Frame Flaps
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
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Frame Flaps
I finished my annual Spring ritual of cleaning all the mud/crud/sand deposits out of the box frame members where they attach to the rocker panels. It never ceases to amaze me how much road dirt can find its way in through a few small access holes - at least a cupful in each. (And always one rock that is too large to extract. How it gets in there is beyond me!)
I thought about plugging the holes but, being odd sizes could not find suitable plugs. Then it dawned - why not make some 'frame flaps' that would cover the holes. I am experimenting with using some heavy, clear vinyl from old vinyl strip door sections, cut and fitted to each box member. If you look at the leading edges of the rear suspension arms, they both have a black plastic/vinyl cover held in place with standard push pins. I plan on using a similar method with the frame flaps.
I thought about plugging the holes but, being odd sizes could not find suitable plugs. Then it dawned - why not make some 'frame flaps' that would cover the holes. I am experimenting with using some heavy, clear vinyl from old vinyl strip door sections, cut and fitted to each box member. If you look at the leading edges of the rear suspension arms, they both have a black plastic/vinyl cover held in place with standard push pins. I plan on using a similar method with the frame flaps.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
I don't live in snowy climates, but every year, I still find a lot of crud collected in the rear bumpers. So I wonder if mud flaps will help here. The trick would be finding a place to install them.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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AeroC,
I understand about the sand and small pebbles getting up into the frame, because in sunny sandy Florida it is always the norm.
I looked at the holes in the semi-boxed frame and had an idea. I have been buying various items for my Jet Engine shop lately and saw that they have different types and sizes of Teflon plugs at Ace Hardware.
I looked to see how they were designed. They are hollow with small holes in the diameter. Up inside the taper the "feet" of the plug will keep out foreign debris because the hole tappers.
I think that this is just a smaller version of what your idea is for the flaps. The other benefit is that with a "non" unplugged hole, no water will be trapped and no rust will be able to form.
I understand about the sand and small pebbles getting up into the frame, because in sunny sandy Florida it is always the norm.
I looked at the holes in the semi-boxed frame and had an idea. I have been buying various items for my Jet Engine shop lately and saw that they have different types and sizes of Teflon plugs at Ace Hardware.
I looked to see how they were designed. They are hollow with small holes in the diameter. Up inside the taper the "feet" of the plug will keep out foreign debris because the hole tappers.
I think that this is just a smaller version of what your idea is for the flaps. The other benefit is that with a "non" unplugged hole, no water will be trapped and no rust will be able to form.
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Re: xlt4wd90's comment regarding mud in the rear bumper. We get snow out here and I've had problems in the past with the slushy stuff being thrown into the rear bumper area by the rear tires, building up and freezing. Before long, I would find a big ice clump hanging by the electrical wires. Three years ago, I found some 'Aerostar' logo mud flaps for the front and rear and this has drastically cut down the rear ice clumps.
bozzzz: I checked our Ace hardware for suitable plugs and could not find the automotive style blanking plugs I wanted. I bought an assortment of plastic hole plugs, round table caps, metal caps, etc, but nothing would fit right.
bozzzz: I checked our Ace hardware for suitable plugs and could not find the automotive style blanking plugs I wanted. I bought an assortment of plastic hole plugs, round table caps, metal caps, etc, but nothing would fit right.
