ATO Skid Plate Group Buy!!! - Ends 11/30

I checked your build to make sure you were getting the right one.

 

Thanks Kevin!

What is everyone using to paint the skids? Can I use rustoleum or hammerite?

 

I just used some metal primer and a can of that rustoleum rubberized undercoat stuff. It was only like a buck more than the regular rattle can so i figured why not. The can goes quick though.

 

How do you install the gas tank skid plate????

 

do you have the TRD gas tank straps?

EDIT: nevermind, I see you have a TRD... derp

 

I do have TRD gas tank straps with studs and nuts

 

well hell I dunno then (didn't order the gas tank skid and don't have a TRD).
Hopefully someone will speak up.

got my front skid painted and mounted.
Special thanks to n0rth. I stole his painting idea

 

So the gas tank skid can be a bit of a pain to get on but anyways...


First take off the stock plastic of sheet metal gas tank skid. Save the nuts from this as they will be reused. Then with the help of either a floor jack or the stock bottle jack push the new skid up against the bottom of the gas tank. You should be able to start one or two of the nuts fairly easily, then the other two you'll need to position the jack close to the stud and press the skid up to start the nuts. Once they are started just use the nuts to draw the skid up tight, then there are the two large bolts that go through the crossmember in front of the gas tank.

 

How long is it taking people to paint their skids? I got a full set of skids, but it took me 7 hours today. All I got done was cleaning, priming both sides, and painting only one side of all the skids. I am doing two coats of primer and paint.

By the way, I am using Rust-Oleum spray can primer and hammered finish paint. Would it have been better if I got the actually quart size paint can and rolled or brushed on the paint instead of using a spray can. The paint has not dried yet, but I don't like how the finish looks uneven. I tried to go with a moderate pace back and forth, but some areas look like they got more paint than others.

 

It took me almost a week to clean prime and paint each of my skids.

Don't worry too much about the finish nobody will ever see them. Plus the touch up after scratching them up won't be pretty.

 

I figured as much. Since they'll be on the bottom of the truck, not many people will actually see them.

 

I still took the time to add the TRD logo. But I hear ya, nobody sees the skids but you still want to do a good job.

 

When I spray paint my personal stuff I like to use Krylon paint because the cans come with a nice fan pattern nozzle. It makes getting a nice even coat much easier.

Of course I also use Krylon paint through my spray gun when doing bumpers and whatnot as well so maybe I'm just biased. lol

 

Just put mine on yesterday. That thing is thick and heavy (and yes, that is what she said). I used my floorjack to lift it up then got all the bolts lined up. I left my diff drop on but my ass was freezing to the garage floor so I wanted to get done as soon as possible. It went on well and cleared the diff drop by maybe an eighth of an inch. I'll be taking the diff drop out when I do my 30k maintenance which will be in spring probably. Thanks again Kevin! I look forward to saving up for the rest of the skids in the future but this was a good start

 

Agreed, I ended up using 4 couplings to extend the studs and left the plastic stocker on. Then used some bolts to add the plate.
Had to use a spacer in front to attach the two large bolts.
It is on and will do it's job as intended.

 

Got mine installed finally. Had to get the exhaust re-routed but that was not to bad.
They look like they could hit just about anything and survive!

 

xct2000 - fullset - 2012 DCSB

 

Little late there bud. This GB has been closed for a bit.

 

Finally getting around to install. Anyone else's holes not line up on the front skid? Anyone have to drill? Hoping I'm doing something wrong....

EDIT: Answer is "yes", you have to drill out the hole. Took a second to figure out it used the other oem screws, too.

 

K, now that the front skid is on, how does the cross member fit? I have bolt on sliders and it looks like I may have to take them off. Any advice?

EDIT: The answer is "yes", you take one bolt off one side, grab the solid metal bar from a jackstand and proceed to beat the living shit outta the cross member until fits. My powder-coating is gone, now, but that cm sure can withstand a beating.

PS These things are frigging solid. Can't wait to tool on them this weekend!