Pro Gard Installed like this?

[huot5]

I done this in about 15 minutes. no mods. there is a clearance issue with the pass. side exhaust. have some guys tucked the piece into the bumper cover?:rolleyes:

[FordNut]

I done this in about 15 minutes. no mods. there is a clearance issue with the pass. side exhaust. have some guys tucked the piece into the bumper cover?:rolleyes:
Yes, tuck it in between the bumper cover and the mounting brackets. I shaved about 1" off the pass side of mine.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Yes, tuck it in between the bumper cover and the mounting brackets. I shaved about 1" off the pass side of mine.
Since it looks like it is offset to one side so much, is it possible you two installed it upside down? :dunno: No offence meant, just a question.

[huot5]

Since it looks like it is offset to one side so much, is it possible you two installed it upside down? :dunno: No offence meant, just a question.
I'm going to work on it again. the instructions state to install it with the pebble grain; i.e. rough side, down, which I did. the other side is smooth and shiny. nonetheless, time to fix'r up. thanks.

[FordNut]

I'm going to work on it again. the instructions state to install it with the pebble grain; i.e. rough side, down, which I did. the other side is smooth and shiny. nonetheless, time to fix'r up. thanks.
Same here. Even if the instructions are wrong and it needs to have the smooth side down to fit, I'm glad I trimmed mine because the pebble grain side looks better.

[Marauderjack]

What the heck does it do?? Add HP?? :confused:

Marauderjack :D

[FordNut]

What the heck does it do?? Add HP?? :confused:

Marauderjack :D
Been discussed in many threads.

Intended to prevent rear bumper cover damage from dragging, such as when police cars cross the median.

More practical use for the MM is to prevent rear bumper cover balooning and flopping from air catching it, especially at high speeds.

A possible benefit is also to reduce drag from the air catching the rear bumper cover.

[Marauderjack]

Exhaust tips will drag way before the bumper unless you happen to straddle a curb!! :cool:

My trailer hitch protects all mentioned but don't do too much for the high speed drag you mention!! :rolleyes:

BTW.....Why are you crossing the median?? :confused:

Marauderjack :cool4:

PS: Just "Pulling Your Chain" about the median"!! ;)

[FordNut]

Exhaust tips will drag way before the bumper unless you happen to straddle a curb!! :cool:

My trailer hitch protects all mentioned but don't do too much for the high speed drag you mention!! :rolleyes:

BTW.....Why are you crossing the median?? :confused:

Marauderjack :cool4:

PS: Just "Pulling Your Chain" about the median"!! ;)

The tips will drag but they won't catch on anything. And they're a lot less expensive to replace than the bumper cover.

I'll bet if you have somebody follow you at high speeds they will notice the bumper flopping.

And I really have crossed the median to go back to the last exit, when there is an accident ahead and the interstate is a parking lot.

[nexstar7]

I done this in about 15 minutes. no mods. there is a clearance issue with the pass. side exhaust. have some guys tucked the piece into the bumper cover?:rolleyes:
i have to move to florida if all the driveways look that nice. ;)

[metroplex]

That's the biggest solution looking for a problem, and I've seen quite a few of those! MacFarland 1 piece gas ring, Accuwedge Buffer, D-Fender, Extractor O-Ring, etc...

[BK_GrandMarquis]

That's the biggest solution looking for a problem, and I've seen quite a few of those! MacFarland 1 piece gas ring, Accuwedge Buffer, D-Fender, Extractor O-Ring, etc...
I don't understand why you feel the need to comment on this. :dunno: We already know you disagree with the product. It's their money and they choose to spend it. Leave it at that. You just have too much time on you hands? :run:

[rayjay]

That's the biggest solution looking for a problem, and I've seen quite a few of those! MacFarland 1 piece gas ring, Accuwedge Buffer, D-Fender, Extractor O-Ring, etc...
Actually I think it will keep the sand, salt, stone dust, gravel etc used here in the winter from collecting up in my rear bumper. If it does other things thats a plus I wasn't expecting.

