r2m
Richard
One can use either Delrin (Delrin is a proprietary name by DuPont who designed it) or polypropylene, both materials are very durable, chemical resistant,lighter than any metals (even aluminum), extremely high impact resistant and lubricious (slippery) for sliding over trees, rocks and anything else.r2m, I've never considered Delrin for protective parts. However, motorcycles use them for frame sliders, so why not on our vehicles? Would you need to machine a block of Delrin to make a skid plate in the right shape? The cost of the raw material and the manufacturing might make it cost prohibitive?
I'm curious how Delrin rock sliders would perform when put to the test. Would it flex too much, and eventually fail? Seems like you've given this some thought, so I'm interested in more details!
As far a mounting, there would be very little machining involved. It can be purchased in sheets of varying thickness (probably 1/2" would work) so basically just cut outs as needed and through holes for the fasteners. One should be able to just lay out flat sheets across the bottom with some simple mounting brackets.
A good place to get an idea of whats available is McMaster-Carr.
Here is the link to polypropylene material: McMaster-Carr
And this will take you to Delrin: McMaster-Carr
As an R&D engineer McMaster-Carr is go-to source. They have everything... Albeit one can find better prices if time is taken to shop around.
This is something that I plan on doing when I get some discretionary funds and time in the future.