Valhalla’s Shield theft deterrent/skid plates info and ordering post

This is super common and super annoying… y’all hit the nail on the head though, they are way under staffed. The worst hub seems to be on Oregon, I have watch packages rot there…

I have a spoiler for my little car I ordered months ago from China, (USPS) it has been in America since September 9th and I still don’t have it… then I have a larger part that shipped from Japan on 10/1 and it is out for delivery today via UPS.

USPS have is aids, and when I chose the carrier for my packages, it was down to UPS and Fed ex, I have found that Fed Ex is much more reliable. I have had only one package lost and it was eventually sent back to me.

Side note, I am picking up the massive steel order tomorrow, I am getting most of the aluminum from powder coat today.

 

My FedEx guy yesterday when he dropped them off I was home. My 2 bigs dogs carrying on at him. He went back to his truck and got some dogs treats he carry’s. He loves his job. I don’t know why other don’t. Lol.

 

My sympathy to the FedEx workers who are working short and still hard at it. Agreed- people need to go back to work now. Very few real excuses left.

 

Big YAY!

My aluminum plates and hardware arrived today- only a couple of days late, and actually ideal as today is the only day I’ll have time to install.

Everything looks perfect. Tyler wraps these things expertly to avoid shipping damage, and these things look flawless- almost a shame to hang them under a truck!!

 

I am so happy to see y’all getting your plates! I have started shipping powder coated aluminum!

 

How about the uncoated aluminum orders?

 

If you haven’t got an email from me, then Yours will be in the next batch that will be ready before Halloween

 

So if i ordered 1/4 bare aluminum on 7-31-21, it will be the end of October before the order is shipped?

Ryan

 

Yes, that aluminum order disappeared quick.

 

Hi Tyler, just checking back in . 3 weeks ago you said you were picking up the order from your aluminum cutter. R441186113. Is this getting shipped out anytime soon? Thanks

 

I am sending you a message

 

@3rdTundra and @Classy63 Thank you!!!

Tyler, whatever the issue was before with the Z bracket, you solved it. Everything felt tight and perfectly spaced, with pretty exacting tolerances.


Installation took a couple hours with some domestic interruptions, but went smoothly following 3rdTundra’s walkthrough.


When you guys get your plates, read through the whole set of downloadable instructions and pay attention to those square spacers. It’s easiest to get them on early. Also, watch the edges- my unfinished aluminum had some fun spots, and I found them.

The pentagonal bolt heads were a pain for me; I used the protective washers, so it was a tight squeeze for the penta socket, and I got a lot of slippage. But with patience everything installed nicely. I cannot imagine any shitbag sliding under my truck and giving it the time of day. It just looks impenetrable.

Thanks again!!

 

All plates being made since that aluminum batch won’t need the spacers anymore. I am glad they fit well!

 

I need to order but the site wasn't pulling up, thieves are hitting this area hard. I will try again later

 

Paint Color Question:

I have bare steel plates on order.

Has anyone found a match for the silver’ish color of the TRD Pro skid plate?

Dorky maybe, but I am aiming for a uniform color under there.

 

What did you use to paint your tapered washers? Were there any prep steps involved?

 

Not sure how to navigate the lettering, but it might do just as well to paint the skid plate along with the other plates. You could have a non-stock color on the TRD skid like nobody else.

 

The washers I ordered from Rock Hard 4x4 (linked somewhere back in this thread) came to me finished in black. Can’t tell if they are powdercoated or painted. None of the finish came off during install.

It appears there are also some stainless options. If I had known that, I would probably have gone for those.

(Edit: they are powdercoated black)

 

I can understand the color of the front skid being desired since it can be seen from the front. However the cat skids cannot be seen unless your under the truck. Plus they will always be dirty due to road grime. Personally, I did not care about the color and just slapped on bed coating paintFrom the hardware store.

 

it is so sad that we are now, due to "COVID", forced to accept mediocrity as acceptable customer service!

 

@Classy63 Any ETA on the replacement Z brackets (1/8" steel in my case)?

 

As a supply chain guy, I thought this article was interesting about the rise in aluminum prices. This is a staggering amount of power to produce aluminum.



https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...-dubbed-solid-electricity?cmpid=BBD101121_BIZ

 

Hey there! New Tundra owner and member to the forums here. First mod will be these plates, cant wait to get em! Just had a couple questions when you get time, I did not order the security bolts with the plates, I assume the 2 plates come with just standard hardware? I will upgrade to security hardware some time in the future just want to make sure they come with bolts etc.

Also if its not much trouble, update on order status please.
Order: R120876295 | Date: 2021-10-02

Thanks!

 

Exciting times!!

 

Awesome

 

You’re going to have to pull everything apart to install the penta bolts. If I could influence you- just order them now.

 

75% through installing 1/4" aluminum front and rear cat plates and ran into an issue that is probably specific to my truck (don't recall reading about it in the thread so far).

I can't get the Z-bracket to attach to the frame on the driver's side using the provided 3/4" bolt. On the bottom side of the frame where the bracket attaches, there is a weld that is supposed to end before getting to the attach point, but on my drivers side there is a lot of additional weld residue and as a result the Z-bracket can't fit flush to the bottom of the frame. I plan on going to a 5/8"x2" bolt tomorrow and maybe doubling up on washers just to make sure they don't bend, so hopefully that will resolve the issue.

As a side note, on my passenger side, I can't get a tool in there to tighten the 3/4" bolt that doesn't press on the brake lines. A wrench won't fit at all beside the brake lines and a socket will rub on the lines, but not enough to cause any issues. I did get that bracket on tight but will probably also swap it out for a 5/8" bolt just to make sure clearance is fine long-term.

 

It’s your truck, but I would be tempted to remove any excess weld with a die grinder.

On the passenger side frame, I used the socket wrench to hold the nut captive, and then tightened the bolt from the head side using a large crescent wrench. When I was done, there is plenty of clearance for the brake lines around the new hardware.

 

I am planning on going to 5/8 bolts on the sides of the Z brackets, I have had a lot of complaints about not having tools big enough for that bolt and nut, but it would also give more clearance for issues like this.

 

I ordered mine in early August and I'm not close. Settle in, relax, and park your truck safe as you wait. I've been taking my wifes car to metro areas, because I'd hate to lose my cats as I wait.