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

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....

$8 Radiator Shroud & Trim Retainer, 11/16” x 7/8”

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.

 

I experimented with plastic fasteners and I didn’t get any wins, I have attempted some stuff but I have an idea to use a flat fastener you put in from the top and screw a nut from the bottom

 

We all await the mad science design...

 

I tucked mine in when I installed the skid plate... looks like the outbd tabs aren't too happy.

 

https://youtu.be/uMyCa35_mOg

 

"The waiting is the hardest part"
(My laughing emoji won't work, but I got a good laugh after having to play the video for a bit to get it)

 

I communicated with Tyler today.
He got back to me tonight after me messaging him this morning.
He's going to ship my rear plate tomorrow.

I'm sure he is overwhelmed and I hate to bother him.
But I've got to have my plates ready for when I get my truck back from the dealership.
We're going on day 181.

These plates are going on the truck the same day I get the truck back, even if I have to take a day off work to do it.
I'm not driving and parking anywhere in DFW without these plates on it.

So thanks Tyler.
Looking forward to the 2WD V3 when it gets into production.
I'd like to be one of the first to order, pay for, and wait for its arrival.
But there will be no sense of urgency for it like I had for the plates..

 

Any word on when your truck will be back?

 

No, every month they say by the end of the month.
Been saying that since January.
I don't think they have a clue.
It's now 35 Tundras and/or Sequoias waiting for cats on their lot...

Anybody on the fence, I'd order these plates.
Might take less time to get them from other manufacturers, but I believe @Classy63 has the best coverage with the front, rear, and upcoming V3..

What is the point of having cat shields if they don't protect the rear cats like Tyler's do??

 

Amen!

 

Got the cat stolen off our '21 Ram 2500 at work, Sat or Sun night.

 

Glad to hear you're getting you plate. I know you've been waiting a while for it. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be getting mine in rime for my trip. We're leaving on Saturday, so we'll have to take the wife's Highlander.

 

Is there not enough room for a bolt and nut? I would think that you would be able to use the same setup such as the RCI.

 

12 weeks and counting for me. It looks like more for some of the people on here.