On Fri, 16 Jan 2004, zolo wrote:

> Reading the hard cold conditions, I remember that cars used to get a cover
> for the front to block the wind out either partly or completely, keeping the
> engine warmer, the heater more efficient, the thermostat to open, etc.
> Some guys just put a piece of cardboard there for the cold days.

Be careful what vehicles you use this advice on.  It may be okay on a
Vanagon, but (for example) Fords with oil-to-air transmission coolers
sometimes react badly to having all the airflow through the transmission
cooler cut off.

It shouldn't be necessary to block off part of the radiator if your
thermostat works.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon