Homemade Radiator Skid Plate
Author:
themajor
While inspecting the underside
of my 93 YJ after doing some brush busting I noticed that the bottom of
my radiator had some scratches, though nothing serious. I then realized
it could have been serious. I decided to build a radiator skid plate.
I
some how had an aluminum
2'x2' sign that I had had for some time. It read "Entrance Only." I do
not remember how I came in possession of it. After doing some measuring
I came up with a size of 19"x14".
Tools
needed:
- Hand Grinder
- Hack Saw
- Two C-clamps
- “A work Bench” to clamp to
- Wrenches and sockets to fit the nuts and bolts
- A square, tape measure and pencil
- Drill and bits
Parts
- Two U-bolts that fit over the torsion bar
- Two ¼ X ¾ bolts and nuts
- 19” X 14” X 1/32” Plate in my case the sign
Time
Two hours
After laying out the
size I needed with a square and pencil I used my grinder to score the
layout line. Rather deeply. I then C-clamped the plate to my bench with
two clamps and bent the plate down and then up and it broke off at the
score line. I then took the grinder and smoothed the edges and slightly
rounded the corners.
The front of
the skid plate will bolt to the bottom of the front bumper and the rear
of the skid plate will rest on the top of the torsion bar and attach
with U-bolts.
The skid plate will
set between the passenger side sway bar hanger and the steering box. It
is offset to the right of vehicle center due to the steering box.
I then fitted
the plate to the front bumper and C-clamped it in place with the rear
of the plate resting on the top of the torsion bar. Marked where the
holes for the bolts and U-bolts were to be, removed the plate and
drilled all holes.
I
fitted the U-bolts on the torsion
bar first with the front of the
plate hanging down for access to the U-bolt nuts and tightened till
snug. The plate will rest on the top of the torsion bar. If you try to
attach it under the bar the steering arm will hit it when you turn
left. The plate must rest on the top of the torsion bar. The U-bolts
were a little long so I ground them off with the grinder while in
place. I then C-clamped the front of the plate to the bumper again and
drilled the bolt holes through the bottom of the bumper. I then removed
the plastic JEEP frame cover, installed the nuts and bolts and
tightened them and the U-bolts that attach the plate to the torsion
bar. Then put the plastic JEEP frame cover back in place.
I feel
much safer about off road driving knowing that my radiator is safe from
puncture. One less thing to worry about while wheeling. You can paint
it if you wish or just leave it natural aluminum.
