So for my next project, I am thinking about building a front "belly pan"

My 2012 Focus had a front engine bay pan that completely covered the bottom of the engine. I looked under my fit the other day and noticed that there was a big ol hole exposing the bottom of the engine. I was planning to use some aluminum I have laying around to cover up the hole completely. Ive seen some people have vents in their pan, i am assuming to allow air to flow out of the engine bay to keep it cool (if even necessary).I know they sold a bash plate a while back, but I am trying to make this on my own.I know they sold a bash plate a while back, but I am trying to make this on my own.


Any one know if there is someone else who has done this? Any thoughts?

 

It doesn't really help with the cooling at all since all the heat will dissapate through the top of the motor, Honda was just too cheap to give us one.

I found a few people had luck using the CRZ undertray:

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...-me-favor.html

This is for a GD but can give you an example of what has been made before:

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-...nderpanel.html

Also, this is the one I have for my 350z. It has a door that makes it easier to do oil changes and actually has a slight elevation between the two pieces:

You could make the same thing just by cutting out some aluminum into the shape of the underneath section after tracing it on cardboard

 

If that Beatrush one had a door like that Z one i'd be all over it. I HATE taking off undertrays for oil changes.

Toyota Tacoma FUUUUUUUUU heavy as fack.

OP if you make one post pics, I think it's a cool little project. If you use thin aluminum maybe make a few crossbraces on the top side so it doesn't bow at speed.

 

Well my with my Focus you had to remove the entire front pan to do a oil change. Now those were screws that went in to plastic locking nuts. First oil change from the dealer managed to over strip two of these nuts, now that is a bad design!

I think my plan is going to be make a outer frame, then an inner door that will be bolted into place. Still have to unbolt something, but at least it will only be like 3 or 4 bolts, and way smaller of a plate. I just gotta figure out a way to keep the bolts from backing out without Loctite. Those bolts will probably be countersunk.

 

I was thinking about the CRZ one but you make a good point, do I really want to go through the hassle of removing all my bolts every time?

 

Well im guessing the auto makers rationale is that the majority of people aren't going to be taking it off all of the time. So the potential increase in gas mileage is taken over the, convenient, instant access.

 

Well my OEM Z one came with an insert that you could remove for oil changes.

For your purposes you could just cut out a piece of that and have it be removable somehow for where the oil and filter are located. Definitely not that difficult to map out.

 

I am waiting for a shop to have a open hoist so I can lift my car up fully and get a good view. I'm hoping to get some solid measurements and CAD out a basic design then go from there. I will probably end up cutting it out by hand.