New belly armor

My new stupidly expensive aluminum skid plates. I was in a rush for Moab and didn't shop around much. I picked a big shop that I know would do good work...
and paid the price ($500).

4 panels, 1/4" aluminum plate, laser cut :eek:$$ ,bolted to frame and together, they're about 10-12 lbs each. The front scoop was supposed to be the fourth panel - but they drilled the bolt holes and then welded it... oh well..

My future plan is to upgrade the scoop with something more akin to Ron's fiberglass skid plate look.

My design, so I probably did some overkill.. :o
Let's see how long they last in Moab. Be interested to see if they could take a high center.... :(


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...elly_Armor.jpg


Cheers.
__________________
What's that sucking sound???
My bank account before Moab....

Wow, those are hot! I made a simple single plate that went from the front all the way to the rear end but it didn't look that good. And $500 is a deal for the kind of work you got - aluminum is almost as expensive as copper.

Aluminum skids... drooooool. That looks awesome man! I can't wait to see that in person. Bash it up good after that!

Really sharp! Can't wait to see it in Moab.
Peace.
Tom

Oil changes should be fun!
Looks good though. Should work fine.

Nice! I've been looking into doing something like this. $500 doesn't really sound bad at all.

After you get that banged up at Moab. You Should throw some more pictures up here. I'd be interested in buying one (if you can get more made) since it is in several pieces before welded together. :) Just a thought.

YOW...that's some serious protection. :eek:

You my friend, are the perfect candidate for a Fumoto valve. ;)

kleeen. your vx will thank you!

-b.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Triathlete

Oil changes should be fun!
Looks good though. Should work fine.

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Thanks.

For oil drain, I don't think it's going to be too bad actually, I made an opening under the plug and it works. As for the filter, I can sort of reach it. I probably gotta use a tool since I doubt I could get much leverage on it.

Ldub, I've been wanting a Fumoto valve for a long time now, just haven't taken the time to figure out the thread size I need... I'm reading your book on procrastination tonite, maybe...

As for making more up, it's a thought - I first have to work the bugs out of this set. There is only one so far, the front clips are at the wrong angle (about 20 deg. off), that's why my tow hook isn't on yet...

Looks great!

Are you concerned at all about how that may trap more heat in the engine bay?

I would probably drool if I werent the site's resident urban pothole crawler. :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kenny

Ldub, I've been wanting a Fumoto valve for a long time now, just haven't taken the time to figure out the thread size I need... I'm reading your book on procrastination tonite, maybe...

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Here ya go Bud... www.fumotovalve.com

(A) Passenger Cars & Light Trucks/Vans : Isuzu : 3) All other engines :
F106 N(w/Nipple)
Isuzu
All other engines
F106 N-Series
Price: $25.95 / 1
Product Code: Isuzu F106 N

Get the one with a nipple so you can put a piece of tubing on the end & drain right into your oil pan. ;)

BTW! Can I get a freakin' "AMEN" for last minute Moab mods?!!?!!

here! here!

-biju.

AMEN !!! :rolleyes:

Kenny,

I can't wait to see your VX in person. You have been on a modding rampage lately. As for the belly armor; lookin' sharp. It looks like it could take on an IED and keep rolling on to kick ***** and take names.

Oh, and biju......AMEN!

Very nice.
How can we contact the shop?
Are they taking orders?
Roy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by newthings

Very nice.
How can we contact the shop?
Are they taking orders?
Roy

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I doubt they would go into production of this type of thing.
They actually are a fairly big shop that makes bus chassis and other parts for local industrial shops. I'm small potatoes for what I wanted. I just knew someone who knew them and they agreed to take on my task. (they sort of regret it now since it involved a bunch of knit picky details - the skids weren't bad - you should see my rock sliders I had them make :rolleyes: .

What I'll try to do is get the .dxf (auto cad blueprint) file and email that out to anyone as plans for any local laser cut shop. They will still have to test fit the front clips that tie into where the hook is. That was the only stumbling block I ran into. Again, I was just winging this design - someone who knows better could probably do a much more practical design...

Thanks.

oh, and Amen biju! :)

Thanks, the DXF file would help.
Roy

yeah the autocad file would be great. Looks real sharp

Thanks Kenny

I'd like to take a looksy at the cad file as well.

petty Moab scars. It took it well...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../rock_rash.jpg

Nice! It took it like a champ! haha It looks like those where just some scrapes, but did you take any hard hits? I've got a design I'm working on... but I have no clue of any local shop that does this kind of work... :(

Just look for a good 4x4 fabrication shop. I'm sure there are a few in your area. Ask some of the 4x4 clubs (stay away from the mall crawler types) or find a local 4x forum online. THIS looks like a good place to start!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Triathlete

Just look for a good 4x4 fabrication shop. I'm sure there are a few in your area. Ask some of the 4x4 clubs (stay away from the mall crawler types) or find a local 4x forum online. THIS looks like a good place to start!

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Thanks Tri! I actually talked to a co-worker and he pointed me in one direction. He said the shop is pretty reputable.. I'll have to check them out. And thanks for the link as well! :)

I finally slapped together an Autocad file.
email me if you'd like a DWG or DXF file.

I'd use my plans as a starting point. You never know how truly close construction and setup is between rigs...

I'd make a cardboard template for a test fit before final fabrication.

Have fun!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...tes_layout.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...d_plates_1.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...d_plates_2.jpg

Cheers!