Making My Own Front Skid Plate
08-16-2011, 07:08 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Making My Own Front Skid Plate
Hey guys, I decided to make my own front skid plate for my F150. I'm lucky enough to have the materials/equipment/knowledge to make it. First I looked under the truck to pick out a mounting spot and was pleasantly surprised to find OEM Speed Clips holes in the frame and cross member. I took my measurements and decided on a front plate with dimensions of 21 1/4 " wide x 36" long, with a 45* turn up at the front. This gives me maximum coverage from side to side as well as front to rear. I used 1/8" Stainless Steel and sheared it to size, then using the metal brake I bent the 45* angle for the front. Next I transferred all my hole measurements and punched my holes. I then test fitted it to check hole alignment. I purchased 4 speed clips from the local auto parts store for $3.00. I inserted the clips into the factory holes. Now all I have to do is weld in 1/4" spacers for the rear and 1 3/4" spacers for the front on the skid plate, this will allow it to sit perfectly level. I plan on getting it powder coated black after I finish welding the spacers in. Here are some pics of the skid plate.
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Solodriver2017 (03-14-2017)
08-16-2011, 07:16 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Not yet, I gotta weld the spacers on the skid plate, then I'll take some pics of it mounted, hopefully get it finished up tomorrow. Good luck on finding skid plates first of all, and if you do be prepared to pay about $400.
08-16-2011, 07:25 PM
#5
Senior Member
That's the issue I'm running into at the moment. There are a LOT of Raptor owners near where I live that are changing out their front skid plates - I'm just not 100% sure how well or if it would fit my XLT; I don't feel like dropping the money to find out I'm SOL.
08-16-2011, 07:41 PM
#6
Not to shabby. You got me thinking of building one now. I'm also thinking of building a headache rack to.
08-16-2011, 08:15 PM
#7
Member
Thread Starter
The Raptor plates won't fit our trucks. You can buy the OEM skid plates (FX4 Package option) for our trucks, they will fit. The front skid plate will run you $270+tax, the transfer case plate will run you $76+tax and the gas tank skid plate (which is plastic, not metal) will run you $237+tax. I'll have $3 in my front skid plate when I'm done and it's stainless steel, not painted/stamped steel.
Last edited by Fasttimez; 08-16-2011 at 08:41 PM.
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08-16-2011, 08:28 PM
#8
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Fasttimez
The Raptor plates won't fit our trucks. You can buy the OEM skid plates (FX4 Package) for our trucks, they will fit. The front skid plate will run you $270+tax, the transfer case plate will run you $76+tax and the gas tank skid plate (which is plastic, not metal) will run you $237+tax. I'll have $3 in my front skid plate when I'm done and it's stainless steel, not painted/stamped steel.
08-16-2011, 08:39 PM
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Haha, true very true....it took me all of 10 mins. to cut it to size, bend it and punch the holes. It took about 20 mins. measuring under the truck and transferring those to the plate to be certain I had the right measurements. I'll save all my measuements if anyone wants to make one. Maybe I'll market a do-it-yourself kit with just an instruction sheet with measuements on it...LOL
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Lisekwr (06-26-2020)
08-16-2011, 08:45 PM
#10
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Fasttimez
Haha, true very true....it took me all of 10 mins. to cut it to size, bend it and punch the holes. It took about 20 mins. measuring under the truck and transferring those to the plate to be certain I had the right measurements. I'll save all my measuements if anyone wants to make one. Maybe I'll market a do-it-yourself kit with just an instruction sheet with measuements on it...LOL