[SergntMac]

Mine arrived yesterday afternoon. I took it out of the box and did some quick measuring. Obviously, the test bed for this cut was a CV with single exhaust, ProGuard's bad and no big deal. Got out the cutting wheel an snipped off 1" from the passenger side, and finished the install in about 20 minutes.

I am pleased with the end results. With the 1 inch removed, it looks centered and fits good. I'm no longer worried about the potential of bumper cover sag, it snugs up nicely now. To those who post distractions, this is the best 40 bucks I've spent on this car lately, this side of a tank of gasoline.

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

Mine arrived yesterday afternoon. I took it out of the box and did some quick measuring. Obviously, the test bed for this cut was a CV with single exhaust, ProGuard's bad and no big deal. Got out the cutting wheel an snipped off 1" from the passenger side, and finished the install in about 20 minutes.

I am pleased with the end results. With the 1 inch removed, it looks centered and fits good. I'm no longer worried about the potential of bumper cover sag, it snugs up nicely now. To those who post distractions, this is the best 40 bucks I've spent on this car lately, this side of a tank of gasoline.
Hey Mac, if you get a moment could you post some pictures of your install? Thanks,

[SergntMac]

Hey Mac, if you get a moment could you post some pictures of your install? Thanks,Sorry, Tim, I didn't take any and it will be a few days before I can. Maybe someone else will step up?

[Tallboy]

How 'bout this?

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

How 'bout this?
Thanks Pal! When are ya getting back up to Elgin?

[Tallboy]

Thanks Pal! When are ya getting back up to Elgin?
Sometime soon, I hope. I want to get to a Cubs game this year. I'll keep you posted!:beer:

[Donny Carlson]

To those who post distractions, this is the best 40 bucks I've spent on this car lately, this side of a tank of gasoline.
Seems like it has a high satisfaction to cost factor, which is always a good thing. May not be my cup 'o tea, but I've wasted a lot more money on crap I hated later, so there you go.

Interesting tanget: Broke the $40 a tank fillup barrier yesterday. :mad2:

[Svashtar]

Seems like it has a high satisfaction to cost factor, which is always a good thing. May not be my cup 'o tea, but I've wasted a lot more money on crap I hated later, so there you go.

Interesting tanget: Broke the $40 a tank fillup barrier yesterday. :mad2:
$40? I wish! I've hit $50 and $51 respectively on my last 2 fill ups with killer 91 octane...

Norm

[Eric91Z]

Those of you that have installed yours, did you just reuse the factory hardware or did you use the new stuff that came with the Pro Gard? If you used the new stuff, how did you get the 2 bolts out that hold the evaporative canister and get the new ones in?

[Eric91Z]

Those of you that have installed yours, did you just reuse the factory hardware or did you use the new stuff that came with the Pro Gard? If you used the new stuff, how did you get the 2 bolts out that hold the evaporative canister and get the new ones in?


OK, never mind. I found out how to slide the stock bolt out for the evaporative system, but the head of the supplied bolt was too big to get back in that factory hole. So, for now, I used the factory mounting hardware at all 4 locations. And I tucked the Pro Gard between the bumper and brackets at that end for a cleaner look. And I had no fitment issues. Perfectly centered between the tips with about 1-1 1/2 " of space at least on both sides. And all holes lines up in the middle of the area. Looks good. Now to see if I can get some gas mileage benefit out of it. Shouldn't be too hard to figure since I fill up at least 2 times a week. The last couple of times I have gotten right around 21.5mpg with mostly highway driving, very little in town, and a number of WOT acceleration runs when getting on the highway or to pass someone. Not too bad for the performance, ride, and therapy the car gives me in return!!!! :D

[Skiordie53]

can anyone confirm gas mileage increases. If so i will order one

[Eric91Z]

can anyone confirm gas mileage increases. If so i will order one


Well, I just got mine on today, but should have some numbers over the next week. I can't remember what the post was, but someone reported getting a 2-3mpg increase in gas mileage on a highway trip with the Pro Gard installed. Can't find the thread right now...

