underbody protection

[patrick911]

I've got a topic elsewhere describing the build of a RSR replica.
The real RSRs back in 1973 were delivered without any shutz.
This is why we scraped it all off and left it off during the preparation of the body. However, I know that when I finally will drive the car, it will hurt me (and the car!) every time I hear those sticky Michelin TBs kick up stones into the wheel arches.
So I do want to do some sort of protection in at least the wheel arches.
My metal worker suggested we glue neoprene foam rubber sheets in the wheelarches to protect the metal. I've heard people that do trackdays regularly have done something similar to their cars.
The alternative is to follow what the factory did for the RSH (homologation) cars back then; they left most of the schutz off, but did use it in the wheel arches, under the muffler skirt and under the seat panels (?)
source: Carrera RS by Konradsheim.

After reading some topics here, I've been looking for this product online, but the 'Wurth SKS stoneguard' in grey as was used back then (nor other recommendations from 10 years ago) seem no longer available, so my question is: if I do go with a 3M or Wurth underbody protection in stead of the rubber glued mats, does anyone here know what product looks most like the material they used back in the day and who sells it?

Or alternatively, if anyone is using rubber mats, what material have you used and what's your experience?
thanks, Patrick

[blucille]

I vaguely recall someone making plastic wheel arch liners like modern cars have. Seems like a great compromise. Light weight, removable for when you aren’t racing and easily reversed

[bob joyce]

i have bought Wurth SKS stonegaurd recently. i had grey and black shipped to me from "Wurth USA" to California.
It gives an OEM look depending on how you shoot it
I used a Worth type gun..
for 1968 gas tank i mixed 50/50 grey/black...

[NorthernThrux]

Don't glue neoprene in there. It will trap moisture. Make some plastic wheel arch liners out of mouldable ABS. They don't have to be pretty, just functional.

Ravi

[patrick911]

thanks guys,

@Ravi: Yes, other than the fact it looks crap, that's one of the concerns I had, together with the thing coming loose whilst driving.
I'll have a look into the plastic wheel arch liner idea. if that doesn't work I may just revert to the Wurth SKS protection. Not as effective against rocks, but its less invasive.

[RickWhite]

Interestingly, I just ran into a similar question for my M471 build.

Per the book, the M471's actually had a bit more with Tectyl L added to the undercoating "splattered...around the wheel wells, muffler skirt, and seat panels." Unfortunately I don't have the book in front of me to see the RSR tweaks, but if they were RSHs before taken to Werks and converted to RSRs, wouldn't they have had the modest splatter? I have also had folks (who I have every reason to believe) tell me that the M471s had no coating, even in the wheel wells. The lack of undercoating looks very cool with the welds and seams visible. Given I am on gravel frequently enough (my driveway is gravel and lengthy), nothing isn't an option as I'll take the paint off quickly. But it would be great to have more experts chime in.

As always, sorry for posting the pictures sideways!

[patrick911]

Hi Rick, thanks, yes, that's the Konradsheim RS book i referred to in the topic start.
It does not specifically mention what they did for the RSRs/M491, but based on what Maxted-Page did for the restoration of RSR R6, and the info the owner of the green 'Kiemele RSR' has shared with me, they both had nothing in the wheel arches at all.
I find that pretty believable, especially for the RSRs that were raced and where weight (or lack thereof) was more important than looks or long term paint/steel protection.

[RickWhite]

Yes, I apologize. I looked at your thread afterwards, and clearly the photos show no shutz or whatever in the wheel wells. I have a tendency to hijack threads to their detriment (sorry)!

[928cs]

Would pictures of a very original M471's body help?
This early second serie Sport is currently being restored and only the external paint was reapplied recently. Last time I saw her, she was still in a shell form.

[gled49]

Spray the under paint shutz in about a 10” wide swath in the fenders wells, that’s what 471’s did.