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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Lin on April 19, 2008, 09:11:37 PM

Title: Mud Guard
Post by: Lin on April 19, 2008, 09:11:37 PM
DML recently commented under another topic that rear mud guards could cause heat problems.  I tried checking it out in the archives but did not find anything.  Possibly my key words are wrong.  Anyway, I am talking about the type of flap that runs across the entire rear of the bus.  I have one and have not had any heat problems yet but have not driven the bus in hot whether yet either.  Direct info on this subject or help finding old stuff would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: tekebird on April 19, 2008, 09:28:33 PM
Lin,

it is true, Engine Compartment air is evacuated from the bottom

ALL Gm's came from the factory with a splash Apron just aft of the rear wheels to induce more of a low pressure area to aid in moving this hot air.

Many people have the rear stone gaurds you have......and don;t have problems.......if you do have a problem, step one...remove it
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: Gary '79 5C on April 20, 2008, 06:28:05 AM
Lin,
You may wish to search "Mud Flap" for additional information and discussion.

Gary
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: Len Silva on April 20, 2008, 06:31:11 AM
A true busnut would have a thermostatically controlled retractable mud guard.
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: Hartley on April 20, 2008, 11:40:07 AM
Beware of going any place that actually causes MUD to end up on the mud flap.
You will have other problems before that should become a real issue.

They are also called debris shields, keeps the stuff thrown off the road from ending
up airborne and into stuff behind you. The Brush type work pretty good and allow fair air flow as long as they don't drag on the ground. They also collect plenty of the grit and grime that comes from oil leaks and soot so are not a fun thing to work with when dirty.

Just keep in mind whatever you install it must be very flexible to allow for uneven surfaces and to clear the ground when you bus settles down. I actually have considered using a chain type just to catch the big stuff....

Dave.....
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 20, 2008, 03:09:56 PM
Lin,

My 4905 didn't have any flaps when I bought it.

It had the remanants of one behind the rear wheels.

I replaced the entire thing with a piece of conveyor belt, that I fabricated to match the original.

I immediately noticed that it cooled better and lessoned the amount of DD mist on the rear of the bus.

This was after a year of diving without one.

I think if you replace the one behind the wheels you will have no use for the rear one.

Best of luck

Cliff
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: DrivingMissLazy on April 20, 2008, 04:05:09 PM
Quote from: FloridaCliff on April 20, 2008, 03:09:56 PM
Lin,

My 4905 didn't have any flaps when I bought it.

It had the remanants of one in front of the rear wheels.

I replaced the entire thing with a piece of conveyor belt, that I fabricated to match the original.

I immediately noticed that it cooled better and lessoned the amount of DD mist on the rear of the bus.

This was after a year of diving without one.

I think if you replace the one in front of the wheels you will have no use for the rear one.

Best of luck

Cliff

Well, I just learned something for today. I always thought the original flaps were to the rear of the wheels instead of in front of them.  Thanks Cliff.

Richard
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: tekebird on April 20, 2008, 04:18:43 PM
original Splash Gaurds:

GM

Rear of Steer ( approx 1/3 in from outboard on each side)
Rear of Drive ( full width)
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 20, 2008, 05:35:40 PM
Richard, Teke,

I just corrected my first post.

I was thinking front of engine, typing wheels.

The correct answer is BEHIND Wheels,

Whew!  :P

Cliff
Title: Re: Mud Guard
Post by: DrivingMissLazy on April 21, 2008, 05:56:12 AM
Quote from: FloridaCliff on April 20, 2008, 05:35:40 PM
Richard, Teke,

I just corrected my first post.

I was thinking front of engine, typing wheels.

The correct answer is BEHIND Wheels,

Whew!  :P

Cliff

Thanks. Now how in the H*ll am I going to unlearn that? LOL

Richard