Walter (and everyone else interested), I have constructed a S.S. sheet metal (double layer) heat shield to go between the belts and muffler. There are pictures of this in the files section of e-groups. I have been running this way for about 2 years now and have not had any problems. The sheet immediately next to the muffler shows some slight discoloration only in the one spot that actually touches the muffler (due to a rivet in the muffler or something). The second sheet, next to the belts, does not show any heat damage. In fact, it looks the same as the day I installed it. I made the rearmost sheet with a little "scoop" at the bottom in an effort to guide air in-between the two sheets effectively having an air insulation gap. If you have any additional questions about this, e-mail me privately. Sean Howley VIN#2345 <<I was wondering if a piece of sheet metal would work as good, but I suppose not.>>