'00 muffler heat shield shot

hi all,

the heat shield above the muffler is cracked and rattling. ford parts says it's obsolete. what have others done to fix? i feel it's benefit since it also divides the muffler from the fuel tank.

i see wraps and other devices to put over top of the muffler yet ours is that waffle shape- might be a challenge on fitment.

tia,
parker

I have used galvanized, sometimes aluminum, sheet metal "flashing" (available at Home Depot) to replace/augment original heat shields. You will need to use metal hand shears to cut to shape the flashing. CAREFUL ... SHARP EDGES! You can fold the flashing over, several times, to create a very effective heat shield.