M series footwell mod??

[PowerJoe]

So I have a 2006 M7 and I put the CPC version of the snoweliminators on it and they work great compared to stock. I wouldn't say they are great as the snow sticks to them and builds up. Yes I know now that I should have bought the fastlane ones, but its too late.

Regardless of what you run for snoweliminators, you still have the problem of snow building up in the footwell area that is a pain in the a$$ to get out. Eventually it packs in so much you can't get your foot hooked in. As you try to kick the snow out you just end up shoving it through the foot well and into the engine compartment.

Has anyone modified their footwells to allow the snow to get out easier? If I cut material out of the floor boards in this area I am worried about weakening this sturcture.

Has anyone tried putting plastic sheet material on the vertical walls of the footwell area to keep the snow from sticking to it or getting into the engine compartment? I installed side vents so I really don't need the extra holes for air flow. They just plug up with snow in the first 10 minutes of riding anyway.

One other option on here that I have seen is the Slush Buster spray on stuff, but at $30 a can I want to hear from more than one person that the stuff works.

 

[SaberKitty]

How about cutting some '08+ style holes?

If worried about weakening, one could rivet on some aluminum strips to beef it up a bit.

 

[PowerJoe]

I don't think the holes in the footwell area on the newer Ms are really any different than the original Ms.

No one else has this problem of snow and ice building up in the footwells?

 

[eludnu]

I do too. Others may say you bought the wrong brand/type/color of snow eliminators. Since the area in question does not benefit directly from eliminators it would be nice to clear that area out a bit more. I've tried thin plastic on the vertical section of the footwell on my Yamaha which is much worse than my M sled in this area. It helps, but not enough that I would recommend it.

The spray sounds like snake oil to me.....

 

[sidehill]

If you cut out the piece of alum. that is in between the two oblong holes in the footwell, all your snow problems will go away. If it still has the plastic piece under these holes get rid of it also.

 

[crimsonride]

serious? You have any pics of this? I'd think that'd leave a big ol hole that wouldn't give your foot much support.

 

[summ8rmk]

My 09 plugs up all the time in the foot wells and at the back of the rail, I'm always kicking the rails.

 

[sidehill]

serious? You have any pics of this? I'd think that'd leave a big ol hole that wouldn't give your foot much support.

I will get some pictures for you. You dont even notice the piece is gone. You will notice that there is no more snow in the footwell though.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

slushbuster works great..as with all things follow the prep..you should have the cleaner and the slushbuster wax..if not use any good cleaner...but i had used slushbuster on my tunnel sides (inside) and heat exchangers and prior to fastlanes the running boards/footwells..it works..it should work well in your foot wells...it goes along ways...if you can do it in the shop...do two good applications...you will get alot more rides out of it then what they say before reapplying

 

[MJay]

I dont have snoweliminators, but I do notice a lot of snow packs in the footwell. I dont mind kicking the stuff from the running boards but it just turns to pure ice up front. Even at home with a hammer its difficult to pound it out. Id be interested in removing that little strip between the 2 large holes, but kinda worry itll weaken stuff too much. Also Id hate to get my foot stuck in there.

 

[cowkiller]

I have fastlanes on my m8 and the wifeys is stock. The footwells on my M8 do not get as plugged as hers. I end up clearing hers often and I notice she is doing as well. I had snow eliminators on my king cat and they worked but not even close to what the fast lanes do for me.

 

[f7snopro440]

Sturdy?

how are the fastlanes for strength? i have a set that i did not put on yet, i am a little worried about cutting that much of the running board out.

 

[tundramonkey]

The fastlanes are plenty strong. I'm 260 and have had no issues.

 

[PowerJoe]

sidehill - thanks for the response. I am interested in seeing some pictures. I am not really affraid of cutting a little out to gain some function.

I still want to put plastic on the vertical walls just to keep from kicking snow into the brake and clutches. One morning my brake was froze up solid and it took me 15 minutes to break it free. Good thing I start my sled on the stand every morning and noticed it or I would have smoked my new belt I just put on the day before.

 

[Karl]

I rely much on the foot wells and running boards for wild side hilling and trail/bank jumping. When full of ice I've found slipping out and blowing a good hill climb. Not to say almost falling off and creating a ghost sled

If you don't want to cut out that area, one alternative (I do for my 1M) is carry a short round stick (from an old broom handle) and grind each end to a sharp point. I also grind some "rings" impressions in the middle so making the stick easy to grip, even when cold and wet. It's short enough so it can be stored in the seat.

I use it as a pick/chisel when the group is stopped for a few minutes. Usually takes me 2 min. to clear out all that icy crap. Saves chewing up the soles of your boots and ripping your glove's fingers. (been there, done that).

Does not solve/answer the original question but hey! some might wish this route. Works for other brands, too

 

[PowerJoe]

Here are some pics

Here are some pics of what my footwells typically look like. I think most of the snow by the brake is from that side vent not having the prefilter.

The last pic shows the mod I am going to try. Removed the center piece from the front hole to open it up and added some plastic to hopefully get the snow to drop out when I kick it.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

man i played in overflow all day today...i just love the fastlanes...there strong as well..!!!!