I found some weatherstrip in the hardware store and put it inside the hinge and down the sides. Plus some self stick bulb weatherstrip on the bottom of the rear vertical piece where it butts against the tailgate. No rain gets in, either parked or while driving.
The grille block is 3M window cover. I found it in the hardware store. I used the exterior stuff. It looks exactly like the interior grade, but is twice as thick. The original piece lasted until I hit the deer earlier this year.
I currently have the upper grille 100% blocked with window film, the two lower grille openings 100% blocked with acrylic plastic, and the opening under the license plate 100% blocked with Gorilla tape. The only opening is the slot between the grille and the bumper. So far, no increase in engine temperature with outside temperatures up to 88 deg F and the A/C running.
The handle in the center is a garage door handle. It locks.
I also have a 3 mile commute, with three stop signs each way. In summer, I usually get mid 30's MPG on that commute. Occasionally over 40 under ideal conditions. At least, that's what the Scangauge says.
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06 Canyon: The vacuum gauge plus wheel covers helped increase summer 2015 mileage to 38.5 MPG, while summer 2016 mileage was 38.6 MPG without the wheel covers. Drove 33,021 miles 2016-2018 at 35.00 MPG.
22 Maverick: Summer 2022 burned 62.74 gallons in 3145.1 miles for 50.1 MPG. Winter 2023-2024 - 2416.7 miles, 58.66 gallons for 41 MPG.
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