Grill block and partial belly pan - '96 Astro - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

chrisgerman1983 · 11-10-2012, 04:11 PM

Its nothing fancy but I blocked my grill and made a partial belly pan today. I will slowly add more to the pan as I find time. I have no scientific data but on a long hill that I regularly EOC on, my speed was 10kph (90kph) faster then I have ever coasted down the hill. I even had to hit the breaks coming into the 50km zone which I have never had to do before. I was also able to P&G over a hill that I have never made it over before

The grill block is 1/4 plywood painted black. In the summer I may try to make some shutters that I can open as close but for now this will work.

chrisgerman1983 · 11-10-2012, 04:18 PM

oh yeah... Gotta give you guys that have built really clean pans props! I was a little cocky starting it... figured I could whip up something in an hour that would look perfect. Wasn't so lucky. I had to settle for a partial pan until I come up with a better plan for mounting points and such...

BamZipPow · 11-10-2012, 07:37 PM

The key is using supports as necessary. Did you check out my belly pan thread? You can see what I went through in design and what I'm currently running with.

Under belly pan... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Don't be afraid of using existing bolts/fasteners to secure brackets to support yer belly pans.

chrisgerman1983 · 11-13-2012, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

The key is using supports as necessary. Did you check out my belly pan thread? You can see what I went through in design and what I'm currently running with.

Under belly pan... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Don't be afraid of using existing bolts/fasteners to secure brackets to support yer belly pans.

I have had a few looks at your thread. gonna have to take a few more pointers

I thought I was going to be able to go a little more low profile, but I think I am going to have to drop it down a bit like yours.

chrisgerman1983 · 11-13-2012, 10:19 AM

Something that I just thought about... not that you would have to worry being in texas. I am just thinking that if I build it too strong I may have an issue in deep snow

It could act as a giant ski and float on the snow instead of plowing through it. Maybe an airdam that is lower then the belly pan could push any snow out of the way?

BamZipPow · 11-13-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisgerman1983

Something that I just thought about... not that you would have to worry being in texas. I am just thinking that if I build it too strong I may have an issue in deep snow

It could act as a giant ski and float on the snow instead of plowing through it. Maybe an airdam that is lower then the belly pan could push any snow out of the way?

I don't have any experience with using my air dam as a plow...but I would guess it wouldn't hold very well to the packed frozen ice/slush you would normally find after it's been driven on after a few days.

Depending on yer build, yer support will be key on how well it survives the elements. Only way to find out is to brainstorm as much as possible before you commit to yer build. Understand that you will make mistakes...just learn from them and continue forward.

chrisgerman1983 · 11-13-2012, 06:56 PM

Haha, well I wouldn't plan on actually plowing packed snow

I am just thinking about on unplowed logging roads and stuff I wouldn't want to float enough that I loose traction. .
I am sure I do need to make it pretty strong though! Going to take a few mounting ideas from you, I like the bolts with the PVC spacers! I am thinking a pressure treated wood frame with coroplast.