Floor panel/heat shield

[MGs]

I have just got some new seatbelts. Whilst looking at the transmission tunnel mounting holes (existing belts, just held with nuts - no mounting plate) I noticed a plate under the passenger foot well. It is a raised plate, with what looks like a piece of plywood underneath it. This is just above the front box on the exhaust.
Some questions
Is this to get rid of the heat from the exhaust?
Is this a standard panel?
Is it readily available (the one fitted is pretty rusty.

Cheers

[Alex'n'Ane]

Yes its the heat shield. I believe it could have asbestos in it, so be careful. I dont know if there still available but most people just dont re-fit them, as there not really necessary.

[MGs]

OK, thanks. I'll put a mask on, remove it and see what is there (before it becomes to rusty to remove and just falls off)

[simmitc]

The modern replacements do not contain asbestos, but you don't know how old your one is, or what it's made from. You can buy both the heat shield (white material) and the cover (metal, bolted to floor) easily from the usual suppliers.

[MGs]

Thanks I'll check the web

[TomLS]

EXH106/7