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

Really shouldn't post about buying from Talon's Garage in Valhalla Shield's thread. Just saying. Way too much history including the source of the Talon's Garage design.

 

That's my bad, thought I posted this in the cat plate thread.

Also, how tf am I supposed to know about any of the drama and history. Again, my bad.

 

He just advised. Un-twist your knickers just a tad. No worries, just more of an FYI.
Hope you're happy with your plates

 

I think the knickers were twisted before my post, but carry on.

 

What is the current turn around on orders these days?

Edit-Looked through thread and saw a few weeks. Thanks

 

Got my tracking number the other day (ordered Feb 6). Should be here on time for the weekend. Thanks Tyler!

 

I ordered on 3/24, told I would get them 100% before June. I'm seven weeks and counting. I have to have them before June.

 

I’ve got a set listed in 2.5 gen marketplace for anyone who needs these asap. Florida panhandle, will travel a reasonable distance to help someone out.

 

Yeah, it's definitely tight under there. Someone posted it took them 10 minutes to install - as usual, it took me a bit longer.

 

Thank you..

 

How many Rockdomes do we need?! I want to have everything I need before the shields show up ...x4, right? for the two-plate setup?

 

I used eight medium domes.

 

Thank you sir!

 

Your welcome! I put a rock dome on every bolt. I also chose to not use the washer between the Rock dome and bolt head. I did use a washer under the nut though.

 

Good thinking and I will practice a similar install!

 

Any reason not to weld a metal donut around the bolt holes so a sawzall blade can't get to the bolt? They want 11 bucks each for those protective washers.

 

I guess you could..... also think when you need to service certain parts that requires you to drop the plate then would that be more of a hassle to do? I don't know, I just did plain bolts and nothing else....

 

The donut would be big enough to fit the bolt and appropriate socket for said bolt head to fit into, but not so big a sawzall blade can get underneath the head of bolt. Basically, I'd just be welding on those bolt protects, only less fancy, and without the taper.

 

I think someone with a gas powered hand-held 18" cutoff saw could still get through the bolt.

 

With a tool like that it's probably easier to cut the cab off the frame to access the cats.

 

Nah, just flip the truck on its side. Easy peasy.

 

If someone is trying to grind or cut the heads off it will be quite difficult to get to the bolt heads if you use the large rock domes
(I used the large domes from https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...t-head-protector-for-skid-plate-systems-large)
The Pentagon bolt heads are recessed inside and there is just enough room for the Pentagon socket to go in there. I didnt use any washers under the bolt head because the rock dome acts as the washer. I did use some nylon washers between the frame and the plate. Also put nylon washers between the two plates so it would keep any "creaking" down. Got them from HomeDepot. Just take the bolts in and figure out what size you would like. Here are some pics. I have to credit @1lowlife for the pic showing the socket clearance.

 

I installed my valhalla skid plate and I have a question for the forum.

How do you attach the bumper valance to the skid plate?
I guess earlier in the design and in the install guide from @3rdTundra it mentions some 3/16-18x1/2 bolts going into some welded nuts. The design has changed and my plate did not have the welded nuts there. I was wondering what is now the preferred method of attaching the valance? If I wanted to go buy some hardware I noticed I can not get a nut into the channel to attach a bolt. Is there some hack I am not thinking of. Here is a pic.

Thanks in advance.

 

I tucked mine under the skid before I cinched it down, and didn't use any fasteners. Several others did the same thing. Works fine. If that's not the route for you, it'll just be a matter of manhandling the thing.

 

Damn. Now I will have to take the plate off the front tow hooks and reinstall...

 

Those nylon washers are a GREAT idea..
Going to do that when I install mine..

Thank you

 

Well shit! If I ever take the shields down for any reason I'll be installing nylon washers as well. Great idea @TBS

 

A 3d printed adapter might work. Anything that impacts that high off the ground and hard enough to break it would probably be bad enough to demolish a stock shield anyway. After my plates come in if I come up with something I can share the file

 

I was thinking maybe a fastener like this. It is only holding the valance up so maybe....

$12 25 Push-Type Retainers Compatible with GM: 20664092 and Ford: N804570S

https://www.amazon.com/25-Push-Type-Retainers-GM-20664092/dp/B0040CZ7PM

Just checked the diameter with a drill bit and a 1/4 bit fits.

I am off to the autoparts store to see what they have.

 

Could only get a fastener in the center because the holes in the frame and the plate did not align. Here is a pic of the fastener I got from Advance Auto.
This will have to do until I have time to take the front of the plate down so I can tuck the tabs between the frame and plate like @1794TX suggested.