Skid Plate

[gearhead1937]

Not sure if this is the right place or not.... Just got done tearing Attex apart, blasted frame, plated front, rear and motor/tranny area, welded/gooed/fiber meshed all body cracks. NOW I'm thinking about build a skid plate, I have done some searching & didn't find too much... so with that being said I starting this thread as a drop-box so to speak for building a skid plate 101. Anybody have great pics with words of advice?? Any help would be appreciated...

[amphibious drew]

Best advice I can give is don't start with too thick a sheet of poly. I believe that 1/8" would be perfect. Member mustangwagz attempted 1/4" and gave up due to difficulties working with the material. I would think that you mold it in a "w" type shape first for the chain rails and raised center then slowly jack the bend in for the front. Lots of low heat, time, and weights.

[Mike]

If you will use the search, there are a couple of good threads on this topic already including a great how-to with photos from hydromike: How to build a skid plate for your six wheeler

[gearhead1937]

Thanks Mike, that is the thread i was looking for... I remember reading it a few years ago when I first joined, but was thinking it was titled something about 'resurrecting' one of those things i forgot to bookmark... I also remember seeing some pics where someone cut the poly into strips... wonder how that worked out.

Was really wondering how people handle the front/rear edges... I was thinking about making the 'W' and cutting along the front/rear edge and folding the front flap back, then make 'corner covers/protectors' to cover up the seam.

Drew, I was planning on 3/16 but if you think 1/8 would work I'll probably go that route for my first one. Hopefully there will be more to come, found a lil truck about 10 miles from me just sitting in someones back yard...

[racerone3]

I have done 3 in the last year. I cut the "W" shape that you are talking about, then plastic weld the corners and weld filler pieces back in. Once everything is welded from the outside, I remove the plate and weld it all again on the inside. all 3 have held up to some pretty good abuse. there are several pics of the process in this album wild wolf - Amphibious ATV Pictures

[amphibious drew]

3/16" is probably better if you can shape it properly. My thought would be to attempt the 1/8" and learn how to bend the material and if that works ok for you, you could always get a thicker piece and do it again using what you learned. However, if you end up with an utter fail your first try, 1/8" is cheaper than 3/16" lol.

[gearhead1937]

Much appreciated gentlmen... guess i'll be buying poly next instead of bearings. Figure if i buy both i'd put it together without building the skid plate. Think i'll go with the 1/8 inch.... Assuming McMaster Carr is the best place to buy??