Skid plate, pictures...

[delica 304]

I'm down with whatever to group consensus is, however jaggedfish makes an excellent point about Metal Monkey and showing our appreciation for Bruce!

[joedelica]

Hello David,

I am potentially interested in having a look at the skid plate as well.
I have a friend who has offerred me a Toyota skid plate with speedholes;
just don't know if it will fit as of yet, but I would rather support our community.

Cheers,

Joe

[konadog]

Metal Monkeys looks great to me. I wouldn't complain if the mitsumaple symbol were incorporated too, but I'm cool with it either way. Thanks!

[delicat]

Thanks Bruce,

As I previously said, I'd like to keep the big MM in the lower part, we all know what it stands for and credit goes to you! On the upper part I think just a larger Mitsuleaf logo would be great. That way we've got the best of both world. No need to have the word Delica in there, if you're close enough to read it you probably deserve to get ride over!

If you wish I can make an extra one for you but it's probably easier to get it done at your end. Anyway, the offer is there. I'm also going to the UK this summer so I might be able to camouflage one in my luggages? I'll be in Petersborough for 3 weeks end of July early August.

Monday is fine, it's holiday this weekend so not much will be happening anyway.

Fishslapper, where are you from? I don't mind to meet up to see if we can have it done through you, whatever works!

Thanks again,
David

ps. I'll take a final count before placing the offer so if it's more than 10 so be it.

[jrman]

I agree with Delicat - just the mitsumaple at the top and MM no problem - will look great with a nod to all the awesome help that has been accumulated from Bruce on this site. I'm in firm for one.

[delicat]

Hi all!
A quick update to let you all know that the first prototype should be ready by the end of this weekend, thanks to Fishslapper!
We'll be able to have 3 material options along with different prices:

1/4" heat treated diamond plate aluminum, should be around $150
3mm hardox steel with heavy duty paint or rhino coating, $150
3/16" stainless steel, $to be confirmed...
Those prices are an estimate and could go up or down but it gives a good idea!

If anyone can look at my first picture, you'll see 2 mounting brackets at the back of lower chrome bar (under Mitsubishi). Is it standard on everybody's van? If it is then we'll extend the skid plate to attach there as well which will make it even stronger.

We'll post pictures once we have it all worked out. The design will be a little different, might also add "DELICA" instead of the MitsuMaple logo or put the 3 diamonds logo (easier than MitsuMaple). In any case, it should be as good or better then what's readily available and a lot cheaper.

Thanks again to Fishslapper for getting on board with this joint venture!

[konadog]

Awesome!! I just checked and Hazel has those mounting brackets you pointed out - she's the base level, bare-bones model (harder to find than one might think) deli so I bet they are standard issue on all of them. Great idea to extend the plate to them. Looking forward to bolting one on!! I'm leaning towards the painted steel version at the moment, though am waiting for the stainless price to be worked out. Thanks for the effort delicat, Fishslapper and all others involved - very much appreciated

[delicat]

Thanks for confirming on those brakets Konadog, no guessing around anymore...

[shaun]

Nice price on the plates,I`ll be in for one of the steel plates.Great that we can get things done locally.Nice job Delicat & Fishslapper.

[jeremy]

Good job with these plates! I'm in for a stainless(waiting for the price) or second choice a steel one. Nice work on the hustle to get the sources found on the making of the plates and the materials.

[torchard]

Please post a final price on each when you get it worked out. I think I'd be interested once the details are confirmed - and shipping optionsd discussed. thanks.

--Todd

[jaggedfish]

Now THAT's what I'm talkin about....
Using our resources towards a common and inexpensive goal! ...
Nice work!

Stainless or painted versions are great... I do like the checkerplate option tho too... ooooh the pain of decision making. Definitely in for one of the options.

To further add to the thoughts... has anyone looked at transfer case plates too? Dunno if its possible to mount but it would be nice to have. Wouldn't need any fancy vent holes. I will have a look and work out a design if no one else has done it yet.

Cheers!
Ian

[jeremy]

Yeah Jaggedfish, I'm also curious about plates for the softer underbelly of the beast. Something for the differential at rear? Never seen any designs for them other than on rally type cars. Jer

[jaggedfish]

Jeremy, you said the magic word... "rally cars"... (using best Homer impersonation) hmmm hm hm hm raaally caaars..... lots of family history there....

I will have a look underneath and see what I can come up with. Always looking for an excuse to design "something". Was also thinking about whether driveshaft hoops would be useful too - prevents pole vaulting in the event of a catastrophic failure of the u-joints (unless your name is Bruce then it's just plain "fun and something to laugh about failure" - those who have read his recent post on his near roll-over know what I'm talking about)

I know... we don't usually go that fast but a good excuse to bolt something else on for that extra cool custom beefy van look and to protect all those susceptible oil holding thingys from nasty boulders and trees. Bad... bad thingys!

[delica 304]

I'd be in for a steel one, maybe stainless if the price is right. (not trying to sound cheap but my van is getting all the goodies these days and all I get are the bills!)