HD Skid Plate Build

[tawright]

Just finished up building my HD skid plate and figured it was time to post some pics.

After smashing my stock skid plate I decided it was time to find a heavy duty replacement. I also wanted a project that I could cut my teeth on learning how to weld so I decided to build my own.

I have to give props to bsevans design because I based my design on his build although I did not have access to machine shop to bend 3/8" plate nor a laser cutter so mine would not be as professional looking.

Where to start? I wanted it my skid plate to be flat and have the minimal amount of drop from the frame rails. I started with a 3'x5' sheet of 3/8" plate steel and a few other misc. pieces. I had my brother-in-law cut the pieces to length with a plasma cutter but the cuts were pretty rough. I will definitely need a better solution for making cuts. More on that to follow!

First step. Cut out all the pieces, weld frame mounts and weld to skid plate.

 

[tawright]

Finished off welding frame mounts



Started on end plates. Had to make cut outs for both front and rear drive lines and muffler. Also, made cut off for bottom of drive line drum brake.

 

[tawright]

Next up, were cutting the corner gussets. Rather than suffer through using a jig saw, I purchased a metal circular saw. Although not cheap (about $300 with $50 blades) it make quick work of making straight cuts even on 3/8" plate steel and the edge looks like it was cut with a laser.

 

[tawright]

Finished up all the welds and grinded the joints smooth (relatively that is for a beginner welder). Smoothed out the joints with some light bondo and gave everything a quick coat of etching primer.

 

[tawright]

To finish, I cut out the mounting holes and access/drain holes for the Tranny and T/C.

 

[tawright]

Views of the finished product. Skid plate is obviously heavy. It is 33" long and covers the u-joints. The drop is only 2" from the frame leaving me 16" of clearance currently.

Side view


Rear view


Front view

 

[Rat70Fj]

And then?

 

[Pighead]

Bondo on a skidplate?!?

 

[tawright]

Bondo on a skidplate?!?

Just to fill the pin holes in the joints really and give a smoother finish on the edge. I could have grinded them out but my grinding wheel was getting pretty worn out by this time so it was just easier to slap some Bondo on and be done with it.

 

[Chachie]

I understand it is purely for looks. I am the same way I do not want some wonky thing on my rig too.

 

[tawright]

I understand it is purely for looks. I am the same way I do not want some wonky thing on my rig too.

I am not sure how using a little bondo to fill pin holes in the joints makes it "wonky" as you say. I would agree if I slapped a big 1/4" layer of bondo on the bottom of the plate that would be stupid as it would fall off on the first hit but that is not what I did. BTW, the picture just shows when I slapped the Bondo on, it does not show that I sanded 99% of it off before painting

 

[fieldsken1]

looks rather thin for 3/8s thick. Nice job

 

[bsevans]

Wow, that was a lot of work. It looks great - job well done. I went another way and designed my skid plate in AutoCAD and had the largest metal fabrication house in Tucson, AZ fabricate it. Except for one small gusset it is made from a single sheet of 3/8" steel.

 

[Chachie]

I am agreeing with putting the bondo on I like the clean lines with out it that is when it would look WONKY

 

[Chachie]

Looks awesome by the way

 

[Chachie]

bsevans is that shot with heavy equipment paint?

 

[fj401978]

Views of the finished product. Skid plate is obviously heavy. It is 33" long and covers the u-joints. The drop is only 2" from the frame leaving me 16" of clearance currently.

Side view


Rear view


Front view

Great job, dude! Way to may it look pro...keep up the good work, you may be a newbie welder, but your skills are far above mine!

 

[bsevans]

bsevans is that shot with heavy equipment paint?

POR 15 2 part hard coat epoxy applied with a roller.

 

[DAD2SIX]

You did excellent work! Nice

 

[TLC76]

That should drop your center of gravity about 6". If it were me I might consider punching a 1 or 1 1/2" hole in each corner so it would have places for water/crap to escape. Good protection though.