‘83 K5: how to seal underbody cavities behind rear fenders?

[BlazerBill]

‘83 K5: I’m ordering the splash shields for the underbody cavities behind the front fender wheel wells but is there any such splash shield in front of the rear fenders? I haven’t found anything. What have y’all been doing to seal this area from dirt, mud and rust? These cavities seem like they could be used for storage of spare parts, tools, etc. if a custom enclosure was built. I was also thinking about buying lockable cases (truck boxes) to mount in those cavities with and a hinged enclosure panel. Has anyone utilized that space to store anything and how did you go about enclosing it? Most importantly, what’s the best way to seal the underbody cavity in front of the rear fenders?

 

[saltdog]

There is not. You'll need to make your own. When these were built, there was an inner quarter panel for lack of a better term. I'm working that now with my Suburban and yes, its a PIA. Ideally, that would be in place and welded tp the outer panel, but looks like yours was cut out and nothing put back. Pretty sure most folks are in the same boat. Fabrication is not trivial. Take a look at https://www.gmsquarebody.com/thread...r-body-panels-87-suburban-rear-corners.36510/

 

[BlazerBill]

There is not. You'll need to make your own. When these were built, there was an inner quarter panel for lack of a better term. I'm working that now with my Suburban and yes, its a PIA. Ideally, that would be in place and welded tp the outer panel, but looks like yours was cut out and nothing put back. Pretty sure most folks are in the same boat. Fabrication is not trivial. Take a look at https://www.gmsquarebody.com/thread...r-body-panels-87-suburban-rear-corners.36510/

Okay, thanks for the info. I guess it’s time for more fabrication. Maybe, I’ll try to make a pattern for others in need.

 

[Novapwr]

Back in the 70's and 80's my coal stripping buddies would use 1/2" thick rubber belting to make panels to fit in there. They connected them in with the bolts across the bottom of the wheel well. You can see the bolts in your second picture. Front and rear of the rear wheelwell. I even cut out a set for my new 85 K10 back then. Made a template out of thick paper first. It helped to contour the rubber to the quarter panel so crap wouldn't fly back into all the cavities there are there. They only hung down to the bottom of the body panels. I actually had those templates up until a few years ago.

 

[saltdog]

The @Novapwr solution would definitely help keep mud and debris out of there. I've also seen several versions of these stone guards that might be helpful- https://www.ebay.com/itm/205189675228

 

[BlazerBill]

Back in the 70's and 80's my coal stripping buddies would use 1/2" thick rubber belting to make panels to fit in there. They connected them in with the bolts across the bottom of the wheel well. You can see the bolts in your second picture. Front and rear of the rear wheelwell. I even cut out a set for my new 85 K10 back then. Made a template out of thick paper first. It helped to contour the rubber to the quarter panel so crap wouldn't fly back into all the cavities there are there. They only hung down to the bottom of the body panels. I actually had those templates up until a few years ago.

Not sure I understand. Please explain “belting” more. Can you provide some photos of the product and how it is used? Thanks!

 

[BlazerBill]

The @Novapwr solution would definitely help keep mud and debris out of there. I've also seen several versions of these stone guards that might be helpful- https://www.ebay.com/itm/205189675228

Thanks for the info. I’ll take it into consideration.

 

[Novapwr]

Not sure I understand. Please explain “belting” more. Can you provide some photos of the product and how it is used? Thanks!

It was just a sheet of thick rubber. About a 1/2" thick. I cut mine out on a band saw.