Fitted winter fronts
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 65
From: 'Pitlock, Maine
Fitted winter fronts
Hey all, I have an 07 350SD and am considering a winter front for obvious reasons ( I live in north central Maine and the temps get very cold here in winter (19* the past two mornings and 40's during the day) I would like to have a fitted front that didn't require drilling the chrome grill and would like to know if anyone has a link to some that don't require that? or a link to a thread here would get me pointed in the right direction would be good too. I have read about the fronts with the stick-on type grommets but all say the don't stay. So what if any options do I have? Thanks for any input, it will be much appreciated
P.S. and yes I have done the cardboard behind the grill before, LOL It's just not that pretty.
P.S. and yes I have done the cardboard behind the grill before, LOL It's just not that pretty.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
2005-2007 Ford F250 Fia Custom Fit Grille Cover - Fia WF922-13
Yes it uses stick on snaps, but mine has been in place since 2007 and haven't ever come off. Just clean under the stickies before you put them on.
You can see the little black nubbin deals in this pic:
Maybe buy a cheap second grille if you're worried about appearances when the cover isn't installed:
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...FQif4AodwDkAEw
I'd rather have the positive and easy attachment snaps than dealing with straps like the OEM ones that came with the 6.4Ls.
Yes it uses stick on snaps, but mine has been in place since 2007 and haven't ever come off. Just clean under the stickies before you put them on.
You can see the little black nubbin deals in this pic:
Maybe buy a cheap second grille if you're worried about appearances when the cover isn't installed:
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...FQif4AodwDkAEw
I'd rather have the positive and easy attachment snaps than dealing with straps like the OEM ones that came with the 6.4Ls.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Central Colorado
I have the Fia cover on mine as well. Have not used the winter cover yet, but the bug screen is great. It kept tons of bugs out when traveling thru bugland (NE, KS OK, TX 
) in the summer.
It has been thru multiple car washes, even the one that have the big spinning brushes and the snaps have not come off. As Texastech said, clean the area where you are installing the snaps really well.
) in the summer. It has been thru multiple car washes, even the one that have the big spinning brushes and the snaps have not come off. As Texastech said, clean the area where you are installing the snaps really well.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 145
From: Billings, Montana
You shouldn't need one until you get well below zero like in the -30 deg range. An old trick we do here in Montana is just put a piece of cardboard in from of the radiator, it's a lot cheaper, then when it warms up you just pull it out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
ditto, I have the FIA fitted cold weather and bug screen combo also.
I did order the drill on tabs (haven't used them yet).
I find the bug screen ends up leaving a stain where it contacts the white painted grille (vs. your chrome). My grille is cracked, so I wasn't too worried and I do plan to use the drill on tabs once i get all of them positioned perfectly (one or two need tweaking to get them just right).
The cold weather cover REALLY helps when it gets into the 60s here in FL, 'cause my BPD oil cooler works way too good to keep the oil hot when I am cruising around
I did order the drill on tabs (haven't used them yet).
I find the bug screen ends up leaving a stain where it contacts the white painted grille (vs. your chrome). My grille is cracked, so I wasn't too worried and I do plan to use the drill on tabs once i get all of them positioned perfectly (one or two need tweaking to get them just right).
The cold weather cover REALLY helps when it gets into the 60s here in FL, 'cause my BPD oil cooler works way too good to keep the oil hot when I am cruising around
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 65
From: 'Pitlock, Maine
Ok, so it would appear the stick-on retainers will work with a little extra care putting them on. That being said if they DO come unglued will the screw on type retainers work with what ever is on the front itself? or are they unique to the ones that come with the front that are glued on?
................. and I know I don't NEED the front until it gets a lot colder than the 20*above I'm seeing now BUT diesels are like women they like to be warm and will give you better service if you make them happy. Just an observation that I have found to be true in most cases.
................. and I know I don't NEED the front until it gets a lot colder than the 20*above I'm seeing now BUT diesels are like women they like to be warm and will give you better service if you make them happy.
