So I went to Lowes today and picket up a couple of 6' lengths of the smooth Frost King insulation, despite it being the self-stick variety (I figured I could just leave the plastic on it and deal). I went out to the car with a pair ov scisors, and proceeded to start trying to block the upper grille first (since that one looks easier). I was able to successfully block the lower of the 2 slots, although the 2 ends stick out a little more than I'd like (I cut slits for the verticals as I went). I originally started with the upper slot, but since i was having trouble I figured I'd try the lower one and then come back to it. Unfortunately, my second attempt was no better than the first, as the upper slot is a little narrower vertically than the lower one, and I just couldn't get the insulation squeezed enough to stick it in. Add to that the self-stick getting stuck on the car, and I called it quits (after getting as much residue off as I could, which was almost all of it). *hangs head in (mostly mock) shame* So here's my questions: a) What size tubing do you use to block the upper grille? I used 1/2" thick, for 1" pipes, which seems to be a little too big. And b), looking at the lower grille, it's a lot less sturdy (it's plastic), and a lot narrower. So I think I just want to do some sort of single piece baffle behind the grille and secure it as unobtrusively as possible. How do you get something like that in there? Opening the hood doesn't really give much access to that part of the car... Also, in light of b), does anyone have a suggestion for a specific method? It looks to me like a lot of work to make all the cutouts to stuff something into the lower grille, so that's why I'm thinking this way... Anyway, we'll see if my ScanGuage shows any difference on the way home with one upper blocked, but I'm guessing no... Josh
I split the insulation lenghtwise to make it smaller and that wedged in quite nicely in the to upper slat and the lower slats.
Josh - I used the extruded poly-foam type that you wrap around plumbing pipes - 1/2 inch. Like EFusco, I cut mine lengthwise and even trimmed it with scissors, so it was a little bit narrower, then flattened it a bit between my hands and pushed it in the slots. Narrowing the insulation helped.
I just put mine back in (weather has been a rollercoaster around here). Here is what I used: 3/8" thick polyethylene fits 3/4' copper or 1/2' iron pipes pre-split slip-on design with R-Value of 2.1 4 3-foot lengths just under $3 at The Home Depot this has no adhesive For the top section: I cut one piece in half lengthwise and one half fit the first opening perfectly. I trimmed the second half a little for the second opening. This was extremely easy to do because it just fits snugly. For the lower section: I took another 3-foot piece and cut in half lengthwise again. I had to trim the pieces a little and also cut notches to fit around the vertical parts, but still relatively easy to do. I still have two pieces left, for spares, or in case I want to block more slots, or in case I have a pipe to insulate! Good luck!
Scroll through this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-m...ng-blocked-grill.html?highlight=first+morning There are pictures a'plenty showing different methods. And remember, it's not that you messed up; you eliminated one possible method. Every experience provides a learning opportunity. There are no negative learning opportunities. Ergo: there are no negative experiences.
Thanks for the pointer. And I know I didn't mess up, I was just frustrated that my idea didn't work. As I like to say, "Everyone has an idea that won't work. That was mine for today..." It was especially aggrivating because I accidentally put my knee in the mud while doing it... I'll try trimming the intact piece I still have and see if I can put that in - at least that will get the upper grille blocked. I still think I want to do some sort of solid block behind the lower grille if I can figure out a good way to do it - anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Josh
Success! Thanks to everyone who suggested cutting the insulation in half! I cut off a strip on both sides to remove the adhesive parts, and was able to block the upper slot just fine. Interestingly, while it's a totally non-scientific observation, it appeared to me on my way home this evening that even blocking just one of the two upper grille slots seemed to help - I averaged ~30MPG in the 1st 5 minutes, which was noticably better than previous trips home (all 4 of them prior to tonight ). We'll see how blocking both does in the morning! Thanks again, and now to figure out my best way to block the bottoms! Josh
