Marlin Metal Works skidplate install instructions

[Marlin]

You need the following materials:
Drill
3/8" metal drill bit
3/8" drive socket for use in drill
Phillips head bit for drill
7/16" wrench
marker
extra hand if needed


The first thing you will need to do is bend the plate. I recommend doing one of two things, take it to a body shop, and ask them to bend it along the line I draw, should take them about 30 seconds. I would say about 25 degrees or so?
Or do it the manual way. Put the plate tread down on a towel or cardboard, on the pavement. Put a 2x4 parallel to the line about 1-2 inches away from the line toward the pointed end of the plate. Now place your 5000lb weight (your vx) on the 2x4 and bend the plate by hand to look like it matches the angle on the front end of the VX. It does not have to be perfect, you can man handle during install as needed.



Next, you will need the drill and 3/8" bit. You will need to drill a hole here:

[Marlin]

The next thing to do is mount the front of the plate. Push the pointed portion of the plate up between the factory front skid plate and the cladding. An inch or two is plenty. I would post a pic, but I bent my factory plate in Moab. That is what happens when you hit a dune, airborne at 40mph. Good thing I had the plate, or that sand would have shoveled into my engine bay at 40mph.
Anyway, using the drill and the 3/8" socket, drive the supplied self tapping screws through the skid plate and into the factory skid plate. Try to space them evenly and onto the ribs of the factory plate. I put the screws as high as I could to minimize the chance of damage from obstacles.



After doing this, the plate is probably sticking down at the back. You need to drop the two hex head bolts into their spots and push the plate up against the crossmember.




Use the marker and mark the location where the bolts hit the plate. You must next drill holes through the skid plate for those two bolts. Aluminum is easy to drill through. Use the same bit as before. Just don't lay under it while you are drilling, aluminum gets hot.

Now you can put the button head nuts through the plate, and mount the plate. You may need to push the plate up with your knees, or a jack or another person. I did it by myself and just forced it up. Voila, plate mounted, you can now sleep knowing that your VX underbelly is protected and far less mud will be in your engine bay.
Please note that I am not responsible for any damage from installing or using your plate, I have had no problems.