Anyone have a good source for a cover i can use to help warm engine while I drive? or even a DIY

 

Take a cardboard box and cut it to fit behind the grill.

 

I do the cardboard thing with a black trash bag cover (protects from moisture) during the coldest part of winter. It helps keep the temps up while running the 180 thermostat. I cover about 1/3 of the radiator and it works fine.

 

i thought about that, but I do not want a soggy mess on my hands after thermal cycles. Thought about making a cardboard template them doing it in wood, but not sure on the air flow characteristics and do not want to create hot spots for the radiator or trans cooler either. Maybe I will just leave it alone.
Note: with the middle of the temp guage hitting 210 degrees, mine runs about 180 in the summer hence the logic behind using a screen in the winter

 

I ran with just cardboard ziptied in behind the grill... As long as you pull it out when its not wet, it wont fall apart. Also used black spray paint on it bc the brown sticks out pretty bad

 

Instead of doing it behind the grill, I always did mine in between the radiator and ac condenser. There are cut outs on the top of the radiator (get eye level) and you will see two slits that work perfect for zip ties. I reinforced with duct tape where the zipties were going. Never once had a problem with water being that far back. And yes I painted it to color match the truck.

 

Plexi glass.

 

Find a upholstery shop and have them make a winter front that can snapped open to several sized openings like the big trucks have.
I've done this in the past.

 

http://www.showtimefab.com/products.html

 

thanks - if they are going solid grilles I assume there would be no issue with the flow