I started making a skid plate today out of what measly tools i had, and what I could buy at Home Depot. The purpose of this plate on my truck isn't to actually skid on stuff, it's to hopefully cut down on the dirt/mud/water that gets into the engine bay from offroading, and to keep water off my dang drive belt so it won't sqeal...

For the plate I used 26 gauge galvanized aluminum, which I just cut with some sheet metal sheers. Then I added some 1/8" thick zinc coated steel braces to help it structurally. The braces on the sides have a 90 degree bend in them which you cant see in the pic...

Total cost for materials: ~$20

I didn't quite finish it today because it started raining, heres a teaser pic though

 

haha pretty creative though...:D

 

yeah, cool!! I kinda wonder how many gagues thick steel is that??

 

Looks good. That's really a good idea to help protect your transmission cooler (if you have an automatic with the valence off). I'd put 4 more screws in the "X" just to make it more secure. Gonna paint it?

 

wow i like that i got to make one for myself. but got to learn myself some metal fabrication

 

Yea, I'm gunna put more bolts onto the "X" in the next few days before I mount it. I still don't know if I'm gunna paint it, I'll see how it looks bolted up. I was thinking of painting it the same silver I painted my differential cover, which would match my wheels... Got any color suggestions?

 

Looks cool :)

 

I think the color is fine, I would paint it just for corrosion protection. You never know what a year or two of scrapes and water might do... So I would just to a gray, black, or silver, heck white to match your paint. Just don't paint it pink... :)