Fabbing up engine protection, Will this work?

[78Suburban]

See that little gap between the chassis and the inner fender? Alot of mud flies through there. What if I snipped some roofing tin or some thin sheet metal and filled in the gap? Would that create an overheating problem of any sort? Would I just attach it with small sheetmetal screws? I can fab one for the other side, but there won't be as much clearace, because of the steering junk. Will this idea work?
Thanks,
James

 

[gzzgfw]

I used truck mud flap found at my local tractor supply store. Cut to size and used 1/4-20 bolt and nylon nut, worked great. Tin would work too but the body does move around. Good luck.

 

[pvfjr]

By the post title, I thought you were going to be building a monster oil pan skidplate. My mind always goes straight to the rocks, but I guess protecting from mud would be good too.

 

[nvrenuf]

If they're still available, GM put "flaps" there when the trucks were new.

 

[danny7139]

LMC still sells the front splash shields. I just bought a pair and they seem like good rubber. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/bzc/0022.html

 

[MNorby]

old inner tube riveted or screwed

 

[GotBoykins]

old inner tube riveted or screwed

X2

Or old truck bed mat.

 

[jeeptuff]

Took me a minute to realize your picture is upside down.. I agree with the inner tube..

 

[Chevy305]

I need to do this because 2 times, my truck has sucked in water because it came through that gap. I also have a 3in body lift so that even further separates the frame and fender.