Hi guys
I am looking for ideas to build a front skid plate for my LN160 Surf. My truck unlike many others has intact Air Con and i would like to keep it that way as it gets used on the road every day.
Sus lift is on the go but with 30" rubber front clearances is not fantastic.
I have a supply of 3.5mm steel sheet and access to a MIG welder.
If anybody could post pictures of what they have or offer suggestions on what works that would be much appreciated.
Cheers
James
Front Skid Plate on IFS Surf/Hilux
Re: Front Skid Plate on IFS Surf/Hilux
With a lack of information i decided to get right into it anyway
I found myself a bit of 3.5mm Steel should be bloody strong.
First i drilled the old spot welds to remove the frame from the old skid plate, this frame I will re use as its nice thick pressed steel and once welded to the new piece of 3.5mm steel it will be bloody strong.
What i will do is cut the middle section out of the old "skin" and weld this back onto the new middle reinforced section to give a factory look.
Here are some pics of progress so far
edit >
Checked for fitment and welded up, including the frame its thickest point is about 7mm should stand up to a few hard hits.
Welded, painted and fitted to truck, ready for a front and side's to be bolted back on.
I found myself a bit of 3.5mm Steel should be bloody strong.
First i drilled the old spot welds to remove the frame from the old skid plate, this frame I will re use as its nice thick pressed steel and once welded to the new piece of 3.5mm steel it will be bloody strong.
What i will do is cut the middle section out of the old "skin" and weld this back onto the new middle reinforced section to give a factory look.
Here are some pics of progress so far
edit >
Checked for fitment and welded up, including the frame its thickest point is about 7mm should stand up to a few hard hits.
Welded, painted and fitted to truck, ready for a front and side's to be bolted back on.
Re: Front Skid Plate on IFS Surf/Hilux
Finished up the rest of the modified skid plate pics of the final product.
This small project turned out quite good, hopefully this is useful to somebody.
This small project turned out quite good, hopefully this is useful to somebody.
Re: Front Skid Plate on IFS Surf/Hilux
Nice job you have done.
I would seriously look at re-enforcing the mounting brackets for the bash plate.
I destoryed my stock bash plate on a rock and had to use a crow bar to un-rap the mounting brackets from the front cross member. The truck will use the bash plate as a skid / slide plate, with the full weight of the truck on the plate.
I know have a folded piece of 6mm marine grade alloy checker. This even has a couple of big dents in it know.
Can post a pic if you want.
C
I would seriously look at re-enforcing the mounting brackets for the bash plate.
I destoryed my stock bash plate on a rock and had to use a crow bar to un-rap the mounting brackets from the front cross member. The truck will use the bash plate as a skid / slide plate, with the full weight of the truck on the plate.
I know have a folded piece of 6mm marine grade alloy checker. This even has a couple of big dents in it know.
Can post a pic if you want.
C
LR110 ..... LJ50 project 
Chris.
Chris.
Re: Front Skid Plate on IFS Surf/Hilux
Cheers UBZ
that's not a bad idea about reinforcing the mounts, i was just worried about the thin sheet and wanted to get some protection there ASAP.
might see how it goes and change if necessary.
that's not a bad idea about reinforcing the mounts, i was just worried about the thin sheet and wanted to get some protection there ASAP.
might see how it goes and change if necessary.