[BeatUpRanger]

Over the Christmas holiday, I managed to do some repair work to my Ranger and some modding as well.

Since the grille had been nearly destroyed by a deer encounter, I bonded a lot of it back together and filled it all in (I still need to do some more smoothing to it).

I also shaved off the antenna as well as the driver and passenger side mirror. Of course, I fashioned a driver's side mirror to go inside the truck.

I also shaved (or smoothed) the fender badges, the drip rails, and the body gap between the fenders and wiper panel. Also, I removed the wipers and Rain-x'ed the windshield. I put the wipers behind the seats in case I ever need them. Since the truck will get painted eventually, I thought this was a good time to do some body work.

I also added an air dam using some garden molding and began mocking up an engine belly pan using an old bedliner. It seems sort of heavy though and is not quite level with the air dam, but it gave me some starting points.

When I do the belly pan, it seems like it would be easier to remove the spare tire and throw it in the bed until needed, but would this affect mpg? Would it be better to leave it underneath the truck and make the belly pan hinged here so I can lower it. Ideally, I'd like to add a roll pan to the back and have it roll under and mold with the belly pan.