weird idea

[botsapper]

Would lean towards smaller panels. The WRC racers have ablative underbody flex panels to reduce sand, dirt, water and small projectiles and protect brake lines. Large hits violently separate those panels but are easily replaced at the next repair stage. Have the same kind of mindset for your use, under car maintenance service is a lot more convenient.

[Angelus359]

where do you go to get alluminum sheets?

[BamZipPow]

UHMW...

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by Angelus359

where do you go to get alluminum sheets?

Most metal supply stores will have them. What size and gauge are you looking fer?

http://www.onlinemetalstore.com/

[oldenway]

Thinking out of the box works a lot for me.
old...

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by oldenway

Thinking out of the box works a lot for me.
old...

..."tried & true" vs. "new & improved"? me too!

...I prefer things designed to "...last..." over things designed for "...planned obsolescence..."

[max_frontal_area]

Originally Posted by SlideWRX

I've been pondering using UHMW in sheets. Rally racers use 1/4 inch think stuff to protect the underbody. I think the 1/8 inch would be plenty for normal use, and even thinner might work. It is expensive compared to 'free' coroplast though; I've found online ~$120 for a 4ft x 10ft piece.

ultra high modulus is overkill $$ for our use, HDPE is inexpensive and will work fine

[redorchestra]

sorry to dig this out but I am wondering if anyone has tried a fabric belly pan.

I thought heat proof fabric for oven mitts would be a good fabric for it . Therma-Flec Heat Resistant Fabric - Silver

elasticed to the front bumper above a chin pan, stretched back and hooked to the rear of the car stretched to the rocker panels and attached with screw- in -snaps.

it might also need something, perhaps electrical conduit running lengthwise for some extra stability. maybe a pipe pocket sewn into the fabric or more screw in snaps.

I often wonder if you remove your belly pans before going to the mechanic or maybe you don't use mechanics, or I wonder what they say when they see a belly pan.

[Grant-53]

I have used 1 inch hex steel mesh between layers of 5 mil tarp plastic (used to cover stacks of plywood) bonded together with contact cement.

[redorchestra]

I am thinking about trying some canvas painted with high temperature silicone on both sides, stretched between two ratchet straps running from the frame in the engine compartment to the frame near the rear bumper. it will be pulled and hooked tight to the rocker panels behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.