It's getting cold here quickly.

So, I now have both my upper and lower grills blocked from the inside with black coroplast. Looks pretty good, IMO, and I'm noticing I can get to temperature more quickly and maintain temperature better. I'll take a couple picks to post soon...

Question: In the lower grill (below the bumper) on my '08 NAH, there is some kind of sensor visible to the right of the license plate.

What is that? Can it be shifted slightly? Can it be blocked? Hope so!

Thanks,
Eph

 

I believe the sensor is the outside temperature probe. The output can be called up in the LCD info display in the instrument panel. It probably won't read properly if the airflow is blocked.

I would assume you could relocate.

 

Eph, Sounds like a good idea, what thickness coroplast are you using 1/4 , 1/8th and where did you get it??
Post some pics please..

 

I used 1/8" black coroplast that I bought from a sign store. This is the same stuff that the political yard signs are made out of.

I keep forgetting to take pictures, but will soon.

Eph

 

yes, please take some pix please

 

OK, finally had a chance to take some pictures. I used black coroplast and some black nylon "TouchDown Clamps" made by Sioux Cheif that I bought in the plumbing department at Lowes.

Here's a shot of the lower grill block:



You can also see the plug for my Engine Block Heater on the left. The 3-pronged plug is covered with a plastic cap when not in use.

The TouchDown clamps are also available at Ace Hardware:

550-11PK2 TouchDown Clamps

and come in a packet that looks like this:



They use a "zip tie"-like tooth/groove system to lock in place, and this size is perfect with 1/8" coroplast.

Here are some other shots of the grill block:









I think it looks pretty good. Blends in very nicely and the clamps are hardly noticeable.
The only thing I would have done differently is to mount the clamps from the inside on the lower grill, so that they can be removed more easily. You have to insert a flathead screwdriver into the ends to release them, and that'll be very hard to do from the inside!

Eph

 

Can you not just lay it against the rad..H

 

I suppose. But, there's a lot of room in between the grill and the radiator. So, it will probably "flap around" in there. It also probably wouldn't be as effective... But, better than nothing!

Eph