Cover For The Radiater ?

[EErmert]

IT DID GET COLD HERE LAST TWO DAYS ... SAW 1* f ON CD TEMP GAGE ON OVERHEAD... SOOOO, I PUT A PLASTIC 3MIL LARGE CONTRACTORS G-BAG OVER THE A/C RAD... IT DID HELP, ANY ONE KNOW OF A KIT OR SUCH? THANKS FOR THE INPUT...



'03 3500 QC, HO, 6SP, STOCK, SWB, SRW, WHITE, ANTI-SPIN, SLT 30K NOW

 

[Matt400]

One degree is pretty cold for sure! We are in the 30's here and next week should get into the 20's and even I don't like the cold running CTD.



When it gets in the 20's I plug in using an extension cord that has a timer in the garage (truck stays outside) so I plug in when I get home. Timer clicks on an hour before I leave for work and clicks off just after I leave so the cord is not hot when I am gone.

I moved my plug to the right side tow hook area so I don't have to open the hood.



That helps a bunch and I like the idea of covering the air intake except then there is no air flow over the intercooler or the A/C condenser. Since the compressor runs in the defrost mode that would escalate condenser pressure but should be protected and shut off by the high pressure switch.



Anyone else with some warm ideas other than a coat & gloves?

 

[JCrockett]

My buddy has a winter front/Screen on his CTD from Alaska Tent and Tarp. I am planning on getting one installed on mine when it gets here. These guys have a great product, it installs right over the A/C cooler so it is out of sight when the hood is closed. They also make a screen for the summer that mounts in the same location, keeps all the nasty bugs out of the cooler. Here is the web address http://www.alaskatent.com/products/covers/winter_fronts.htm



Hope this helps

 

[BRayls]

I made one out of a sheet of aluminum with many 1. 5 inch holes to let some air through. I made brackets to mount between the radiator and intercooler. brackets are u-channel so as to remove /install easy.

 

[Blakers]

Check the Base Enterprises section of the classified. There's a guy on there who usually sells winter front grill inserts that he makes. They work great and still allow some air for the intercooler.



Blake

 

[slowneasy]

Decent radiator cover

EErmert-

FIA (http://www.gofia.com/index.cfm?pageID=20) makes a decent winter/summer front cover. It attaches to the front of the grill guard and is held in place with "stick-a-studs". Alaska Tent and Tarp seem to be real nice too though.

 

[GEM]

Get CABELA's Full Catalog and You will find a nice on there

 

[JMTJr]

Mopar # 82208646 is the number for the radiator cover. It has 4 different flap positions allowing you to run it from fully closed to all four open. You will notice appreciably faster warm up times when driving. Obviously you should pay attention to the temperature gauge.

 

[SLinse]

-30 hear the other night. Love the Alaska tent and tarp winterfront/screen front.

 

[Matt400]

Mopar # 82208646 is the number for the radiator cover. It has 4 different flap positions allowing you to run it from fully closed to all four open.

Interesting... . gonna have to check that out, thanks for the part #. With 4 positions I suppose one could find a happy medium that would allow leaving it that way for the winter as long as they drive the same route.



BTW welcome to TDR

 

[Matt400]

Got mine last week, fits like a glove, easy install and the 4 flaps are great. Money well spent for those cold days.

 

[rbattelle]

Got mine last week, fits like a glove, easy install and the 4 flaps are great. Money well spent for those cold days.

How about a picture!



-Ryan

 

[Matt400]

Ok Ryan. . here ya go, this one is with all 4 flaps closed:

#ad




And this one is with 3 of the 4 open:

#ad




It snowed last night so I'm liken it. Auto trans owners should have a gauge when using it cuz it blocks the trans cooler.

 

[rbattelle]

HOLY COW THAT THING IS HUGE!

 

[Matt400]

Yes. . but it keeps things toasty.

 

[coobie]

Yes. . but it keeps things toasty.

I agree Matt,and so does the wife :-laf . I have had the Dodge factory winterfront on for the last 4 months (Michigan) just removed it today. I think its the only way to go IMHO coobie

 

[Matt400]

I got it mainly for short trips, from work its 7 miles all down hill and with all 4 closed its still pretty cool when I get home but at least I have heat.

The 7 mi trip to work up hill gets just one flap open. This is in the 30's so I may be a Winnie but at least I'm a warm one. I will pull it all the way off for out of town runs especially if temps creep into the 40's.

 

[llotton]

Radiator covers

The covers sold in Cabelas are the "gofia" covers. I like the cover but the "stick-a-studs" are not of very good quality and don't always stick. I have started replacing the ones that come loose with snaps that attach with small screws. Another problem is that for those with the factory Bug-rock deflectors the snaps are spaced so they exactly cover one of the screw fasteners used to hold the shield to the grill. Those covered are the ones first away from the center of the grill. I jsut bit the bullit and drilled right in the center of those and replacet the stick-a-studs as above.

All in all I like the covers which by the way come with a seperate "bug screen" for use during the non cold months. Larry