Driving without the two rear belly pans?

[Vincent998]

After 26,000 miles my engine compartment needs a thorough cleaning, and to do that I need to remove the belly pans, do the wash and clean, and then I'd like to drive the car a bit (not at high speed, just around town) so it dries out completely. Is there a problem doing that? IDK if the pans are structural and required ....

Thanks!
David

 

[Art138]

I was advised that there is no issue as long as they are all removed. I was recommended not to drive with some on and others off.

 

[twobjshelbys]

The pans are not structural. For a leisurely drive around the block to dry things out there should be no problem.

Please take an inventory of all the things that drop out when you take them off. I know that my pans are going to be something like coins in the couch when I pull it for the oil change. I know of at least one socket and a bolt that are living there.

 

[fjpikul]

Why? Take a leaf blower and dry it out with that. Rocks and debris can get caught up there even at low speed and cause you problems.

 

[jbyrnes]

I while ago I had a mouse take up residence somewhere in the pans (sounded like a squirrel running around) so after traps at the wheels didn't work I took the pans off and went for an aggressive lap around my usual 20 mile circuit in the hills. No problems with the pans off even at speed, but the dang mouse had a pretty good grip and didn't get caught for a couple more days. Fortunately no harm done to the hoses or harness's.

 

[BlackICE]

I would advise not to drive the car over about 90 mph with the middle belly pan off but the rear one on.

 

[NorthwoodGT]

like twoshelbys said, adds no structural integrity whatsoever. Rich did me an oil change a couple months back and handed me a box with 2 bolts and 2 sockets. I asked what this was, he said it was the gifts I dropped in the engine bay at one time. I always wondered where those sockets went!

 

[twobjshelbys]

I would advise not to drive the car over about 90 mph with the middle belly pan off but the rear one on.

Knowing how the air flow pattern will develop under the vehicle I'd say you shouldn't run at all with the middle pan off and rear pan (diffusers) on. The middle pan sets up the flow for the diffusers and with it off air will flow up and over into the engine compartment instead of to the rear. At anything but very low speeds that's probably not good, maybe even normal highway speeds. Best to take both off.

 

[Specracer]

I wouldn't do it, I would fear that I would pick up a ton of dirt on the clean but wet engine bay. Leaf blower and put it back together. I have the pans off at least once a year, and no one but me has taken them off.

 

[Vincent998]

Thanks for the replies, I'll take the pans off and not worry for a few miles at low speeds!

 

[nota4re]

I would advise not to drive the car over about 90 mph with the middle belly pan off but the rear one on.

Man, that sounds like there's a story in there begging to be told...

 

[BlackICE]

Man, that sounds like there's a story in there begging to be told...

There is with photos but it ain't pretty.

 

[soroush]

There is with photos but it ain't pretty.

Now you have peaked my interest...

 

[BlackICE]

Now you have peaked my interest...

When I have the "restoration" done with photos I will post them with the story.

I have to shop for some 18g steel first. :biggrin

 

[MTV8]

I have driven my car without the middle pan to keep an eye on the oil pump after a seal change. Must have kept the speed down while doing so.