T-100 belly pan and side skirts...

[BamZipPow]

Currently working on my new belly pan...using some 2x4 steel studs!

Pretty strong and lightweight...won't droop down like the first one did using the 1x2 wood pieces.

I'm thinking on using some construction adhesive to keep the skin on the studs instead of screws. It should last a long time that way...

Here's my next mounting system...found some good spots to hang the cross beams from...

The front body mount has some drain holes that just fits a 5/16" bolt through...combined with a threaded connector...


...same fer the rear body mounts.

[theholycow]

I like where you're going with this.

Steel studs are a great idea, they're very lightweight and should be just the right strength. Paint them even if they're galvanized, the galvanization on them usually is pretty worthless in my experience.

Threading fasteners into those holes is a great idea too.

[BamZipPow]

Got my stand-offs cut and mounted. Used ?" PVC pipe cut to 4?" long.

Did quick fit fer the rear cross member. It's only a rough cut so don't worry about the jagged cut...



This will give me roughly 8" of ground clearance...same as the bottom of the rear springs and differential...

[BamZipPow]

Got middle belly pan frame cut to size. Just need to git some Liquid Nails so I can fasten it together along with some well placed screws...

Here's a mockup of the side of the middle frame...

[BamZipPow]

Here's a quick test fit of the main frame...

[BamZipPow]

Got the front and rear spars bolted to the cross beams now...

[BamZipPow]

Got the main frame side attached...just need to let the adhesive setup.

[BamZipPow]

Are you ready? My latest generation of my belly pan...

Made a new air dam belly pan with some scrap steel studs...


Got the engine bay belly pan installed...


2?" gap between the engine bay belly pan and the front cross member...


The construction adhesive didn't hold very well so I had to go with some screws and wood spacers to keep everything in place.


Spacers fer the bottom of the belly pan...doesn't that look pretty?!


Top of the belly pan with the primary heat shield...


Bottom of the belly pan with the secondary heat shield (not visible) between belly pan frame and outer coroplast cover...


Side skirt supports with the main belly pan ready to be installed...


Doesn't that look smooth under there?


My old 11" side skirts installed (driver's side)...


My old 11" side skirts installed with a new white piece (passenger's side)...


Making a run to Dallas so I'll be able to see what kinda of improvements this belly pan version will show...

[BamZipPow]

Fergot the rear shot...



It's not finished but I have big plans fer the rear part...

[BamZipPow]

Got 25.2mpg at 65mph going up to Dallas. Ended up carrying a mattress and some bikes on the back that dragged it back down. Got close to 24mpg on the way back home with only 2 major accidents to drag the traffic to stop and go and my quest fer 25mpg.

I can easily say that my T-100 definitely coasts better than it did before. Didn't git the downshifting going up the hills like it used to.

Now it's time to start working on the rear pan...