JDUB's GX460-DIY Skid plate build-with files! (1 Viewer)

[JDUB fab]

This thread is meant to provide a resource to those who want to build their own skid plates for the GX460 platform. The files attached are the most current version of my design, but still probably needs a few tweaks. When and if I get the opportunity to build more of these, I will update the design files in this original post. My hope is that some will use the file to create their own versions, leaving feedback in the thread, so we can tap into the collective knowledge of the group. PLEASE do not sell or reproduce the digital file in anyway for profit. This is not a full "how to" but more of a repository and resource. I also included a PDF version, for those that may need to print the design on paper then transfer to metal that way.

My goal, after an exhaust reroute is to design and build the mid and transfer case skid with cross member, then gas tank. Look for updates on those in the future!

A little about my process: I am an artist and educator, located in the Hudson Valley of New York State. I enjoy wrenching and fabricating on all manner of things, but most of all I like modifying and outfitting my rig for off-road shenanigans. I am lucky to have access to digital fabrication machines at my school, which make the prototyping process much easier. With a full time job, I fabricate these things on the side for local people, mostly off the forums. I originally designed skids for the 3rd gen Tacoma, but moved on to the GX. Its surprising the similarities in design.. feel free to check out my website for more info on my artwork: Joel Weissman - https://www.joelweissman-art.com/ or my TacomaWorld Skid thread: JDUB SKID PLATE - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jdub-skid-plate.720306/

I am open to building these for people, if interested PM me for information and prices. I can do steel or aluminum.

*This product is intended for offroad use only. I take no responsibility or liability for damage to your vehicle or person.

Version 1.0:

 

[JDUB fab]

This is a cut and weld version, as I don't have a beefy enough break to do 3/16" steel, I designed it so one can cut all the parts then weld the pieces together at the desired angles.

 

[r2m]

Great looking work!
Question: How did you post the PDF and DXF files?
I too have offered up various projects/files for folks to make them selves, e.g.: 3D print STL files, PDF template, SolidWorks files, etc. but could never get them to post so had to have folks PM me and then I'd send the files to them.

 

[Roody]

Good guy Joel hooking the GX family up with skid plans

I can vouch for Joel's work and character, should anyone want references

 

[JDUB fab]

Great looking work!
Question: How did you post the PDF and DXF files?
I too have offered up various projects/files for folks to make them selves, e.g.: 3D print STL files, PDF template, SolidWorks files, etc. but could never get them to post so had to have folks PM me and then I'd send the files to them.

I just uploaded the files like any other on here.

 

[r2m]

I just uploaded the files like any other on here.

Hummm... Wonder if Woody's changed something.
Anyways, good news!

 

[MrTorgue]

View attachment 3637005

This thread is meant to provide a resource to those who want to build their own skid plates for the GX460 platform. The files attached are the most current version of my design, but still probably needs a few tweaks. When and if I get the opportunity to build more of these, I will update the design files in this original post. My hope is that some will use the file to create their own versions, leaving feedback in the thread, so we can tap into the collective knowledge of the group. PLEASE do not sell or reproduce the digital file in anyway for profit. This is not a full "how to" but more of a repository and resource. I also included a PDF version, for those that may need to print the design on paper then transfer to metal that way.

My goal, after an exhaust reroute is to design and build the mid and transfer case skid with cross member, then gas tank. Look for updates on those in the future!

A little about my process: I am an artist and educator, located in the Hudson Valley of New York State. I enjoy wrenching and fabricating on all manner of things, but most of all I like modifying and outfitting my rig for off-road shenanigans. I am lucky to have access to digital fabrication machines at my school, which make the prototyping process much easier. With a full time job, I fabricate these things on the side for local people, mostly off the forums. I originally designed skids for the 3rd gen Tacoma, but moved on to the GX. Its surprising the similarities in design.. feel free to check out my website for more info on my artwork: Joel Weissman - https://www.joelweissman-art.com/ or my TacomaWorld Skid thread: JDUB SKID PLATE - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jdub-skid-plate.720306/

I am open to building these for people, if interested PM me for information and prices. I can do steel or aluminum.

*This product is intended for offroad use only. I take no responsibility or liability for damage to your vehicle or person.

Version 1.0:
View attachment 3637004View attachment 3637003

Man, wish you weren't literally located on the other side of the country... Would love to have one of these with another set of letters.

 

[JDUB fab]

Man, wish you weren't literally located on the other side of the country... Would love to have one of these with another set of letters.

I’ve done custom logos and text for people before. But yeah literally opposite side of the country lol.

 

[MrTorgue]

I’ve done custom logos and text for people before. But yeah literally opposite side of the country lol.

What's shipping like on this do you think?

 

[JDUB fab]

What's shipping like on this do you think?

Honestly more than it’s worth I think. All you need is an angle grinder and welder…

 

[MrTorgue]

Honestly more than it’s worth I think. All you need is an angle grinder and welder…

Have neither. Maybe I can get my local welding/fab shop to put it together.

 

[r2m]

Have neither. Maybe I can get my local welding/fab shop to put it together.

Honestly, you can pick up welders really cheap and there's ton's of how-to's on YouTube to learn welding.
One of the things to look for in a welder if you're just going for a simple MIG, is utility time, AKA how long you can run a weld bead before it turns itself off.
The other is be sure you have 240 VAC in your garage or wherever you'll be welding. Yeah there are 120 VAC welders but they are pretty weak.

Welding is really easy, all you need to do is just do little baby circles and scoot your hand/arm back as you weld.
Probably the most difficult thing is figuring out what setting to use for your weld.
When you get your welder, go and get some junk pieces of iron and practice. You'll find you really enjoy it, if you like working with your hands.
I just wish I had the juice in my garage to use my welders.

 

[jdam]

120V home MIG welders do 3/16s steel just fine. We bought a $500 multiprocess off Amazon and built a Coastal Offroad bumper in my garage. It was the first time I'd welded anything, so with time getting consistent and playing around with settings it's definitely not hard.

The one on the right was the first time I'd ever laid a "bead". The one on the left is the second. No, it's not the prettiest, but I ground them down and you couldn't tell.

 

[JDUB fab]

I teach welding within the context of sculpture, one of my favorite things to do. People are so amazed they can do it, I always say, if you can run a hot glue gun you can MIG weld.

 

[JEFFKISTHENAME]

Looks awesome man. Very beefy!

 

[snowGX460]

PM sent