jrcnring, what quality of composite metal was used to armor your vehicle? I know it's specified in the grading system used in Mexico, but I'm curious...
Also, what do you think your curb weight is on your current vehicle?
I was the Plant Controller for a spec metal shop that produced bomb doors and armor plates for Humvees in Iraq. If you could address the weight issue, I think it would be easier to sell folks on armoring ANY SUV.
Hi El Cid,
As for curb weight I have no exact idea of how much that is.
The armor construction has several materials.
Armor level according to Euro spec is B6 or US commercial Spec that is a level 4.
I know that the floor is lined with several layers of Kevlar and some sections it has ballistic steel lined with Twaron.
Roof is lined with Dynnema to reduce weight and also because most atacks in Mexico occur at ground level, Doors are lined also with ballistic steel lined with Twaron and ceramic plating. All pillars are done in ballistic steel with Twaron. Door frames are reinforced in ballistic steel. Windows are made by Isoclima for special use by Global Armor (nothing different than other armoring companies only they add the armoring company logo on the glass while making it).
As weight reduction I think new technologies are comming out that are becoming very good solutions.
An acquaintance works in this company that is developing really cool new armoring technologies.
http://www.armordesigns.com/
I think armoring only makes sence if you really are going to places where there is always inminent danger. In normal driving conditions here in the States your highest risk is getting mugged or on a road rage incident. In Mexico you are just trying to get a slight advantage in not being kidnapped.
The added cost of armoring the car just makes it a really expensive option.
The retail prices for the armor my LC has on it is between 40 to 50K USD. That means that if you wanted to armor a brand new LC saying you paid sticker 65k. You are looking at a grand total of north of 110K.
Governments and military contractors on the other hand do go all out with their armoring, as money is not an objection.
Actually just today I shot a photo of an armored Suburban that the department of state use to drive to the US consulate in Juarez.
You can clearly figure out this is not typical suburban. The window frames are signs of heavy armor and not to much detailed labor. I think this is the work of Scalleta who armors most of the US road vehicles. Labor in the US is to expensive and the finishing touches give away the armor. On the other hand Armor done in Colombia and Mexico is much more detailed as labor is less expensive and more skilled due to the high demand.
