Anyone ever used a 'LeBra' type front end protector for winter grill blocking?

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by RAM v, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. RAM v

    RAM v Junior Member

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    With temps below zero a lot up here in the frozen north (Minnesota) I'm looking for something to block the grill to help with engine warmup (and therefore better mileage).
    I was wondering if anyone had ever bought a front end grill/bumper/hood protector like a LeBra and then just cover over behind some or most of the grill areas. I could see modifying it with flaps I could open if needed for cooling like I had on the Fia grill cover I had on my old Ford Escape Hybrid.

    Dick
     
    #1 RAM v, Jan 13, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't recall anyone mentioning it. do they make a prius bra?
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 13, 2015
  3. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    If you take a close look at the ChuggyPig (my 2009 Gen II Prius - see my photo albums) you'll see it wears sort of a mini-bra thingy - it came like it so either the previous owner fitted it, or it was part of the new package. I think it rather spoils the nice lines, but I suppose it does its job protecting the paint and improving the airflow over the windscreen. hope this helps - Wil
     
    #3 WilDavis, Jan 13, 2015
  4. RAM v

    RAM v Junior Member

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    I did find a LeBra for my 2014 Prius v (with a 9-10 week lead time) available several places.

    In my case I'm looking to modify it slightly by blocking off some/most of the screened areas over the grill area to make an effective grill block for faster winter warmup. Any paint protection would be an added bonus. I'm not planning on leaving it on year round.

    I was just wondering if anyone had done this before - or would I be a pioneer.

    Dick
     
    #4 RAM v, Jan 14, 2015
  5. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    No, I haven't used one, but yes, they do work. Most of them serve a multi-role as rock-guard and bug-screen as well. They work better than cardboard-on-the-rad, because the fan can compensate better in warm conditions without much air-restriction though the rad.
     
    #5 GregP507, Jan 14, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i suppose it would ooh better than my styrofoam mouth guard.:p
     
    #6 bisco, Jan 14, 2015
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Back to the 80's??? :eek:

    If I were worried about such things I'd probably use a clear 3M paint protection coating on the painted surfaces and block the grill with black pipe insulation as many have done in this forum.
    As hokey as it sounds, I've seen them in the wild and if properly done doesn't look bad.

    Leather bras can cause more damage than they prevent if they're not properly installed.



    Good Luck!
     
    #7 ETC(SS), Jan 14, 2015
  8. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Yes, vibration can rub off paint, and moisture and dirt lodged under it can permanently stain it. Sunlight can also give you "tan-lines" around the bra as the paint ages.
     
    #8 GregP507, Jan 14, 2015
  9. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Most people use "le pool noodle" and "le pipe insulation", split and applied to the grill fins as blockers.
     
    #9 Air_Boss, Jan 14, 2015
  10. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    I prefer cardboard behind the grill and separated from the radiator by at least 3-4", but only when the engine thermostat can't cope with the low temperatures. Doesn't look as homely in my opinion.
     
    #10 GregP507, Jan 14, 2015
  11. RAM v

    RAM v Junior Member

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    I guess I'll re-check out the pipe insulation route and see if it looks like it will be acceptable appearance-wise.
     
    #11 RAM v, Jan 14, 2015
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there are threads here with pics, i just don't walk around the front of my car in winter.:p
     
    #12 bisco, Jan 14, 2015
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