Radiator cover for winter or no?

[FarTooJones]

Is there any benefit to putting on a radiator cover during the winter months for gas trucks, or is that mostly for diesels? I'm going to have to drive my 86 c10 with a 305 as my daily driver for the winter (40 miles roundtrip commute) since my commuter car crapped out. Didn't know if i should be looking at covering it or not. I live in Nebraska. I have noticed the temp gauge doesn't get too far past the minimum lately. Haven't checked to see if the gauge is off, or anything else wrong quite yet. What is the ideal temperature for the engine to run at as well?

If there is a benefit, does anyone know where to get one? I've been trying to find something online. I'd prefer to have something a little more durable than just a piece of cardboard.

[bd]

Factory thermostat is 195° F.  195° tends to provide the best fuel mileage with lowest emissions on a factory setup.  Ideally, the engine will run stably within ~5° F of the thermostat calibration.  IMO, unless your heater isn't blowing sufficiently warm (and there are no other issues), no need to bother with a winter-front on a gas motor.