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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: RazBarlow on January 14, 2009, 03:34:38 PM

Title: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: RazBarlow on January 14, 2009, 03:34:38 PM

I am wanting to build my own skid pates . Has anyone on here done that and is there any pic of where they attach or the size shape or thickness ?
Thanks,
Raz

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: Drone637 on January 14, 2009, 04:46:39 PM

For what type of vehicle?

And are you looking to keep brush off the bottom, or rocks away from the t-case?

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: RazBarlow on January 14, 2009, 05:28:35 PM

1994 two door track , I want as much protection as I can get to protect the underside . I heard a good place to start is the transfercase and the gas tank.
Thanks,
Raz

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: Rhinoman on January 15, 2009, 10:51:32 AM

I used the Calmini plates and then adapted them to suit. The plates are just bent sheet, around 3/8" thick if I remember correctly. Make some templates from cardboard and then cut out the sheet and bend to suit. There are two threaded mounting holes in the suspension crossmember already.

http://www.rhinoman.org/SuzukiStuff/mods/skids.html

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: RazBarlow on January 15, 2009, 11:34:33 AM

Sure you don't mean 3/16 thick ?
3/8 would be overkill I think.
Thanks,
Raz

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: Drone637 on January 15, 2009, 02:41:51 PM

There was a article that I thought was on Zukiworld, but I can't find it, about a guy with a built up 2 door that he drove up through Colorado.  It talked about his build-up and the custom skid plates he put under it.  If only briefly.

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: Uncivilized on January 15, 2009, 02:49:55 PM

Quote from: RazBarlow on January 15, 2009, 11:34:33 AM

Sure you don't mean 3/16 thick ?
3/8 would be overkill I think.
Thanks,
Raz

Even 3/16" is a bit thick, 1/8" is probably a good thickness to go with. there's always the option to buy a used furnace oil tank for cheap and cut it up :) I think it's a little less than 1/8", but tough enough to help out, and cheap enough you can replace it when it get mangled.
Start by making some cardboard templates before you start cutting.

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: bentparts on January 16, 2009, 03:47:59 AM

1/8th is too thin. I have the Calmini skid plates, they are definitely thicker than 3/16th, and I've bent my center trans  skidplate. Make 'em strong.

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: RazBarlow on January 16, 2009, 04:10:57 AM

Anybody have a pair of calipers or a mic and can measure their skidplate thickness for me ?
Thanks,
Raz
 How about a pic of their ride with the skiplates installed so I can see where they bolt on and the shape ?
Thanks again,

Title: Re: Home Built skid Plates ?
Post by: Rhinoman on January 16, 2009, 04:31:49 AM

Quote from: RazBarlow on January 15, 2009, 11:34:33 AM

Sure you don't mean 3/16 thick ?
3/8 would be overkill I think.
Thanks,
Raz

Ah yes you're correct they are 3/16" thick.