My cats got stolen last night

Pics of 4wd vs 2wd with the rear plate. 3rd pic is the 2wd obviously. I'm going to play with a couple of ideas on mine for protection on the 2wd models.

 

My post on another thread.

 

Additional shots for rear cat coverage.





-JS

 

I don’t really want to wait for one. I did some measuring tonight. Called some metal distributors. A 4x4 sheet of 1/8 inch steel is $165. My plywood template is way less than that. Ratio math says under $100. I know....I know....engineers.

 

Got my truck back yesterday everything is good and happy to report no issues. I am going to order a plate from Tyler just trying to decide between steel and aluminum? Any thoughts ??? I live in Az so salt isn’t a concern

 

Depends on your needs and how you use the truck.
Aluminum = a little pricier but lighter and no rust (and they look sweet all polished up). Not as durable overall if you plan to bash on them.
Steel = cheaper but much heavier, can rust if not coated. More durable, steel slides better over rocks than aluminum.

Here's Tyler's plates in polished aluminum:

 

Thanks for the info. Did you get 3/16 or 1/4” ?

 

1/4". A little polish and a buffer and they shine up pretty nice.

 

Do these plates trap heat and have any ill effects?

 

I haven't noticed anything like that. In the other big thread about these plates someone took temps before and after and didn't notice a difference. Seems to be plenty of airflow through there, along with the little holes in the plate.

 

I’d run a short length of Chain Link Fence from frame to frame. SawZall Blade would be bouncing and snagging on each link in any attempt to cut leading to frustration. Light weight and cheap and readily available. Bolt up with washers and self tappers.

 

Sounds reasonable. You go first and let us know how it turns out. We'll need pics as well.

 

Sad what we need to do

Problem is every self respecting thief always has a pair of these ...

Kobalt 8-in Bolt Cutters in the Bolt Cutters department at Lowes.com

 

Zero deductible on comprehensive and roll the dice. Odds are good it won't happen to you.

 

I crawled under my truck with the wooden template I constructed last night to check the fit. Was darn near perfect. When I draw the plans up I will add a 2 inch lip on the sides and front notch. I am thinking of getting it made out of perforated plate. Plenty of air flow and with any luck won’t have to locate the holes for bolts. If anyone wants the plans shoot me a message. There are places that will cut your plate pattern all over. I searched and found one in Houston a few miles from me. THe 4x4 sheet of 1/8 steel was like $165 and 3/16 aluminum was $212. They cut to fit so the price of the sheet you have cut should be significantly less.

 

They do not. I took temps when I put mine on...no issues at all.

 

Only problem with this is an insurance claim. Nothing is free. When your policy renews they will start getting theirs back. I have learned from bad experience that you don’t call the insurance unless you have to. Better to pay what you can out of pocket (to some extent).

 

I have steel on mine. These trucks are so powerful that it doesn't notice the weight. It didn't even notice when I added 300 lbs in bumper weight. It's different than adding tire weight.

 

If I can afford to pay 45 grand for the truck, all the gas it drinks, and I can buy expensive flimsy skids, then chances are I can afford insurance.

 

Chances are......great thing about America. You can give YOUR money to whoever YOU want to.

 

When everyone has skids then they will probably just start stealing those and selling them used to the same people.

 

Dan, you sure do provide a different perspective on things. Not always helpful or relevant, but certainly different

 

Just a different way to say thieves have been around since the beginning of time, and they will not be going anywhere. Protect your cat conv. then they might just drag the saw blade down the side of your paint because you rained on their parade. Maybe not helpful, just another thought. Personally, my sliders are going to have a couple of cross members that connect both sides to each other, one being behind the transfer case and one under the oil pan. It will be really easy to add an expanded metal shield to each of them. So, for $300 I will have both HD sliders and cat conv. anti theft devices.

 

Try 2 months and 2 weeks for me. Just got mine back 2 days ago after sitting at the dealer. I installed Tyler's plates the very same day.

 

I would say if he somehow wasn't so lacking in communication I would have had my plates a week before the cats were stolen. I was playing tag with him for awhile and when he answered he would say he would contact me. 2-3 weeks later he did, but I had already given my money to Tyler whom was clear on ETA.

 

Your like me. spend 100 hours, to find out you saved $50 and still not as perfect as the guy who sales them by the 100's. Both plates (front and back) from Valhella uncoated (like yours will be when your done cutting them out) ready to bolt on with fasteners are $4?? pick up. He is in Houston also. At max you will save $100 and run around waiting for the material, waiting for the plasma or water jet cutter. Just spent 50 hrs building a drop axle for a jet ski trailer, have about $120 into it. metal all over place, guess should have bought one for $89......................

 

Sometimes it's about the journey. The lessons learned, the blood, the sweat, the tears. I happen to like Journey too, Hey Alexa...

 

You nailed it. In the end, it isn’t about saving the money....because you aren’t saving a lot. I like a project. Same reason I chose to rip the dash out and remove the chrome and silver. Other things....I totally rebuilt a bad boy buggy that was ruined in Harvey a few years back. Most recently I bought a big jon boat and refurbished it. Added removable seats and removable platforms so I can leave it outdoors and it won’t rot. Fun project for sure! Next I am busting out tile in my house and installing wood floors. I have roofed houses. I have built outside buildings. Lots of stuff. I know so many people that can’t do any of these things. Well....they call me when they need help. Another benefit is I can pass these to my son as well.

 

Cat theft deterrent before it was a "thing"