grill block? expansion foam? need ideas..

[Chris D.]

I have a Tacoma pickup..

I need to block my grill because the temps are getting low and my regular running water temp is getting lower and lower..



due to the style of my grill, i'm thinking of laying something over it and trying my luck at making a grill plug from the outside and try that..


unless anyone else has any ideas, what are your thoughts?

[Daox]

I'd go with coroplast or plexiglas over the grill similar to what I did with the Matrix. Its quick, easy, and looks good. Check the the build link in my sig for more info.

If you want something easier, theres always tape.

[i_am_socket]

Clear packing tape works if you want to test before doing something more permanent. My upper grill block works as does the lower (which needs a little redesign 'cuz it works too good right now).

[lunarhighway]

sometimes the quickest easyest fix is to put a sheet of coroplast behind the grill.... give it a shot of black paint and noone will know it's there.

not aerodynamically perfect, but it does keep air out of the engine bay, and it looks good.

so it curest most of your problems right away while you have time to look for a more elegant solution.

even a sheet of cardboard or a plastic bag will bail you out

[Sunwapta]

Decorative stainless steel grill cover

Have you looked for one of those? Seems to me that every second Ford or GM has them around here. They are usually vented with dozens of little holes or slots but I imagine that they do a good job of grill blocking - and work as winter fronts for part of the year as well.

[hamorhead]

I used carboard-then expanding foam-covered by plexiglass it looks really good clean-almost factory
i drilled no holes or cut anything on the car so when i sell my car no one will ever know it was there
link-http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16808

[trikkonceptz]

If your goal is heating and not aero, consider using a flat piece of anything and experiment with different cut out sizes and block the radiator directly, from inside the engine bay. If you are looking for aero upgrades then follow the suggestions of our fellow members.

[Sean T.]

You should try blocking your lower vent with an idiot on a bicycle... Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I think the metal sheet sounds like a really good idea. You could easily drill holes and attach it with brackets that go around those posts in your grille.

Lol, It wouldn't even look like an aero mod, people would probably think it was just for looks.

[Chris D.]

Originally Posted by trikkonceptz

If your goal is heating and not aero, consider using a flat piece of anything and experiment with different cut out sizes and block the radiator directly, from inside the engine bay. If you are looking for aero upgrades then follow the suggestions of our fellow members.

well, I'm looking for form, function and looks as well as heating and areo..
I want it all..

as for suggestions from fellow members, thats why this post excists

I'd like make something that wont ruin the grill or cause rub marks..

Originally Posted by Sean T.

You should try blocking your lower vent with an idiot on a bicycle..

Its a little rough on the bumper, doesn't work well

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by Chris D.

I'd like make something that wont ruin the grill or cause rub marks

looked into what it takes to remove your current grill? removing it might do more than just save the grill, it would open up more/different possibilities for how you mount the grill block.