Front skid- pics of lower attachment points

[Luna X]

I would think that at some point in the 10 year life of the VX, the front end may have had a little love tap or 2.....

with that said, I would definately be pulling the brackets outward. If I remember, those brackets shouldn't need any special tools... just grab at the bottom and give'em a good pull.

sometimes a little persuasion is needed to get things to fit....

[VX KAT]

I would think that at some point in the 10 year life of the VX, the front end may have had a little love tap or 2.....

with that said, I would definately be pulling the brackets outward. If I remember, those brackets shouldn't need any special tools... just grab at the bottom and give'em a good pull.

sometimes a little persuasion is needed to get things to fit....

Good point Dan. We're going' have to set a date to get together, before it gets too hot.

[VX KAT]

IDEA!!! Ding Ding Ding Ding!

Tried getting the lower front skid bolts in...no luck yet...BUT, had a brainstorm while lying there staring at it!

Forget using the existing holes completely!

~Drill completely NEW holes in the FLAT section of the skid, right next to the the raised area where the current hole is. Then also make a new hole into the cladding in direct alignment. Note in this area how the plate AND the cladding are very close together...will be so easy to drill new holes there.
(Suggestions for pilot hole size or technique on this ABS plate??)

~They're about 3" - 4" away from the original holes.

~There's some room behind that area of cladding so I can easily get a washer and a nut on, OR

~Buy some "retaining clips" (just like the two in the license plate area hold the top of the skid in place.) Slid it over the bottom edge of the cladding.

~These clips give the screw some threads to hang on to, and spread the forces out over the clip, making it maybe a bit stronger (?)

~There's 3 flat sections along the bottom of the skid, put a screw/clip/nut in each one. Plate will have a total of 5 screws now instead of 4.

WILL IT WORK???? Thoughts??