[GreekGod]

I'm sure if'n it would gain any mpg, Ford would have put them on from the factory, don't you think? I want one! Is it a Ford part? If'n not, from whence do they cometh?

[duhtroll]

That's how mine went in today - tucked into the cover.

I tried it both ways and the ends just hang down too much the other way (pro guard underneath bumper cover) - seems like they'd flop around a lot. They kinda look like they'll flop around anyway - just less when tucked in.

One thing tho' - I reused the bolts on the front side. Pulling them out could have been done, but getting the other ones in there didn't seem like it was gonna happen. Anyone wanna 'splain how they did this if they used the new carriage bolts?

-A


How 'bout this?

[jgc61sr2002]

I'm sure if'n it would gain any mpg, Ford would have put them on from the factory, don't you think? I want one! Is it a Ford part? If'n not, from whence do they cometh?


FMC wouldn't spend the money.

You can order it from Dennis Reinhart as supporting vendor of this site.

[Big House]

I actually did not go the Pro guard route. I figured I could spend the same thing at HD and build me one. Sheet metal, 1/4 inch screws, and some metal sheers and bam...metal Pro Guard (if you would) in and done and looks pretty nice. When I figure out how to post pictures I will get them in here.

[Big House]

If I get ths to work, here are a few shots of my metal pro guard. I am going to put it to use Friday is conditions at Capital Raceway or good to go.

[94_302]

I installed it with the rough side facing down and tucked into the back bumper. I could not get the screws for the bumper to fit so I just used the stock ones. It fit great was not rubbing up on the exhaust or anything. The instructions on the printout were a little hazey in the pics so I used these http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=18547&highlight=plate

[derik]

Got mine installed in over an hour since I had to get the Dremel out and cut off the rusted bolts on the vapor sensor. After that, all new bolts and screws supplied with the ProGuard went on as instructed. Increase in gas mileage? Have to wait a few tank fulls to see.

[SergntMac]

I actually did not go the Pro guard route. I figured I could spend the same thing at HD and build me one. Sheet metal, 1/4 inch screws, and some metal sheers and bam...metal Pro Guard (if you would) in and done and looks pretty nice. When I figure out how to post pictures I will get them in here.I love innovation, I'm always looking for a new way to do something. However, I see a problem with your innovation here.

The Progard is plastic and flexible. It's meant to be a barrier against the rear cover acting like an air scoop (or, plow), and collecting road junk. I've already pulled plastic grocery bags and a McDonals bag with fries out from under my MM's rear cover. I've torn off three CV/PI covers from my work car, from accumulated snow and driving in ruts (as we tend to do in a Chicago winter). I have not confirmed any aerodynamic features relative to MPG, but I suspect it's beneficial, and easy enough to look at later.

Here's my concern with your design. The rear cover should shake off low speed impacts, collisions under 10 MPH. In it's natural state, the worst you would expect is to have to replace one or two of the mounting screws that will strip out in such an impact. With the flexible ProGard in place, this flexibility will not change, you can survive low speed impacts with no consiberable damage.

However, sheet metal as you suggest, won't flex. It will be permanently bent out of shape, and quite possibly react as a "razor blade", shaving off the emissions stuff it attaches too at the trunk pan. Not good, eh?

Please reconsider the material you use. I suggest that a sheet of 1/8 inch thick clear plexiglass would be a reasonable substitution for the ProGard, just drill the mounting holes thisclose to the edge so the plexiglass breaks away before it causes related damage.

Just my .02C...

[Big House]

Good point Mac. I took that into consideraton when I thought of metal versus plastic. The reason I went with the metal the the rigidity, not to mention, cost and value. I spent right at $50 for everything and I got what O believe is a solid metal piece. I could not bring myself to pay the same for a plastic piece. That is my logic. I think in case of a rear end collision, I don't think the metal will hold either. It is surprizingly thin. I used metal shears to cut it. Honestly I think the plexiglass, especially the thicker cuts would hold up better to that inpact thus causing the damage you are refering to. Thanks for the input.