Pv radiator muff ideas?

[KEVFITZ]

With the impending winter on the way I wondered if there is a radiator muff accessory to help warm up on my 1958 PV444.

I am aware of the chain pull radiator blind original option but wondered if any owners had made a quick removal radiator cover.
My Citroen 2CV has a fold up cover and Im sure I could make up something..would look better than a cardboard blind!!!

Any ideas please?

[Amber Carter]

While there may not be specific radiator muff accessories readily available for a 1958 Volvo PV444, you can indeed create a custom radiator cover to help warm up your vehicle in the winter. As you mentioned, drawing inspiration from your Citroen 2CV's fold-up cover is a good idea, and crafting a more durable and aesthetically pleasing cover than a cardboard blind is entirely feasible. Many car enthusiasts and DIYers have created custom radiator covers to improve winter warmth and engine efficiency, and this can be a rewarding project to undertake while preserving the vintage appeal of your PV444. Just ensure that it's designed for easy removal when necessary to prevent overheating during warmer weather.

[Derek UK]

I don't know the size of these. It may be too big. It is for an LR Defender. It might give you some ideas. An upholsterer could likely adjust the size for you.

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-LL122...saAipPEALw_wcB

[Rustinmotion]

Seems they are only available for landies now, here a shot from an Austin any half decent upholsterer could knock one up once you work out best way of fitting it , black tie wraps??

[KEVFITZ]

Thanks everybody for some good ideas!!

[Clan]

Originally Posted by KEVFITZ

With the impending winter on the way I wondered if there is a radiator muff accessory to help warm up on my 1958 PV444.

I am aware of the chain pull radiator blind original option but wondered if any owners had made a quick removal radiator cover.
My Citroen 2CV has a fold up cover and Im sure I could make up something..would look better than a cardboard blind!!!

Any ideas please?

The radiator blind is only for very cold climates, not necessary in UK. The thermostat controls the temperature and will not allow any coolant into the radiator until the designated temperature is reached, in sub zero conditions hardly any coolant will be allowed into the radiator to be cooled. Go for a 92 degree thermostat, it will allow the maximum efficiency and give a toasty heater.

[142 Guy]

Clan's comments are correct.

- a radiator shutter will not speed warm up unless you have a leaky thermostat. If the thermostat is functioning correctly there is no coolant flow through the radiator until after the coolant achieves operating temperature. If the thermostat is allowing leakage, replace it.

- the shutter can be useful at highway speeds in very cold weather because it blocks air flow over the engine block reducing heat loss. At highway speeds at around - 20C with the interior heater set to high (and no grill shutter) the thermostat on my B20E struggles to go open. I have an electronic temperature gauge which does not dampen the temperature fluctuations so it is easy to see the coolant rise above the thermostat operating point and then immediately drop back below once coolant flows through the radiator. The interior heater has effectively taken over all cooling duties from the radiator. With a grill shutter, the reduced air flow over the engine allows the engine to get warm enough that the thermostat goes open and stays open. This results in a slightly higher coolant temperature which can help with interior heating on really cold days.

- I expect that most Amazon drivers in the UK will not experience temperatures cold enough to justify a radiator air flow blocking device

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Clan

The radiator blind is only for very cold climates, not necessary in UK. The thermostat controls the temperature and will not allow any coolant into the radiator until the designated temperature is reached, in sub zero conditions hardly any coolant will be allowed into the radiator to be cooled. Go for a 92 degree thermostat, it will allow the maximum efficiency and give a toasty heater.

I'd agree, there is no requirement in the UK.

Here is the one that came with my Amazon:



... now removed and stored in a safe place

[aaa]

the amazon picture looks identical to the one in my PV 60 if you check out driver magazine i'll put some pics in a future PV column you could make one quite easily. However I'd agree with the other comments you don't really need one in the UK. I've never used mine even in the depths of winter

[Derek UK]

Going back to about 1967, yes I am old, when I had a 1961 Amazon B16B. I used to use the blind in winter when it was really cold. It was more to restrict the flow of cold air into the engine bay for a quicker warm up. You could also change the blind position to balance the amount of air going through the rad to give the heater a bit of help. Amazons and maybe PV's run very cool so warm up can be rather slow. Back then you had summer and winter oil plus summer and winter thermostats to help you as well. Kitchen foil was the traditional method. Super quick and infinitely adjustable. Could even look rather neat. Cheap!