[brucepick]

I did some other measurements today, on the exhaust system's low points. They are 2" below the existing lip where I will attach the center panels' outer edges. Based on where I can place lengthwise runners to "press" the panels lower - to clear the exhaust low points - that gives an angle of 4.86º at those added bend points. But I'd need to extend lower than that to have true clearance below the low points, for protection against heat and vibration.

So an additional 3/4" of clearance below the low points, would create lengthwise bends in the panels of 6.67º. I might rather keep the panels relatively flat, and make a couple cutouts for the exhaust protrusions.