winkosmosis
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Maui, Hawaii
HDPE or UHMW skid plates seem to be a popular DIY mod for people with vehicles that have fewer aftermarket options. But they also are cheaper than metal, easy to work (cut with saw, bend with heat), don't dent, are lightweight, and slide more easily over rocks.
Thread comparing the two plastics: http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?topic=84377.0
Xterra HDPE skid http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10656
FJ http://www.fjbruisers.org/forum/index.php?topic=2033.0
Some potential XJ uses I'm wondering about:
- Bolt to the stock skid plates so they will spread force and prevent denting
- Gas tank skid that will protect the tank even without being rigid, by distributing impact to the tank itself. Maybe you could sandwich a layer of foam (like those interlocking mats) between the plastic. But how would this be attached?
- Differential glider. Diff pumpkins are supposed to be strong enough to take a hit, but why not distribute force and prevent gouging? It might be possible to mold warm HDPE to the shape of the pumpkin.
- Boat sides from the bottom of the uniframe to the pinch seam, instead of rock sliders
Viable ideas? The one I really want to try is a gas tank skid.
Thread comparing the two plastics: http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?topic=84377.0
Xterra HDPE skid http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10656
FJ http://www.fjbruisers.org/forum/index.php?topic=2033.0
Some potential XJ uses I'm wondering about:
- Bolt to the stock skid plates so they will spread force and prevent denting
- Gas tank skid that will protect the tank even without being rigid, by distributing impact to the tank itself. Maybe you could sandwich a layer of foam (like those interlocking mats) between the plastic. But how would this be attached?
- Differential glider. Diff pumpkins are supposed to be strong enough to take a hit, but why not distribute force and prevent gouging? It might be possible to mold warm HDPE to the shape of the pumpkin.
- Boat sides from the bottom of the uniframe to the pinch seam, instead of rock sliders
Viable ideas? The one I really want to try is a gas tank skid.