Skid Plate Interest

[leucadiacruiser]

Picked mine up today - dropped them off at Electro Tech to get powder coated. Hardware wasn't included - anyone get theirs on yet? What are hardware specs for those of you who mounted yours up already?

 

[chap79]

Painted mine with rustoleom bed liner over 3 coats of etching primer. Going to let it sit all week to fully cure before mounting.

@leucadiacruiser I’ll have to check what hardware was used when installing the prototype. I’m pretty sure it was all M8-1.25 but would need to check the lengths. I also remember that they used some spacers to step the brake lines off the frame over the driver side mounts.

 

[leucadiacruiser]

Thanks Harley - Let me know when you can. Those look great!

 

[Overlandeffex]

I thought hardware was coming with it. I'll ask him tomorrow.

 

[chap79]

I thought hardware was coming with it. I'll ask him tomorrow.

I didn’t ask since I already had hardware for mine.

 

[elripster]

I didn't get hardware . If the size is known it is an mmc order away.

 

[chap79]

Hardware List

11 bolts M8-1.25 x 25mm
11 washers 5/16”
11 lock washers 5/16”
1 spacer 3/8” long with 5/16” ID (this is to space the hard brake lines over the driver side bracket for the transfer case plate) or you could just use a stack of washers.

 

[chap79]

I would also recommend running a M8-1.25 tap through all the frame holes before trying to mount the plate. If they are anything like mine they were full of 20+ years of dirt and grime.

 

[koifish]

Anyone running these skids with slee sliders? Wondering about interference with any of the ubolts.

 

[elripster]

kofish, funny you should mention interference. I emailed Bent Motorsports a few minutes ago to let them know I am having just such issues.

I have two problems on my 94. First, the rear most plate interferes with the 4X4Labs slider mounting u bolts. I can probably get around that by cutting section out of the mounting hears to clear the ubolts. Otherwise I'd need to somehow narrow the mounts by about 5mm per side and cut the slots out to the edges. Cutting is more within my capabilities and then the existing mounting slots should also align. The ubolts and mounts don't look like they will let me mount the skid plate and then mount the ubolt over it but I can check that approach.

The more forward skid plate, however, is more of a problem. As many if not most of us know, the 91-94 80 series have a different transmission than the 95-97 years. I believe these were designed against the 96-97 model year 80. The older gearbox much larger than the newer ones and because it is larger the skid plate hits it. To fit the skid plate I would need to flatten the crossmember mounting section so that the plate is basically level. Then, I will need to install a roughly 3" spacer between the frame and d-side mount.

I can do the cutting and even some welding but don't have the ability to flatten that section so will need some help there.

These sorts of issues are very common on first runs of custom parts. It's hard to catch all of the OEM and aftermarket variation first time out.

Frank

 

[Overlandeffex]

So first off I need to apologize to to everyone. I knew that there was different transmissions but via pictures did not see the issue. This is full on my fault and nothing to do with Bent Motorsports as he designed it off the Bruiser which is a 96 so I can see why there is issues. Early in the post we said we were using that 96 unit as the mock up.I wish I would have know that there was enough of a difference between the early and late models to stop this mistake from happening but I just did not know there was that issue. As for sliders we knew that it just depends on manufactures as each do something different. This will work with the White Knuckles as That is what I have. I will call Dave tomorrow and see what we can work out. I have a few ideas for the 91-94 guys so we can make it an easy fix but will not know until I actually get into conversation with him. Please stand by.

 

[elripster]

It's all good, no need for fault blaming. I used to own San Diego Off Road Innovations and invented the ball joint spacer for the mini trucks. During that time I came up other products and every darn time something always got me just when I thought I had it nailed. I had to scrap a huge batch of parts once. This sort of thing happens and I sure we will work through a solution. I can imagine a few ways through the issues.

Frank

 

[Overlandeffex]

I talked with Dave this morning and discussed possible fixes for this. I'm checking with @SoCalDesertCruiser if I can borrow his 94 for a few hours either tomorrow or Wednesday to have it evaluated. At this point I guess we need to find out how many 91-94 cruisers are in this run. Then see how many have powder coated and not and maybe do some trading of the front plates so we can modify the non coated ones. Please get back to me on this. Thank you!

 

[elripster]

I have a 94, My 7 year old painted mine (and himself) with bed liner so no big deal if they get scraped up in the rework. He will jump at the chance to paint them again.

Frank

 

[leucadiacruiser]

I'm in the '94 crew. Thanks Jeff and keep us posted - I dropped mine off at Electro Tech but am just having them hold off on the job. If Milo can't get out there, let me know and I can probably make time tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

[desierto]

I've got a '93. I have it at work in South Vista, close to Bent, and I am not driving it this week, I could drop it off.

I mean drop the car off. I hadn't picked up my plate yet.

 

[Overlandeffex]

Ok... great news!!! I borrowed @SoCalDesertCruiser ride and drove over to Bent Motorsports and looked at fixes. After as few minutes we came up with a fix for those guys with 91-94 cruisers. We found a way to make it fit without too much work. Basically take the guard off that is on the pan currently. The the current bolting spot down on the cross member is bent downward slightly so we can bolt up the plate. At the same time a spacer is put between the pan and plate. He will cut off the flat leg piece that is to bolt up to the frame and turn it sideways and reweld it so it can bolt up again. Simple fix to the problem... SO here is the plan. If your one of these set ups, call Dave and he will schedule you in for an hours time frame to get it done. If you have problems making it during the week and need some help I can help ferry trucks from my house if necessary. I leave for vacation on Thursday but will be back after the 8th to assist with any and all needs. While I'm up north I'll be seeing out friend Jared, @jwbc84 for a few hours. Hope this helps and see everyone on the 10th!!

 

[elripster]

Awesome! I will remove so paint to speed things up. I am of town this week but maybe Monday/Tuesday, I will check with Dave.

Frank

 

[leucadiacruiser]

Took mine in this morning - David and the guys were beyond accommodating. Less than one hour in and out!

 

[Overlandeffex]

There are a few plates still left over at Bent Motorsports.... Folks we need to pick these up. If you need to get your modified to fit the early years of the 80 series please make an appointment.