Undertray Replacement
#1
Undertray Replacement
Was at the local F dealership last pm for the intro of the 599. Asked the GM his thoughts on me purchasing a cgt. His response was great car, but if driven frequently the $18,000 undertray would have to be replaced because the ground clearence is low. Whats everybodys experience?
Thanks in advance for your replies
Thanks in advance for your replies
#2
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by f430
... but if driven frequently the $18,000 under-tray would have to be replaced because the ground clearance is low.
I had the misfortune to run over a piece of mechanical road-kill that I think had previously been a universal joint from a large truck. Because of traffic conditions, I couldn't divert around it and decided to try to center it up as I passed over it at about 25 mph. There was a huge "bang" as it rolled under the car and briefly tumbled into a position which was an interference fit between the forward under-tray and the road surface.
It punched a small hole in the forward CF under-tray and put some light gouges in the aft other two CF panels. The damage was fixed to my satisfaction with some epoxy which was recommended in a consultation with PCNA. The hole was filled/sealed and the scratches/gouges were filled mainly to keep the free, damaged fiber ends from ravelling any further. The fix turned out really well, though the repaired areas are clearly visible.
If one plans on driving the car, it's theoretically possible that something like my incident could happen to anyone. However, that is the one and only time I have had any under-body issues.
The front spoiler rub strip takes much more contact in day-to-day driving. It seems pretty robust and still looks pretty good after dozens of minor scrapes. I consider it a wear part and nothing to worry about.
Here's a look at my debris-caused hole before it was repaired with epoxy:
#4
I have been involved in the building of racing sailboats for the last 20 years and I have in stock a square weave carbon 4oz. cloth that is slightly bigger but blends well. I am not afraid of any composite repair on that car.
Last edited by autosea; 01-06-2008 at 01:40 AM.