Where is a good place to buy a winter front? I dont like the factory one and am interested in a cloud rider or something similar. What works well and will not mar the truck surfaces?

I'm happy with the Cloud Rider (http://community.webshots.com/photo/72251092/103358005jJjteT).. I bought mine from Max Power (http://www.rathwellhardware.com/truck/index.html)...


The only thing I did extra was paint the mounting clips which were not SS. (see pics (http://community.webshots.com/album/63497470OVEkww))


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

I really like my Cloud Rider and it certainly helped warm up the engine and trans in the Winter months. I got the black powder coated on and it has stainless clips. I had tried a Lund Lexan model first, and it just didn't fit nor was it very well made. The Cloud Rider is a bit spendy, but well worth it IMO.


It was late in the season when I got mine and Max had already done sort of a group buy, so I got mine direct from Cloud Rider.

I like the way that cold front looks. Is it stainless? How does it hold up to things like road salt and grime during the winter? Where can I get one?


Thanks,


JustinEdited by: turbo43

The Cloud Rider?


If that's what you're talking about, all of them are stainless but if you want black, you can get them and they are powder coated.


You should be able to get them from either Max at the link above, or at:


http://www.cloud-rider.com/


Both Max and Cloud Rider are in Canada, so it takes about a week to get them through Customs and delivered.

...I really like my Cloud Rider ... it has stainless clips...

Zeeb,
Just curious, did you do a "magnet" test on your clips (magnet won't stick to SS)? The clips that came with mine were steel but they also looked plated (shiny). If Cloud Rider switched to Stainless Clips I might try to get some new ones.

Justin,
The Cloud Rider's are high quality Stainless Steel (even the powder coated black ones).

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif Edited by: jbplock

jb,


I haven't done the magnet trick, but I know what galvanized looks like and they didn't look like that. I'm at the station today so I can't check, but I'll go put a magnet to them tomorrow and let you know.

What temps should you use a winter front for? Does it keep your engine at normall operating temps?... This is my first winter with a Diesel so im gonna be learnin alot as i go...THANKS!


Jared

I have an unused W/front from an 03.


Make me a reasonable offer.

What temps should you use a winter front for? Does it keep your engine at normall operating temps?... This is my first winter with a Diesel so im gonna be learnin alot as i go...THANKS!


Jared

Jared,

I put my Cloud Rider cold front on when the ambient temps are consistently in the 30's and below (it can be left on with temps in the 50's with no problems). It helps the engine warm-up faster and maintain normal operating temps. I find it also helps to keep the mileage from dropping off due to the colder temps in the fall (before the switch to winter blend fuel).

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

Zeeb,
Just curious, did you do a "magnet" test on your clips (magnet won't stick to SS)? The clips that came with mine were steel but they also looked plated (shiny). If Cloud Rider switched to Stainless Clips I might try to get some new ones.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif


jb,


You are correct, the straps are definitely "drawn" to a magnet...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


I don't know what the are plated with, but it's not galvanized and they don't show any signs of rust after having been run for about two months at the end of last Winter.


So I guess I'd better keep an eye on them for signs of rust this year...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

Zeeb,


Thanks for checking.. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif It would be nice if the clips were stainless too.. The only reason I checked mine is that I remebered reading a post by someone who said that the clips on their Lund SS cold front rusted (not sure but it may have been Hoot). Not a big deal but just something to keep an eye on...


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

Thanks! Anything else someone should know about generall diesel care for winter time? MAYBE someone could post a new topic about winter care for the LLY or just diesels in generall.... im prolly not the only newbie out therehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif Thanks for tha time!


Jared

The clips could be 400 series stainless (it will attract a magnet) or they could be nickel plated steel.