Marauder,
I had the same problem and I will likewise be making some sort of screen. I haven’t got to that bridge yet, but I do recall seeing an aftermarket screen somewhere. I’ll see what I can dig up if someone else doesn’t beat me to it.

Be thankful you just had leaves! Mine was so bad that the very bottom of that cowl recess down deep in front of the door was full of black dirt! Compost quality! I could had sprouted the best darn potatoes in that dirt. I couldn’t believe it. I wash and rinsed and washed and rinsed the bugger out of those areas.


1970 Chevrolet C10
Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny
Follow the build in the Project Journal
1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually
"Ole Red Girl"
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pictures here
1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's
Parts trucks-
1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300