Aluminium under tray (front)- fitting.

[Bezly]

Hi.

So after getting my GReddy front lip put on, and thus taking the wheel arches and under tray out, I have obviously noticed a lot of difference the drivability of the 2.

My arches were ruined after the wind caught them and chewed them up, and the under trays were non existent when I bought the car.

Not to worry, I am on the case

Firstly I have sourced, with great difficulty due to the high price, a set of decent wheel arches from Stu, and secondly, I have in my shopping basket a 2000mmx1000mmx2mm high grade aluminium sheet. This is not on order yet, but will hopefully soon be after I gain advice from you lovely people.

I have studied in detail, and also Magic Beans' post about the under tray, he has also been helpful enough to give advice.
A guy on BookFace has also given me some advice, albeit not in great detail.

My initial idea would be to make a template of the GReddy lip on the aluminium, decide where to put the holes to hold the sheet in place and then see where it goes from there.

My question is, has anyone fabricated an under tray for their 2, and if so, how?
Can I use the OEM under tray holes with a flat aluminium sheet or will I have to cut into it?

Also, will it be easy to use the OEM arches on the lip which is a few cms lower? Or should I consider customising them?

Any ideas and thought are appreciated, this project will not take place for a few weeks, so feel free to discuss with me.

Cheers
Bezly

[stuMR2lee]

Damn. Haha, did I undercharge you for the wheel arch liners .

What about using a bit of cardboard as a template until you get a design you are happy with then use it to mark out the alumininum.

Next Essex Meet on Thursday 8th January 7.30pm Hatfield Peverel. Hopefully you've done the twin light mod by now .

[Bezly]

Yerp, got the quadlight done a few days ago

I messaged Al yesterday saying that I have just got it done.

The car is so dirty at the moment that I don't want to send him a piccy as it doesn't look great

I will get the cardboard template done before I cut into the sheet, but I am slightly worried about the rigidity off it when it's underneath the car, as it's only attachment will be to the lip. Should I be able to bolt it straight to the car in any way?

The Duke may be a possibility, it depends on the weather though, as I am going to get it valeted tomorrow....

Cheers
Bezly

[stuMR2lee]

You could maybe look at a bit of cross bracing across the back. Have to see what's under there.

[CalMac]

Can you bolt it to the bumper itself rather than the lip? ie. where the lip bolts to the bumper sandwich the ali plate between them.

IMO 2.0mm is overkill, and you don't need any special grade NS4 ali or anything - all it's doing is deflecting air and it will outlive the car in terms of oxidising etc. anyway. I'm planning to make mine in 1.5mm or even 1.2mm but haven't looked into mounting yet - I'd assume probably use the stock undertray mounting points and spacers/washers if necessary

If you're near Northampton I'll cut you a plate of ali at cost price, we get it direct from supplier

[Bezly]

Thanks for the offer, will definitely take that into consideration.

My worry was sagging. I'm relatively new to sheet metal so would have no idea. I just assumed.

If you think that that thickness would work, I may come pay you a visit.

Can you PM me your details?

Cheers

Bezly