automated grilleblock

[DarbyWalters]

It would also works with "drop doors" to cover the hole...let gravity work for ya...lol

[Philip1]

unfortunately I don't have the height nor the depth for drop doors that is why I went with a pocket style. I need to figure out an actuator for it now but a 6" throw won't be easy to come by.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

you could try to use an arm to multiply the movement. it shouldn't take much space to make this happen. the top is an example of what you were planning on doing. just plain old attaching it. the lower is using a pivot arm. it is stationary at the bottom. if you attach the actuator half way between the two attachment points, it should double the distance of the movement. there is some math involved but that is the simple redneck explination.

(sorry for the crappy quality, I can't take a good photo)

[Philip1]

was thinking the same thing but where to put such a mechanism is the real question.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

the assembly doesn't necessarily have to be big. you could use a small setup and see how it works. a 6 inch movement may be a little much for a small setup depending on space. you could do a 4 inch movement.

depending on the actuator you may be able to do a 2 stage arm which will work the same way but be on the same plane as the coroplast. this may make it easier to mount. I think the big thing will be to get an actuator and play with it. I would think a slow moving solenoid would be best if you could find it.

here is yet another cheesy drawing of mine.

[Philip1]

I've been thinking about picking up a lock solenoid and starting with that figure out the rest.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

the more I think about it, I think I could do something with this idea as well. I wouldn't have it automated but more remotely opened using a throttle cable from the cab or something.

I was thinking about it just for startup and use your original design at the top of this thread. I was thinking of putting it on that opening between the bumper and radiator.

I was thinking of plexiglass instead though. I have had pretty good success with using it. that way, it is more rigid than the coroplast and hopefully will hold up longer.

of course, that requires time....which I don't have much of. if I ever get around to doing it, everyone will hear of it.

[Philip1]

I like the idea. With an adjustable opening you can balance the airflow with the cooling needs.