I have a grille from a 127 in my 125, It is a little different as it has two columns of a different slot pattern on it. Someday, I ll start to refresh that ole girl and will be looking for a 125 grille.

Not galvanized. I believe they were aluminized. They were not painted.

Thanks to all of you for info on the grille screen color.

Using olds45512 suggestion on making a grille screen I made one for my 125. It is not an original but it turned out pretty good in my humble opinion. The perforated sheet metal had a "aluminized" color/appearance and was free of any rust. I cleaned it real good and sprayed it with satin clear coat so hopefully it will retain its appearance. Appreciate the info you all provided.

Pics or it didn't happen.:biggrin2:

I second that!!!

:WWP:

I will take a couple of photos but I need some instructions on how to place them on the web-site.

Cub 125 Grille Info/Suggestions
 

Hopefully, I will attach 4 photos of my homemade grille screen. This is my first attempt at attaching photos so forgive me if I screw up.

Attachment 78308 Grille with tools

Attachment 78309 Back view of grille

Attachment 78310 Front view of grille

Attachment 78311

Looks good. :beerchug:

looks good, nice job.:beerchug:

edit- if you could find the correct material i'm sure you could sell a bunch of them

Thanks for your nice comments. If I can make a Cub grille screen anyone can make one. So I'm not sure there will be much demand for my grille making services. Quoting the famous olds45512, "It was "easy peesy lemon squeezey".

Looks nice my friend. I will prob take your process and use it to make a grill for my 128 and 1650.

the 128 has a plastic grille, there available used.

Indeed they did use a plastic grill. In fact all of my wide frames with the exception of this one has a plastic grill like it should. This will not be a stock 128 and i like the look of the perforated metal.