Not a thing you ever see in this country, a motor running at below optimum temp must though use more fuel(as well as the heater not working as well).
When I was a kid, some trucks (and cars) used to have them, I always assumed they disappeared because engine design improved, most vehicles since the 1970s seem to reach a fairly standard operating temperature even in cold weather.
Is the rad circuit not controlled by a theromostat in trucks, like it would be in a car? As when the engine is below optimum temp the rad wouldn’t be in use if it’s got a thermostat, therefore making rad covers not required.
The American drivers always seem to be showing off their bra’s
We called them radiator blinds and they were always advertised in Car Mechanics and Practical Motorist magazine.
manowar:
Is the rad circuit not controlled by a theromostat in trucks, like it would be in a car? As when the engine is below optimum temp the rad wouldn’t be in use if it’s got a thermostat, therefore making rad covers not required.
Yes, but when it’s really cold you want to stop the air getting around the engine too, a ‘winter front’ will achieve this, we’re talking about temps below -15c though, so not so much of an issue there, I’m currently sporting my winter front, wish I wasn’t, it’s bleeding freezing 
I usually block up my grill in the car in the winter, Beginning of last week I was driving to work 13miles, and it was just getting to temperature and staying there after about 12miles. Thursday I took an old settee cushion and shoved it all in front of the radiator behind the grill and drove to work, it then got up to temperature in 3miles. Saturday I took it for a run and thrashed it down the dc at 90 for 10 miles to Lincoln and it still didn’t go over the normal temperature, obviously it gets plenty enough cooling from underneath.
newmercman:
manowar:
Is the rad circuit not controlled by a theromostat in trucks, like it would be in a car? As when the engine is below optimum temp the rad wouldn’t be in use if it’s got a thermostat, therefore making rad covers not required.Yes, but when it’s really cold you want to stop the air getting around the engine too, a ‘winter front’ will achieve this, we’re talking about temps below -15c though, so not so much of an issue there, I’m currently sporting my winter front, wish I wasn’t, it’s bleeding freezing
See your point!
My winter front on, route 5 to Jasper from Kamloops
a feed bag was a standard fitting to Series Landrovers back in their day 
I have been racking my brain to remember the automatic radiator blinds advertised in 60’s magazines. Kenlowe made fans, but there was another company with a similar name who made blinds. I do remember my uncle having a car with one that could be released with a chain on the dash.
oldclassiccar.co.uk/radiator-blinds.htm
Cold is a relative term. Use the handy list below to overcome the confusion:
Degrees (Fahrenheit)
65 - Hawaiians declare a two-blanket night
60 - Californians put on sweaters (if they can find one)
50 - Miami residents turn on the heat
45 - Vermont residents go to outdoor concerts
40 - You can see your breath
- Californians shiver uncontrollably
- Minnesotans go swimming
35 - Italian cars don’t start
32 - Water freezes
30 - You plan your vacation to Australia
25 - Ohio water freezes
- Californians weep pitiably
- Minnesotans eat ice cream
- Canadians go swimming
20 - Politicians begin to talk about the homeless
- New York City water freezes
- Miami residents plan vacation further South
15 - French cars don’t start
- Cat insists on sleeping in your bed with you
10 - You need jumper cables to get the car going
5 - American cars don’t start
0 - Alaskans put on T-shirts
-10 - German cars don’t start
- Eyes freeze shut when you blink
-15 - You can cut your breath and use it to build an igloo
- Arkansans stick tongue on metal objects
- Miami residents cease to exist
-20 - Cat insists on sleeping in pyjamas with you
- Politicians actually do something about the homeless
- Minnesotans shovel snow off roof
- Japanese cars don’t start
-25 - Too cold to think
- You need jumper cables to get the driver going
-30 - You plan a two week hot bath
- Swedish cars don’t start
-40 - Californians disappear
- Minnesotans button top button
- Canadians put on sweaters
- Your car helps you plan your trip South
-50 - Congressional hot air freezes
- Russian cars don’t start
- Alaskans close the bathroom window
-80 - Hell freezes over
- Polar bears move South
-90 - Lawyers put their hands in their own pockets
you forgot
-85 Newcastle United fans actually put their football tops over their bald heads and bellies 
Wheel Nut, are you thinking of The Kaysor Radiator Shutter
Dieseldogsix:
Wheel Nut, are you thinking of The Kaysor Radiator Shutter
That’s the one I think, cheers. I may sleep tonight or spend all night worrying where my May 1963 copy of Practical Motorist is 
Grill covers are quite common on series II and series IIa land rovers, I live in a rural area, always wondered why the farmers had them on during the cold months, the above posts explain all.
I have used radiator covers from Churchills Cabinets. You guys can also try them, http://www.churchillscabinets.co.uk.
Now then, is cutemaria being humorous or being a woman? Vote now! 
cutemaria:
I have used radiator covers from ****. You guys can also try them, *****
oh look it’s
