Installing fiberglass type skid plates -need ADVICE/HELP!

[VX KAT]

Got a front and rear skid plate made by "Ron". Rowhard used the rear to make a new mold so he can now start making the rear plate. He painted them for me and now it's install time....
I decided to cut my front fog lights off, and removed the bull bar entirely.

FRONT SKID:
OK, front skid attaches at a different place than I thought I was told ....it does NOT attach to the same point as the bull bar, it attaches using two of the bottom metal cladding screws. The top portion attaches via the two screws in the front plate delete.

But, due to the vertical protrusions molded into the plate along the bottom area, there's a pretty good gap (~1/2") between the skid and the lower holes, so I believe I need to get longer screws.

Should I put a rubber washer on each side of the skid so the bolt doesn't scratch it all to heck, and possibly grind through it over time??

REAR SKID:
When my hitch was installed, we weren't able to get the rear cladding tucked back snug along the bottom, and therefore, couldn't get three cladding screws down there re-inserted.

It appears, that's exactly where this skid attaches to.

Before we screw this up....Suggestions/ Direction / HELP!?

Here's some pics. Neither are actually bolted on yet.

[Ldub]

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...t=rowhard+skid

[nfpgasmask]

OMG, Kat! I can't believe you didn't do a search! FOR SHAME!!!!



Bart

[ZEUS]

BUWAHAHA! This had to happen sooner or later... Whose next?

OMG, Kat! I can't believe you didn't do a search! FOR SHAME!!!!



Bart

[VX KAT]

BUWAHAHA! This had to happen sooner or later... Whose next?

but but but...I did a search....

[VX KAT]

Thank you oh MASTER craftsman Dub! Thank you for 'splainin' all the stuff and tellin' me what I needed to go buy. I CAN do it now!

John- The paint job is spectacular! Ashley you're goin' love 'em!

I really think the darker silver color is great, and the contrast against my new darker cladding works perfectly...IMO, and that's what counts, right?

And I did try to search Bart...just didn't use the right combo of words

[ron]

hi VX KAT...

If the fiberglass plates bolt in the same manner as my originals then you'll need two M6-1.0x35 socket stainless steel bolts for the license plate holes and two M6-1.0x40 socket stainless steel bolts for the bottom holes. If you PM me your address I can send you all four with washers at no cost. Just let me know and I'll send them out. ron

[VX KAT]

hi VX KAT...

If the fiberglass plates bolt in the same manner as my originals then you'll need two M6-1.0x35 socket stainless steel bolts for the license plate holes and two M6-1.0x40 socket stainless steel bolts for the bottom holes. If you PM me your address I can send you all four with washers at no cost. Just let me know and I'll send them out. ron

Actually Ron, these plates were made by you. I bought them from "Bantan" in Florida. I just uploaded pics, they look fantastic!
I'll PM ya my addy. Thanks.

[ron]

He didn't include the hardware or install instructions w/ the plates? Shame on him, lol.

By your pics, looks like you may need to open up the hitch slot wider with a file or something equivalent. File down both sides equally and keep checking fitment after a few filings. I'll eventually slide into place when the material is clear with the hitch.

I'll send you screws and washers for the rear plate as well. Looks like you'll need about four of them since you have the hitch version.

If you have problems aligning the bottom screws with the holes in either plates, drill out a size larger hole to allow more lining up with the screws. But not too large that the washers won't work anymore.

I'll get the hardware together and send them out tomorrow pending your address. Take care and you can e-mail me direct at rudesvx@sbcglobal.net if you have any further questions. Thanks, ron.

[vt_maverick]

hi VX KAT...

If the fiberglass plates bolt in the same manner as my originals then you'll need two M6-1.0x35 socket stainless steel bolts for the license plate holes and two M6-1.0x40 socket stainless steel bolts for the bottom holes. If you PM me your address I can send you all four with washers at no cost. Just let me know and I'll send them out. ron

Hey Ron, in VA we have front plates and I found the M6-1.0x35 were too short. I tried the 40's instead and they were too short too. Thinking of going to Fastenal tomorrow to see if they have 45 or 50. Ever run into that problem with any of your other customers?

[Mile High VX]

Hey Ron, in VA we have front plates and I found the M6-1.0x35 were too short. I tried the 40's instead and they were too short too. Thinking of going to Fastenal tomorrow to see if they have 45 or 50. Ever run into that problem with any of your other customers?

Front plates in CO as well. I had to use the 50 with the Rowhard skids...found them at Home Depot here in their specialty fastener cabinet. I also have a clear plate cover that I really like that I had to add some length for.

[VX KAT]

I'm putting rubber (neoprene) washers on both sides...I'll need to add room for that too. Are you doing that too?

I also got some black surgical tubing to make the tiny little bands for the screws.

I don't have to have a front plate for AZ, but I haven't tried the 40s yet to see if they'll work with my washers.

Mav if ya end up having to buy a boatload, I'll buy some from you. I'll probably need them.

[ron]

Hey Ron, in VA we have front plates and I found the M6-1.0x35 were too short. I tried the 40's instead and they were too short too. Thinking of going to Fastenal tomorrow to see if they have 45 or 50. Ever run into that problem with any of your other customers?

Do you have my original plates or the fiberglass ones that Roward made. All the plates that I've created were vacuum formed ABS and all utilized the screws: 35's for the top license plate holes and 40's for the bottoms. If you have the fiberglass plates, since my plates were the original molds for these copies, I have a gut feeling that the fiberglass material may have shrunk a bit which will cause the plates to 'pull away' from the cladding and the screws would be too short. Resorting to longer screws, like 45's or 50's, will probably make it work.

[nfpgasmask]

And I did try to search Bart...just didn't use the right combo of words

I know, I was just razzin ya!! That's all I'm good for these days.

Bart

[Triathlete]

I know, I was just razzin ya!! That's all I'm good for these days.

Bart

Sounds like you need a trip to Moab to get your VX mojo back!