question about rear undercarriage panels

[TQM]

Today I finally added the two bed cubbies that I bought a few months ago for my XL hybrid. I have the Ford drop in bed lines that I had to pull out and cut, which I had been putting off. I did the passenger side and everything was as I expected. When I got to the driver's side, it was just open to the road. It didn't seem right, like it was missing an undercarriage panel. A few months ago I have had someone rear-end. It was pretty minor, but I had it checked out and the bumper replaced (some scratching and gouging). Did they forget to reinstall a undercarriage panel? It really looks like something should be there on the driver's side. The way it is the back of the wheel well seems too open and road debris has a pretty straight shot up into the inside of the body.

Am I missing a panel or is this the way they come?

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[paneubert]

Nothing missing. It is open to the elements. When you add the cubby, it helps seal it off....a tiny bit.

 

[Waterick]

Many folks in Northern climates are fabricating something to close that area from collecting salt and other road debris. However, I think Ford left it open to ensure needed venting to cool tailpipe and exhaust.

 

[Redline]

That gaping hole? Yeah, it's supposed to be like that.

Some have said the RokBlokz (sp?) mudflaps do a pretty good job of covering the hole from debris thrown off the tires, but they're pretty spendy.

 

[S Dundee]

It looks like a design error. Probably was a plastic panel there until Ford realized the close proximity of the exhaust would melt the plastic panel. Some on this forum have fabricated steel or aluminum cover panels for the driver's side hole. Some have installed rear mud guards to try to reduce the amount of road grit thrown up in there.

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