Skid plate

[delicanewguy]

Hey folks, haven't named my van yet(shaggin wagin seems on the list) but what I am wondering is the skid plate issue......Is there any reason that people are not taking a template off the bash plate on a lot of the Chamonix? You wouldn't be restricted to that exact shape, you could cut the shape as you see fit.....Was just wondering.

[Green1]

because it doesn't do what we want...
The factory bash plate doesn't extend back far enough to offer any protection to the vulnerable radiator.

[Miloki]

because it doesn't do what we want...
The factory bash plate doesn't extend back far enough to offer any protection to the vulnerable radiator.

What?! Really?!
:grumble, grumble:

okay, I don't have my Deli yet, so I have no idea how vulnerable the radiator is, but still... :)

[BCDelica]

I think others are concerned about the opening, or air ram/vent, located between the upper and lower front skid plates. I haven't had the right wind fall take a stab at mine yet, knowing it won't stop a thick length wood; but hopefully will deflect it or give me enough time to hit the brakes.

[delicanewguy]

I do understand that and agree. What I am thinking is extend the template to cover and louvre the extension. Then if need be you could add a heavier gauge wire mesh in the vented holes.....maybe be an idea, I'll give it a shot and see what I can come up with! I have yet to get under mine and take a good look, is there any way to close the area off and then have an external cool air intake and a hot exhaust of some sort? May have been a better idea to just have the engine oil cooled to begin with,but I'll let greater minds than mine figure that one out.........Cheers!

BCDelica mave have the best idea....simple,cheap and somewhat effective.....good idea!

[FalcoColumbarius]

Has anyone thought about what would actually hit the fan and radiator? What would hit it? Bouncing rocks from the Delica just in front? I doubt anything coming off your own front tyres would have the trajectory to hit the fan, certainly not with any force. Maybe a branch if you are driving in a bushy area... but then again I would think the steering case would protect from most of that. When you think about it.... Mitsubishi has been making a lot of vehicles of one sort or another for quite some time and have got quite good at it. When I think about modifying my ship I keep that in mind. I think if I were to put in a skid plate I would be more concerned with protecting the tranny or the fuel tanks, about landing on a big rock or something. Even the oil and tranny rads are pretty well protected, not just with the lower bush bars but both with a steel grate. Another point I would like to make: What about the responsibility of the driver? Knowing how wide, high & clearance of one's vehicle is before you endeavour to ford that stream....

Falco.

[BCDelica]

Good morning, thanks for the compliment newguy. I agree Falco that these are well designed machines, but not for how many of us drive them (Adrock and the Mystery Machine popped to mind right away). Never one to do extreme rock crawling, or ford deep rivers, and not absolutely needing full drivetrain skid plates and sliders. Just as much back road exploring that we can find the time for has resulted in that scoop gathering; dirt, snow and branches. Heck, one day some poor bird, or other small forest creature, may fall victim to a Deli scoop. After the severe wind storms, and the wicked amount of wind fall last year, realized that a punctured rad (or more) was a real possibility. Some where on a 4x4 forum there's a pictures of a small tree that went right through a jeep fender all the way to between the drivers seat.

Personally can't wait to see want they create here - http://www.delica.ca/forum/skid-plate-p ... 62-45.html, cause would love also to have more transfer case protection via a custom belly pan.

Cheers

[Green1]

There is definitely a need to protect the transfer case and that area as well (I already managed to snag a large branch in an oil line under there, luckily the guy behind me radioed me to tell me about it so I could stop before it did any damage (thanks ruminante!)), but that scoop in the front is VERY vulnerable, when offroading in the snow it was completely packed solid with snow, in the summer I would be surprised if it DIDN'T get sticks and stones up there...

[FalcoColumbarius]

Good morning, thanks for the compliment newguy. I agree Falco that these are well designed machines, but not for how many of us drive them (Adrock and the Mystery Machine popped to mind right away). Never one to do extreme rock crawling, or ford deep rivers, and not absolutely needing full drivetrain skid plates and sliders.
http://www.delica.ca/forum/skid-plate-p ... 62-45.html, cause would love also to have more transfer case protection via a custom belly pan.

Cheers

I was there when Adrock bottomed out on one fording and heard all about the other fording around the camp fire. In both cases the rad/fan was not the issue. I remember the sound of a big stone in the stream being introduced with what sounded like Adrock's fuel tank. When I crawl under Miss Lil' Bitchi and look at that transfer case and think of Adrock or Patty... I kind of cross my legs, you know?
As far as the rad/fan is concerned.... maybe a little expanded metal mesh? ~ nothing is coming at them very fast. I think we should be more talking about a box or "cup" to go around the transfer case.

falco.

[Green1]

I think we should be more talking about a box or "cup" to go around the transfer case.

I agree this is needed, however one does not need to be at the exclusion of the other... BOTH are needed.

[Delicanagan]

while we're at making a list of needs...put money on that list...I need skid plates for the scoop, transfer case AND some money...can anyone help with that latter?...If I have the latter looked after, getting the others are not an issue.

PM me for donations. ;)

[BCDelica]

I was there when Adrock bottomed out on one fording and heard all about the other fording around the camp fire. In both cases the rad/fan was not the issue. I remember the sound of a big stone in the stream being introduced with what sounded like Adrock's fuel tank. When I crawl under Miss Lil' Bitchi and look at that transfer case and think of Adrock or Patty... I kind of cross my legs, you know?
As far as the rad/fan is concerned.... maybe a little expanded metal mesh? ~ nothing is coming at them very fast. I think we should be more talking about a box or "cup" to go around the transfer case.

falco.

Patty tried to cross that stream too? Did he make it through? Wonder if Adam has checked his newest dent yet? Last year I watched and was glad I was driving hers, might have attempted it in mine.

Mine is just made of the toughest expanded metal mesh I could fine locally and attached with the existing bolts using big washer to hold on.

[jaggedfish]

Hi folks... considerations for forward and belly protection are in the works as some have mentioned. The posts are in the parts section.

While some may deem rad protection unnecessary due to the mechanical masterminds at Mitsubishi, I suggest that an ounce of prevention.... well, you know the saying. I'd rather have something in place on my van before having to spend the money replacing the rad or having the van towed because there's a crater in the place of the tranny pan, THEN spending MORE money putting in the protection I suspected I needed in the first place.

Ultimately it depends on how you intend to use your ride. I was up in the mountains recently and had to turn back because of windfalls across the road. Had there been some protection I could rely on, I would've/could've gone over them as there was PROBABLY enough clearance to do so but enough doubt to prevent me from trying.

Besides.... designing, building and installing mods are just plain fun.

[delicanewguy]

Well said Jaggedfish.....tinkering is fun.Its interesting all the different ideas we all seem to come up with, in the end if we beat them all together who knows what we will come up with. Besides,if we come up with some way of protecting the underpinnings then we may prevent that great foe of many ah 4x4er from wreaking his wrath!!! The great Canadian Hoary Marmot!!! ...who knows what untold destruction he could unleash if he should happen to find his way to the rad!.....Geesh!

[jrman]

I'm strictly in it for the vanity....they will look damn good. Ok, and the added protection is a nice bonus -