I'm curious whether people build these as two separate components or one integrated one... Along the same line, what material(s) are people using for making their own?

I don't really need a bellypan living in New Mexico (read: DRY and no salt), and my usual fields are either grass (soccer/football), or pavement (or one firm dirt one). But I am debating making one anyway. Especially given I'm planning on going to Ivanpah Buggy eXpo where knowing what may be lieing around on the ground to kick up at me is a lot less likely. I already have a fender the buggy came with, though I may redo it...

Some combine the two as one solid piece, some choose just number plates, sometimes of whatever they have laying around or can find at the local hardware store. I've seen some very creative ideas.

Most of us that go to WBB use corrugated plastic sheets you can pick up at lowes for a few bucks. Makes it easy to use a template and make a set any way you like for side plates. A heavier material would be needed for a belly pan of course.

Quote: Originally posted by volock

I'm planning on going to Ivanpah Buggy eXpo

Me too! Look forward to riding with you out on the playa. Sounds like a fun project, good luck.

I use FRP- fiberglass reinforced plastic
Its durable enough for belly pans and comes in colors too.
I got some at home depot

I'm debating a nice molded piece of sheet metal (aluminum or maybe brass and trying to patina it and laser etching it for the belly pan. I have access to the equipment to do so in January, and it'd be a fun project. I may back the sheet metal with some rubber sheet, for durability and thickness, not really decides. Plastic I'm leaning towards maybe lexan, and heat molding it.

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck

Quote: Originally posted by volock   I'm planning on going to Ivanpah Buggy eXpo Me too! Look forward to riding with you out on the playa. Sounds like a fun project, good luck.

You know, I may just have to nag you about skates if you've not used them by then... Using snow as an excuse... Then again, I'd come try to join you kiting in Utah, but it's such a trek from Albuquerque. No direct way to get to most the big cities. I can drive to SLC and Vegas in the same amount of time.

Belly pans can be purchased or made....UHMW is a good material. Some type of plastic that others suggested is good too. DO NOT GO OVER 1/8 thick. It will make it too hard to bend and shape.

Side panels....I have three sets now. Look into a sign material called Dibond...they sell this under like 10 different names. It is basically two pieces of aluminum sandwiched between a layer of plastic. The plastic allows you to bend the material (compound curves) without wrinkling. You can paint it and cut it with any home tool. (router, jigsaw or even a knife if scored enough). Call a sign shop or sign supplier to source.

You can e-mail me if you want some pictures cause I'm not going to try for 3 hours to put them on here...LOL...only funny for those picture challenged.