winter question

[schlegle1]

So about 3 months ago i did a vinyl wrap on my Z71 grille and it looks perfect. However now that winter is fast approaching (its -17 here already) I'm looking for something to protect my grille and front end for that matter from the salt, snow, and cold weather in general. Therefore i was wondering, can i run one of those mesh/leather grille covers that they have for the diesels on my truck in the winter time? Or will it affect airflow too much? (id be buying one from the dealership not something aftermarket so id make sure that it fit correctly)

 

Any opinions?

[00Silverado4x4]

I think you may run into a possible engine overheating problem with a grill cover. I used to live in Alaska and even at -30*F my truck cranked up just fine, never garage kept or block heater plugged in. I personally don't have a suggestion for an alternative idea, but if you do go with what your thinking, just keep close eye on the engine temp gage.

[redwngr]

GM probably has one designed for your truck.

 

(the grills on the 2500/3500's are larger than the 1500's so they won't work)

 

I once bought one from gm for a pontiac minivan.

 

The downside of the cover, is that when salt/roadgrime gets under the cover -- well you might be better off without one.

[SteveBBB]

So about 3 months ago i did a vinyl wrap on my Z71 grille and it looks perfect. However now that winter is fast approaching (its -17 here already) I'm looking for something to protect my grille and front end for that matter from the salt, snow, and cold weather in general. Therefore i was wondering, can i run one of those mesh/leather grille covers that they have for the diesels on my truck in the winter time? Or will it affect airflow too much? (id be buying one from the dealership not something aftermarket so id make sure that it fit correctly)

 

Any opinions?

-17? Where do you live???

[Dropsix]

I wouldn't mind something to protect the bumper from rocks and salt..

[kstruckcountry]

The vinyl wrap will do fine protecting the grille, just replace it if it gets beat up.

[schlegle1]

well it was such a pain to wrap the thing that i want to keep it nice for as long as possible and it'd be nice to keep the salt off if possible. i was just curious if id run into any engine issues with running one on my gasser. Id take it off before it gets warm obviously, but id just run it for the major part of the winter.

[MattUofM]

clear plastidip it!. spray it on thick and leave it on all winter. then peel it off in the spring. doing mine this weekend and ive done it to my last two vehicles. i live in montana(rock chip capitol) and i make it through the winter unscathed

[Clocked92]

Never heard of clear plastidip, that could be useful.

 

When you say you vinyl wrap, I assume you mean a clear one like the XPEL stuff I have on my truck. If so, the purpose of that stuff is to protect from rock chips. I'd just replace it when it gets beat up. If you do replace it, go with the XPEL because it "self heals" when it gets hit with rocks

 

As for salt, I wash my truck every week regardless of how dirty it looks to get salt off it.

 

I wouldn't mind finding a winter front for my truck but can't seem to find one that would work with the AT grille

[Dropsix]

I also didn't know about clear plastidip!

 

I'll be doing that!