Early Belly Pan on 85.5?

[OK-944]

I just purchased an aluminum under tray (aka "belly pan") for my 85.5 - but apparently this was made for the earlier 944.

Further digging indicates that the later belly pans are made of plastic - and I'm a bit more into metal.

So...has anybody adapted an early belly pan to a later car? Seems like it should be doable with a little cutting and drilling.

[geno951]

Can't imagine they would be all that different. Do you have a plastic one on the car now?

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[fiat22turbo]

I think they are fiberglass actually.

[Volhv]

Have you tried fitting it on the car yet?

Here's my experience.... bought an early metal pan from an 84. Test fitted it on the 85.5 parts car the guy had. Got home, and found out it did not fit my 86.
The problem was mounting provisions for the lateral "wings". The 85.5 had them on the bottom of the frame, but my 86 does not.... And I don't want to start drilling holes.

[OK-944]

Cross member holes line up. "Wing" holes line up, although there is some interference on the passenger side from a PS return line fitting. Front holes do not line up - but a few simple holes through the thin aluminum of the under tray should solve that.

My concern is more about proper aerodynamics/cooling/etc. - that it might not be idea with this combo. of old tray/later car. Otherwise...why would Porsche have changed the design of the tray?

[v2rocket_aka944]

Production cost of stamped aluminum vs molded plastic probably. Plastic can take more damage without deforming..

[geno951]

Rivet on some fabric snaps. :P

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[Rasta Monsta]

I'll buy that piece if you want to sell it.