Help identifying a thingy

The screens were there to meet US EPA requirements so that a hot converter couldn't cause a fire if a car was parked/driven in an area with tall grass, dry leaves etc.

EPA required that all Cats be "insulated" in some way to accomplish that. The Cat itself can be insulated or a screen placed to prevent contact with grass/leaves. EPA didn't care which method was used.

 

A picture is better than a thousand words.
Here you have the factory part #61881000, the manifold/catalytic converter/exhaust perforated sheet metal protection under an US car.
I lifted the picture from the net on a site called "revivaler", the pic doesn't seem to be copyrighted, hope this is allright.

Rgds

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