->  TW>  Nope, the Bean Counters called for them so they could save a few
->  TW> Pennies on the Radiators used. Adn when you are selling 
->  TW> multimillions of vehicles a couple of dollars per vehicle adds up 
->  TW> Fast.

-> Modern cars with electrical fans no longer need the big shrouds, but I feel
-> they were left in place for 'liability' reasons.  The owners manuals still say
-> to "Check transmission fluid level with the engine running and
warmed up and
-> car in Park or Neutral".  Most present owners don't even know
there is a fan
-> there, nor that it can remove fingers, and they are nearly invisible while
-> running.

I see a lot of cars with two electric Fans. That is of course becasue
the lowwer hoods demand a wider radiator. Adn since the Radiators are
cut to the bone on BTU removal capabilities the shrouding in MANDITORY. 
Modern cars also have a lot more sealing/ ducting to prevent Hot Air
from being recirculated to improve the ability of the radiator to cool
the engine. ANY saftey is secondary to cooling effecency.

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