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Deezler · 01-12-2016, 01:52 PM

But then it was time to spend a little money.

Some tonneau cover manufacturers claim as much as 10% mpg improvement from a simple cover. Bull sh!t, but, it can't hurt. I wanted one to protect my cargo anyway, so it made sense to buy and install one more or less right away after I bought the truck. Installed it at work as soon as it arrived:

One thing I always do to my vehicles is install a badge-less front grill. I dunno why, I just really love a stealthier look. It also makes fabrication of a partial grill-block that much easier.

First, pull the grill shell / front clip and cut out the stock GMC part.

Then fit the replacement:

I didn't get pics of making the grill block itself. I cut some abs plastic rather meticulously until it fit nicely and just zip-tied it in behind the new grill. I estimate the block-off of the main upper grill opening at around 70%. Plenty of airflow hitting the radiator still; I may block the lower openings if I can figure out a clean way to do it (no duct tape for me).

01-12-2016, 01:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
Deezler Master EcoModder Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 261 Bio Deezler (sold) - '03 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 90 day: 50.78 mpg (US) The Beast. - '03 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLT 90 day: 12.86 mpg (US) Thanks: 0 Thanked 36 Times in 22 Posts	But then it was time to spend a little money. Some tonneau cover manufacturers claim as much as 10% mpg improvement from a simple cover. Bull sh!t, but, it can't hurt. I wanted one to protect my cargo anyway, so it made sense to buy and install one more or less right away after I bought the truck. Installed it at work as soon as it arrived: One thing I always do to my vehicles is install a badge-less front grill. I dunno why, I just really love a stealthier look. It also makes fabrication of a partial grill-block that much easier. First, pull the grill shell / front clip and cut out the stock GMC part. Then fit the replacement: I didn't get pics of making the grill block itself. I cut some abs plastic rather meticulously until it fit nicely and just zip-tied it in behind the new grill. I estimate the block-off of the main upper grill opening at around 70%. Plenty of airflow hitting the radiator still; I may block the lower openings if I can figure out a clean way to do it (no duct tape for me).