rear bumper delete and removable boat tail filler panel 2 ideas to merge

[aerohead]

If the hitch structure is above the bottom of the differential's pumpkin,there's a very good chance that it's embedded within turbulence and the wing-like fairing wouldn't function.

[skyking]

I looked his truck over the other day. We commiserated about the usual difficulties of truck belly pans, the accumulation of dirt, rocks, water which becomes ice that never melts for 2 months and tears things off. The usual
For example, My ex-logging truck has 30 pounds of dirt on the top of the tank I have yet to remove. It got up there as dust, got glued down and is now wrapped around important things like wiring and fuel lines
My thoughts are to leave the bumper on and figure out a pan that will let stuff go. I was thinking something like the louvered covers on an 80's camaro rear window. sheet metal with big vents that you can hose out at the car wash, that still calm that progression across the bottom. I think it will work, it is just figuring out a way that is cost effective and durable.

[freebeard]

I would think instead of louvres, an expanded metal mesh or perforated steel plate.

There must be something like an index of refraction for air. If it's coming straight at the perforation it goes through but if it is flowing along the surface only a percentage will flow... either in or out depending on the pressure differential.

[skyking]

The louvers would allow you to pressure wash it out without removing anything, at least that was my thought. expanded metal is pretty grabby, but hey, it might work.

[freebeard]

Perforated, undimpled plate is probably better. You could control the size and spacing of the holes.

Maybe some strategic openings to pressure wash or steam clean through.

[gumby79]

Progress note.
Got this for $20 when I was in California 30"x8'.


Then I turned it into this.

[freebeard]

Not seeing it. The aerocap is still boat wrap, isn't it?

Did you make a bellypan?

[gumby79]

A new roll pan bumper/2 turn / brake lights and one turn only, 2x6"flush mount LED , and 3"4x1w recessed backup lights..
The new bumper incorporates 7 1/4x20 both old holes or terminating the belly pan.
It has definitely had an effect on the air flow pattern, tailgate s now getting covered in dust .I don't know if this is being drafted up through the hole as intended or if removing the parachute style bumper has added a dirty air recirculation bubble? tuft testing is in order

[freebeard]

Okay. Hiding behind all the lights (and paint?).

[gumby79]

Yes, Ford tractor Gray Implement paint is almost a perfect match for Dodge White.
A side view

(Sometimes computers don't like me sorry it's upside down it wasn't)
And you can see how far the hitch sticks down below the body work representing how much further the Factory bumper protruded, then my custom.
The Nissan Leaf trunk section belly pan panel that I have is going to do a very nice job of completing the belly pan from the differential to the bumper, granted I got to make some filler panels nad mounts to get her tight. The front section of belly panel from the Nissan was almost ready to bolt in shape wise. Time to finish getting the truck unloaded and build my sidewalk then I go play with the new to me 2" magnehelic gauge ,wont help with the bumper but it'll help with the belly pan and cooling stack

On a stability note at Interstate speeds I have noticed small cars have a new effect as a pass my rear quarter. The effect is most pronounced in crosswinds, when there bow wake pushes into the rear wheel well , the back of the truck gets light and starts porpoising slightly. In clean air she feels more planted than before.