Skid/splash guard fab

Probably a bit more than that, lol. But plastic, ewww.

 

What thickness aluminum did you end up using? Looks like 1/8” or less

 

080. Same thickness as most street signs.

 

Ah ok, I saw you post that but I thought that was a grade or something

 

It's about 1/8 inch maybe a hair less

 

Handmade with a piece of 16 gauge steel and a couple slight bends. Cost about $30. Easier to change the oil and filter now too.

 

Nice. Does it cover the bottom side.of front differential also?
I may do steel later now that I have everything worked out. This aluminum was free so if I screwed up not out much.

 

Maybe. I have an ABS plastic skid plate on my Subaru Outback, and it's taken rock hits pretty well. Of course most of the audience I am talking to believes only in aluminum or steel skid plates--so giving me an intelligent answer isn't possible. I'll post my question elsewhere.

 

Maiden voyage yesterday afternoon at interstate speeds... haven't totally figured out a way to tell for sure but I think I heard a flutter sound. I wish I had a go.pro and some fancy attachments to video down there but...I fear that the skid may be a touch too thin of aluminum? Kind of think it may be flexing with wind or the wings/ bend side flaps aren't quite sturdy enough.
Not it's either take it off and build some sort of stiffeners to mount or recreate it front steel.

This has taken a turn to more work than I wanted it to be for just keeping the winter shit off the front end components and engine bay a little cleaner..

 

. Where are you located? I feel like the design should represent where are located

 

Yup it covers the same area roughly as the original. Mounts with the same bolt holes.

 

Iowa. Not laser cutting a corn cob into there lol. That is a good idea though. Need to hash wether or not I need to rebuild outta steel or whatever first though

 

Gotcha. As I stated a few posts above I may have to.go.the steel route. Or at least thicker aluminum.
Where did.you source the flat steel from just a metal fab shop near you?
Just to be clear, the original does mount to the bottom of rad support and cross member correct? I've never had 1 on since owning

 

My original thought when you said aluminum and street sign thickness is that it'll be a bit flimsy. I really like the work so far though.

 

Yeah, took a chance as it was free. Nothing but time and a case of beer so I take it as a learning experience. Now at least I have a template I know works. Gotta just be the side flaps as they aren't attached to anything like the rest. Aw well. Another will be in the works at some point if stiffeners don't work out!

 

Add some angle aluminum to the left and right sides as a rail to stiffen it up (on the inside). You can probably rivet them on.

 

Knowing all that and yet you asked, weird.

 

I mean, my V6 tundra came with a molded ¼" skid plate from the factory... it's held up pretty well.

Would I go rock crawling with that? No.

Would I trust it against a raccoon, opossum, deer, dog, cat, coyote, fox, bobcat? Yes.

Does it suit my needs just fine? Yes, for a daily driver.

See my YouTube collection of deer strikes or near misses here.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJr_TkfFkRLWq9_oXVYibqExrD5dgYyXC

 

He's not kidding. I've seen tumbleweeds punch straight through radiators and intercoolers here. They can get to be 4' diameter with a 1" main stem.

 

That's correct. There's three bolts up front and two in the back. I believe I got the steel from Home Depot/Lowes/etc.

 

What about a hog design? I can picture it in my head being pretty bad ass

 

you could always get a dimple die press. that would do a lot for your fluttering.

 

You mean punch more holes in it? I have a hydraulic knock out set.
If I cut more holes in it and bigger ones it'll defeat the purpose of the splash guard I think.
I think it's just the aluminum being to thin on the wings/side flaps. Are you suggesting to punch holes in those to see if it helps?

 

trying to picture how it would bend and I'd still be able to attach it? I assume where the bends where would need to have a notch cut out to allow the bends. I found some at the 'Po. different thicknesses they have...1/16" probably too weak?

 

I don't know what's happening in this thread anymore. Worried about wings being too weak? I'd just add some angle aluminum to the wings or some other sort of brace.

 

I'll figure it out and update, sorry man.

 

Not your fault Ryan! I'm all scatter brained right now. Nothing you did.

 

Flared dimple die holes can improve rigidity of a sheet of metal, but I suppose if the "splash" aspect is important to you, then it definitely does defeat the purpose.

 

Just looked it up. Kind like a metal "racing" gas pedal look...May give it a shot. Thanks

 

absolutely. If you end up using it, let us know how it works.