Skid Plate --- I Cheated!!!!

[SilverBullet75]

Hi all,
I have been wanting to do a few modifications to my VX for a long time now, but have been strapped because of our up coming wedding.
So, after building a couple VX models, I have decided to try an experiment on my VX. Many will laugh... I know.
The biggest question I'll pose to you is...
"skid plate, or not a skid plate... that is the question..."
Now... take a look at the pictures.................
!
Let's just say... I saved myself $300 and you can only tell if you are up close and know what you are looking for!
hehehehe...
Let me know what you think!

[Raque Thomas]

Looks good I had considered that same method - any problem with the paint adhering? What type paint did you use - and I assume you just drilled some screws into the cladding to finish the look at the top??

[JoFotoz]

...!!!!!!!!!

jo

[SRCHN]

Hmm...Is that skidplate actually "painted" on there? From a distance...yeah, i woulda never noticed it....Wow, good stuff! Not really practical...but at least you've got the look!

SRCHN

[SilverBullet75]

The cladding required a good scrubbing with Laquer Thinner to remove all the shining products...
But I just used a Rustoleum Metalic spray (Aluminum)... and used many coats of clear gloss lacquer (for protection). Being that it is relatively cold (58 deg), I had to use a portable heater (radar dish type) to cook the paint between coats. I used a self-drilling polished-looking set of screws for the top. I tried my best to mimic the design of the VX02 look that many have...
I figured.. well, what good does $300 of fiberglass and paint do against a rock?... not much.
So, why not spend $10 on paints and put my art major to work, have the look I wanted, and save some bucks!
The nice thing is, if I want the real thing later, I can just mount it over the paint.

I'm thinking about doing the rear skid plate next! LOL!

[Anita]

Actually...

My $300 won over a rock in Moab. I almost took it off for the trip to Moab but I am glad I didnt. It saved the VX from a pretty good hit. I hand it to Ron for making a darn strong skidplate.



Nice job, Jim! Your VX gets better lookin' all the time. Congrats on the upcoming marriage!

[SilverBullet75]

Don't get me wrong...
I'm not at all knocking Ron or Vehicrossconcepts.com's product!
I'm just CHEAP!!!!
Thanks Anita!

[transio]

The cladding required a good scrubbing with Laquer Thinner to remove all the shining products...

Quick question... I'm looking for a product that will remove products but not dissolve or discolor the cladding. Does Lacquer Thinner affect the plastic at all?

Thanks!

Steve

[SilverBullet75]

Yes it does... it will fade it. I don't recommend it.
You may try Castrol SuperClean (purple)... it does pretty well.

[Ldub]

Quick question... I'm looking for a product that will remove products but not dissolve or discolor the cladding. Does Lacquer Thinner affect the plastic at all?

Thanks!

Steve

I can't say this from experience, but I've heard from more than a few others, that Simple Green works well...then maybe a "once over" with rubbing alcohol.
Looks good Silver Bullet, I've done similar front & rear, but since the fall Badlands meet it needs some touch up...oh well.
Gotta love dem "silver paint mods"
Ldub

[Cyrk]

Nice work!!!

[WormGod]

Oh man! You are kidding me right? You painted that on your cladding?! You ghetto, Pep Boys loving fool you, hahahaha. You're in a time out!

[AlaskaVX]

However it turned out better then I would have thought.

[jacobus]

I had to put my glasses on to see if these plates were real, amazing job, you just saved me a lot of dollars. I am definitely going to apply this to my VX, Michelangelo is turning in his grave knowing what he could have done to his renaissance buggy.
Again, a great job, different minds and talents bring out some exciting idea's among all you members

[Navigator]

Let me know what you think!

I think you enjoy it, and that is what really matters