Fuel theft/gas tank skid plate build.....

Not sure if you folks remember me starting a thread about people puncturing fuel tanks to steal your gas, so Im starting a new thread. Since the factory skid plate is only good enought to fend off slight brushes with the terrain, and does nothing to prevent someone from sticking a hole in your tank from underneith and stealing your gas, I have decided to make a REAL skid plate for my fuel tank. The build is going to begin in 2 hours. I should have pics as soon as its done. Im hoping to have it completed and installed by Noon my time. Let me know if there are others interested in this type of skid.

 

Cost would probably be arround $200.00 for 1/8" cold rolled steel. Given that a new tank is over $1000.00, plus the gas in it, I personally think its going to be worth it.

 

Ok. Its finished. Jake, owner of Toy Box Auto, did all the work for me, even painted it! Pics are going to follow in a few min.

 

Ok, Here they are!!!
Fuel tank as it is stock:


Mounting brakets being welded on:









Test fit:






Pianted:


FINISHED PRODUCT!

 

looks damn good man...

 

Thanks you guys! It took much longer than anticipated, But, well worth it. There are only a couple of small spots that something can get thru, but nothing bigger than a fist sized object. And only then, it would only get thru from the top. The skid can probably support the rear half of the truck.
Im thinking of one to replace the factory front skid, since I allready bent it.

 

Absolutly. Seems it strength to weight is awsome. Jake was talking with me about maybe useing Aluminum, But Im really happy with how this turned out with the cold rolled stuff.

 

A drill bit will go dull before makeing it thru this stuff!
After handeling the stuff in person, I dont think there is anything I could run into that could damage this skid.

 

It weighs about 30#'s. We didnt throw it on a scale, and my arms are not very well calibrated.