Hello-

I need an idea for preventing salt from getting in the engine bay. It snowed here in Chicago the other night, and because I drive on the expressway a lot, got a MESS of salt everywhere. I'm trying to think of some kind of mesh material that I could put behind the grill to keep salt from getting all over everthing. It seems to come in between the top of the headlights and the hood seem as well. Any ideas??

Do you think a nose bra would help? I have one for my '87 244 that is made by Wolf, but I haven't put it on yet because I wrecked my car and damaged a fender that still needs to be replaced, so I didn't see the point of putting it on until I got the fender fixed. I bought it on ebay, and the box says it fits 240's from '86-'88, which leads me to believe it's 12 years old since the '86-'93 cars are all the same on the exterior, mostly. I have no idea if they still make them, but here's the address and phone number that's on the instruction sheet:

Wolf Automotive Products

121 N. Sullivan Street

Santa Ana, CA 92703

(800) 822-9653

(714) 835-2126

Good luck.

Ryan: Greetings from Cleveland...Home of the "Lake Effect." I, too am a fellow 'rust belt' resident, having transferred from Detroit several years ago. Like you, I own an '87, and am plagued by the dreaded Salt Monster. Face it, there isn,t going to be a lot either one of us can do, other than patronize the local 'quarter car wash' (actually a buck-and-a-half for four minutes) on a regular basis. I would posit that anything you would be able to stuff in and around the lights, hood, grille and bumper to stop the influx of salt cocktail would either block the airflow, or worse, act like a sponge, soak up all the slop, and wick it right onto the metal parts you are trying to protect....not a good long-term solution, or even a short term one. One question, though....is the large plastic splash pan which covers the front suspension and the lower front end of the engine on your car? If not, get one right away! This will at least prevent some kick up from the road, and it has the added benefit of protecting the engine, suspension and trans, to a certain extent. It also aids in cooling the engine, by directing airflow around and down the sides. Good luck and Keep On Rinsing!