Custom Undertrays

[scheides]

Ok, some shit flew up and smacked my motor, and I've driven over enough shyte that I'm enlisting the help of some people here to make a custom under tray for my Evo VIII. Mark (TKRPerformance) says he can cut the metal after we get the templates laid out, and he wants one for his own car (Evo3), so it seems like we can get it done together. I know hughes wants one of these for his Evo IX, so we'll prolly end up doing one for his car too. I'm thinking we'll keep the templates and help out other locals if this goes well. If it falls to shit, then let this serve as a guide on what not to do.

Ok, so first things first, what do we want? Something to cover the bottom of the motor compartment. Why? Two reasons. One: aerodynamics. Any car can benefit from an undertray, the farther it goes back, the better. All high-end sports cars have full belly-pans that cover the entire bottom of the car. Two: protection. One cool thing that I have noticed about the my evo is that it has a lot of extra protection in the form of shielding covering the oil pan, the starter, and the bottom of the tranny. This must come from years of rally experience. Still, it was not enough for my car.

Design: SIMPLE. I want this to be as simple as possible. Buschur is making some cheap ones that basically tuck under the front lip around the entire front of the car, go back to the front of the wheel wells, around the wheel wells, and all the way back past the back of the engine compartment. I want one big solid sheet, and possibly some access panels for the front tow hook and the oil filter.

Materials: several people suggested Discount Steel down on washington, I'll hit them up and see what they got.

Fasteners: I'm eyeing these DZUS/Panex fasteners as seen here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/10-BLACK-DZUS-Street-GSXR-CBR-R1-R6-ZX-Ducati-Aprilia_W0QQitemZ130187239957QQihZ003QQcategoryZ34 284QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) and here (http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=308962&highlight=dzus). These are 1/4 turn quick-release aircraft quality fasteners with D-hooks on the back so you can remove it with your fingers.

I'm open to suggestions, tips, or even if anyone wants to help, let me know. I happen to have a big-ass piece of cardboard in my garage right now for the design of this thing.

[turbotalon1g]

I would like one for my car.

[Kracka]

I want one! I would think aluminum or plastic would be the best material since it won't retain heat and be lighter than steel.

[scheides]

someone suggested acrylic, I'm gonna see what we can get for how much. I'm thinking aluminum will be the way to go, as it won't be too spensive and will be pretty tough.

[Matt D.]

I just did some searching online and given the prices I think you should stick with something metal.

[JET]

Acrylic is pretty brittle, but UHMW works great. Here is a 4'x8' sheet at Grainger. Should be enough for 2 of them.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1UWG4

They also have polypropylene much cheaper and I think it would have the flexibility, but I am not as sure.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1YYC2

This looks like a good possibility too, but I don't know anything about it.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1ZAT5

[Matt D.]

I think black or grey would be a little more appealing. ;)

[Kracka]

I want a green one.

I was thinking a big sheet of tag-board would work great for making the template. Its cheap, easy to get, thin, and flexible.

[Halon]

I personally used some sheet aluminum on the one I built. Mine isn't a complete undertray though, it's just mainly used to trap air so that it has to go through the radiator. I don't remember the thickness, but it was pretty thin. I got it from Lowe's. Discount Steel would have been a better bet, but Lowe's was 2 minutes from my house.

[polishmafia]

i personally dont have a need for an undertray, but im really curious to see how this works out for you guys. good luck and keep this thread updated.

let me know if you guys need an extra hand.