Just an observation that I have found to be true in most cases.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
A few of my plastic snaps took rock hits over the years, I got a little baggy of plastic snaps off eBay and they worked. It had a weird sizing thing on it, like #20 or something. I'd assume (yeah, I know) that metal ones in the correct size would work just fine.
I'm all for running the cover. It warms up faster, stays warmer while driving, doesn't seem to screw with my IAT2 reading, and doesn't make the fan run weird, so it doesn't seem to be hurting anything at least.
I'm all for running the cover. It warms up faster, stays warmer while driving, doesn't seem to screw with my IAT2 reading, and doesn't make the fan run weird, so it doesn't seem to be hurting anything at least.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 65
From: 'Pitlock, Maine
A few of my plastic snaps took rock hits over the years, I got a little baggy of plastic snaps off eBay and they worked. It had a weird sizing thing on it, like #20 or something. I'd assume (yeah, I know) that metal ones in the correct size would work just fine.
I'm all for running the cover. It warms up faster, stays warmer while driving, doesn't seem to screw with my IAT2 reading, and doesn't make the fan run weird, so it doesn't seem to be hurting anything at least.
I'm all for running the cover. It warms up faster, stays warmer while driving, doesn't seem to screw with my IAT2 reading, and doesn't make the fan run weird, so it doesn't seem to be hurting anything at least.
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Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
Be careful behind a plow with a cover though, running with it raised up can cause issues; that's why the plow package trucks came with a different fan clutch that helps move air when direct flow is blocked by the plow. If you have an ECT gauge you'll be fine because you can see the actual reading and won't overheat anything.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 65
From: 'Pitlock, Maine
Be careful behind a plow with a cover though, running with it raised up can cause issues; that's why the plow package trucks came with a different fan clutch that helps move air when direct flow is blocked by the plow. If you have an ECT gauge you'll be fine because you can see the actual reading and won't overheat anything.
I do have a SGII and monitor my ECT, EOT, battery volts and FICM volts all the time but if I can't use a front without a hassle I may just do without for now.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 740
Likes: 92
ditto, I have the FIA fitted cold weather and bug screen combo also.
I did order the drill on tabs (haven't used them yet).
I find the bug screen ends up leaving a stain where it contacts the white painted grille (vs. your chrome). My grille is cracked, so I wasn't too worried and I do plan to use the drill on tabs once i get all of them positioned perfectly (one or two need tweaking to get them just right).
The cold weather cover REALLY helps when it gets into the 60s here in FL, 'cause my BPD oil cooler works way too good to keep the oil hot when I am cruising around
I did order the drill on tabs (haven't used them yet).
I find the bug screen ends up leaving a stain where it contacts the white painted grille (vs. your chrome). My grille is cracked, so I wasn't too worried and I do plan to use the drill on tabs once i get all of them positioned perfectly (one or two need tweaking to get them just right).
The cold weather cover REALLY helps when it gets into the 60s here in FL, 'cause my BPD oil cooler works way too good to keep the oil hot when I am cruising around
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
With a BPD oil cooler and no cold-weather kit, yeah it could be a problem. If it's running way to cold because of the massive oil-to-air heat exchanger he added up front, he has to do something. Personally I'd just add the kit to keep the oil at least at 180*, but cheap fixes are cheap.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 740
Likes: 92
With a BPD oil cooler and no cold-weather kit, yeah it could be a problem. If it's running way to cold because of the massive oil-to-air heat exchanger he added up front, he has to do something. Personally I'd just add the kit to keep the oil at least at 180*, but cheap fixes are cheap.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 65
From: 'Pitlock, Maine
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 740
Likes: 92
While I don't have a BPD oil cooler I don't believe you could put a thermostat in an oil line. Oil is not meant to be held up along the loop from the pump into the engine and back to the pan it isn't like the cooling system where the thermostat holds the water in the engine until it reaches temp and then lets it flow again. Oil lubes the friction points by way of pressure without the full flow you don't have full pressure. Are you confused yet? I know I am.LOL!