Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

Here's a skid plate that was lent to me, (wish it'd be mine but...)

It's from Japan, made of stainless steel, it's on the thin side (about 1/8") but still surprisingly strong once attached in place. It also has plenty of air flow for the rad.

I've been looking to see how much it would cost to have something pretty similar done but in 3/16" and grade 304 Stainless. The material alone is between $35-$40/sqft, ouch! If CAD is used for the design it's $100 for the 1st one so the more made the cheaper they come. Then to cut and bend it's anywhere from $60 (cut) to $200 (cut/bend). I didn't bother to ask about aluminum as I'd be concern it could crack if banged up against rocks. And steel would need to be thicker and not too keen on the rust aspect. So Stainless doesn't rust, is stronger but more $$$. Anyone has a contact for good price on stainless?

So obviously the more we make the cheaper they get but no one will ever be happy with one single design so I need your input, maybe you can take pictures of some skid plate you see on other non-related vehicle that could help us with idea on design or material?

This design is curving inside (towards motor) which gives more clearance and won't catch as much mud but I'm sure if the curve was out (reverse than on the pics) then the belley would sit on the rock and follow the step plates. It might be nice to have the skid plate cover both little side rads but they already have some protection so don't know if it's really a concern.

Anyway, too much writing. Here's some pictures.

Cheers,
David

No interest?

I'd be interested. I think it looks fine as is, plus if you say,"This is it, take it or leave it!", it will be less hassle than trying to make a design that pleases everybody.

I think you might want to post a link in the general discussion, as not everyone makes a habit of checking the parts section.

I'm interested, Not really worried about the design. that one is fine.

Looks really good and I'm interested too, for sure. I might try at adding a layer of 1/4" wire mesh over those big holes though. Overkill perhaps, but it would be an easy do-it-yourself addition to play around with and could provide the rad with a little more protection from those dreaded pointed sticks. Many thanks for the leg work and the post Delicat.

I'd certainly be interested in getting one assuming the price could be reasonable (not that I know what reasonable is for a skid plate). This is one of the nicest looking I've seen anyway.
Tks.

I agree, that's a pretty good looking skid plate, although I don't have years of knowledge in the subject. I'd be interested in that one as well. A few concerns, is it thick enough? Are the holes going to let sticks etc through? How many is that? A few interested parties for sure. Noel on the island and on this forum also has the skills to make something like this but stainless is better than alum. Jer

Glad to see some interest!

Sounds like there's at least 5-6 of us and maybe more to come. I'll get an better cost estimate now that I have a number in mind. This one is a fat 1/8" but l'd get the 3/16", a little bit more $ but then you'd have no worries. I think anything else might be overkill as SS is quite stronger than steel or alu.

I should have some time to look into it next week (hopefully).

Thanks,
David

I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll have an initial 10 made up so that we can cut down on the price but before going ahead I'll confirm with all of you if you're ok with the final price, yet to be determined. The final design might be a little different but still similar to the pictures.

Thanks for the interest.

Hi David,

I may be able to save you a little bit of money? (Possibly??)

I designed a bash plate a few years back which was almost identical to the one you have there. I had a prototype made in mild steel to check fitment then was going to get a batch made in stainless steel....but there was a serious lack of interest in it! I was able to make them in 3mm stainless for approx £120 each ($240) for a batch of ten....but this never got any further than the prototype thanks to the non-existent respsonse!

Here is a 'screen print' of the CAD drawing I have of the (near) final design. I can remove the logos if you like or even put the DELICA ones there instead? If you want, I can can send you a DXF of this design, or any variation of, so that you can hand it straight over to a laser cutting company who should be able to read the data (to save you the design/drawing cost)



It took me a LOT of time and research to get this far and I'd like to think it might be put to some good use?

Let me know if you are interested?

Regards,

Bruce.

P.S. I don't have the bend/folding data to hand - but any engineering company will be able to use your template and my drawing (with fold lines) to work it out.....

Thanks Bruce, always around the corner aren't you!

You're right very similar design, just nicer! Did you end up attaching it on your motor to confirm it fits nicely? I like the idea of inter-continental cooperation... As for design (and I'm sure we'll get input on this from fellow members) I'd keep the MM (that's your personal touch) but as you offered instead of MetalMonkeys we could have the MitsuMaple logo, (or Deli.ca).

I'll wait for your file since you offered, looking to get it done pretty soon.

Thanks again!
David

Ohhh, that skid plate looks really nice, almost too nice to put underneath the vehicle to eventually get hit by things. Let's try to get Bruce's design over here? Anyone? Jer

delicat wrote:I'd keep the MM (that's your personal touch) but as you offered instead of MetalMonkeys we could have the MitsuMaple logo, (or Deli.ca)

Wow - glad you like it!

I've had a quick look at ditching the Metal Monkeys logo and sticking the DELICA one there instead. I think the Mitsumaple will work, but I'm not keen on the DELICA....I'll have another play later (did this one in a rush!!!)



Sorry for the poor quality images, but these are screen grabs because my CAD software won't produce Jpegs etc....

I'll try and make the whole top part work a LOT better when I get chance over the weekend. Do you mind waiting until Monday? Maybe gives time for feedback from others?

Personally I LOVE the Metal Monkeys logo... I'm willing to give a shameless promo to our friend across the pond in honour of the work he's put into it.

There was someone in another posting I saw this morning who has access to shears and breaks and seemingly willing to do it inexpensively too... will have to look back and find it.

Edit... okay checked for it. Heres the link: http://www.delica.ca/forum/parts-in-van ... -2212.html