skid plate

[awp_cruiser]

I am thinking out loud here but I'd be interested in opinions from people who build (or abuse) skids more than I do right now.

I found a great deal on sheet aluminium.

3.5' x 6' (up to 12') x .375" 6061 T6

My question is how over kill is that for a skidplate? What are others running?

I am thinking flush bolts, minimal cross members (think 3/8" would be able to span quite a ways). I could do a flat belly with folds up to the steps/rockers.

Or stick with steel plate and more cross members? Or go all out for the nylon cutting board stuff?

Thanks,

andy

 

[Mace]

how much?

 

[awp_cruiser]

$200 for a half sheet. 3.5' x 6'

$400 for a full sheet. 3.5' x 12'

 

[dacicci]

thats not too bad of a price i bought a full sheet about 6 yrs ago for $450 and all metal has gone up a ton since then. that stuff is hard to cut by hand hope you have access or someone with a big shear handy.

 

[awp_cruiser]

Don't know of a shear. I think I can get to a pretty good plasma though. I suppose I could suffer through it with a sawzall if I absolutely had to.

Fabrication aside...

Is 3/8" too thick? Seems like it would still be lighter than a steel build up.

I am thinkning more and more that this would be a decent way to go.

Andy

 

[dacicci]

3/8 aluminum is pretty heavy stuff you could go with 1/4" i think that would be plenty stong if braced properly. or go with 1/4" steel. i would think 3/8 aluminum would not be as strong as 1/4 steel. depends on what quality aluminum you are using.

 

[Eskimo]

3/8" is what I'd use unless your junk is extremely heavy.