Hello -
I forgot to mention that I solved the "Ziptie" front connection with screw eyelets :
In this picture you can see the spacers I mention in post #13 (red plumbing washers) :
Here are the drain pans in Home Depot :
As you can see, *metal* drain pans are available. For a person with the skillzz, these could be hammered around the edge to fit better than my plastic ones did. They are also a(n ill fitting and more $$?) short-cut for people that don't want to start with a sheet of metal from scratch.
But I like my plastic because it seems to be less of a threat to the tire and other people.
CarloSW2