2nd Gen Fuel Tank Skid DIY

Ok so I don't post very much on here, but I'm on here everyday lurking in the shadows. I felt i needed to post this half ass "build" thread because, I haven't found very much regarding DIY fuel tank skids. I have a 2011 DCSB Prerunner, my truck does not come with a fuel tank skid. I have full intentions of off-roading so i thought it was crazy to risk it, not having a fuel tank skid. I decided to build one myself, cuz I fully enjoy fabricating things myself, and then I'm able to say "I Built This Myself"

started with a piece of 5052 1/4" aluminum 59" long by 17" wide

Made a template out of cardboard and measured for the bends I would need.

1st- 2 inches long with a 25deg. bend down
2nd- 8 inches long with a 25deg. bend up
3rd- 46 inches long, no bends
4th- 3 inches long with a 90deg bend up

I took it to a local sheet metal bender here in Lake Forest, CA 92630
[FONT=&quot]www.atlassheetmetal.com
They are more than willing to do all types of one time projects, big or small, the shop foreman is Jon, he's a really cool guy and easy to talk to and explain your project.
Needless to say they did exactly what I wanted and it turned out very nice.

I then returned home and tied it up under the truck with a tie down and started marking for what I would need to clearance to make it fit, and still get the most coverage for the gas tank.

Lucky for me my father has a plasma cutter which made the next step very easy.
You can see what I cut from the picture, it once was a complete rectangle!

More to Come!
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Painted Gloss black to match my other skids

I also weighed the skid plate- 20lbs.

will be mounting it this weekend hopefully, and i will take more pics!

 

Awesome!!! Looks great

 

Ok so to finish this off, I used the two existing holes in the CB cross member to mount the front portion (like most of the other companies do), I then tied up the skid plate to the gas tank(via tie down strap) and marked the REAR fuel tank strap with a sharpie in the two existing holes i drilled in the back of the skid. I then removed the rear fuel tank strap, drilled the marked holes then put my flat allen head bolts through and welded them to the strap.(i also flap-disced the heads of the bolts down more for better clearance so they wouldn't be shoved into the tank, when the strap is put back on.
Then i put the strap back on and bolted everything down tight(use lock-tight).

 

any questions just ask, and i'll help as much as possible.

oh and all in all with the aluminum, bending, paint, and bolts I'm in it $170.

 

Very nice!! I also need to do this!!! Thanks!!

 

I think it'll certainly stop punctures. My only concern is being able to give it a few more bends (front to rear) to help add some rigidity to it as well, in a similar manner to an oem tank skid only with the much more robust stock you used. (The lengthwise indents are what I am referring to).

 

Yes I agree with the length wise protection, It can definitely be done and would be a nice addition
I'm not really sure actually why i didn't do that. OH WELL

 

Meh, seen plenty that didn't. Budbilt (sp?) only bends around the edges.