I contacted Bud to see about the group discount and all. I should know more tomorrow and will let everyone know ASAP. I'd really like to get the ball rolling on this one and have the skids ordered within the next week-and-a-half if possible.

So, what's the consensus on using high-density polyethylene (HDPE, cutting board plastic) for the back half? Google HDPE sheets for more info. Here's a start:

http://www.professionalplastics.com/...-Sheets-&-Rods
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=336
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pro...uct%5Fid=10369

and a new (to me) toyota site
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=316

 

Thats where I got the idea. The toyota 120 guys seem to love it.

 

I would like to also see if I can cut a sheet to go over the gas tank....
I'd leave the existing skid on it and put a thin sheet of plastic to help it slide off or protect from the sharp rocks. ???

 

 

Tim,

Let's go ahead and get a sheet and try it out. 4'x8'? 1/2" or 3/8"? I'll look around for a local dealer.
For the gas tank, I'd really like to relocate or try and rais it a little if possible. That's one of the things that hung me up on that rock. Not makin' excuses for myself, just pointing out that it hangs really low and has always bothered me.

 

I agree, there is a gas relo mod that someone has done, but from what I remember it was a pain!

 

lets do whichever thickness the 120 guys are using or whatever the plastic guys say. I bet those plastic nerds know what it can take pretty well since they have to talk about what to use all day.

 

Is this what you guys are talking about its the sixth and seventh picture down from the top?


http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...658#post889658

 

Quite a few competition buggies run that plastic for skids as well...

 

Thats exactly what we're talking about. Although I'd feel safer with a Bud Built up front and the plastic on the back half. However, if I can proof or hear testimony that 1/2" or 3/8" HDPE is just as strong as 3/16" steel, I may plastic the whole route.

 

It looks like from the pictures that the bolts are about to break though the plastic. I wonder if you were to make it two piece instead of one like they have would correct that?
I don't think I would use that though it doesn't appeal to me, budbuilt would be more likely.

Just a little off topic but it seems to me that myself, soaztim and you (zona4r) are the ones that seem the most interested in skids and sliders but that's just me.

 

I think that's 'cause most of the people here already have the stuff. Search ttora for hdpe. After reading more there and and the write-up on the lexus project that used this stuff, I'm feeling better about using just this stuff. Oh, and I think what want is UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) polyethylene rather than HDPE. Not sure though.

I'm pretty sure SOAZTIM (correct me if I'm wrong here Tim) and I are wanting to do the same things with our rigs. Not build them so much for rock crawling, but more for long distance cross-country(offroad) travel. For this purpose, keeping things light while still protected is desired (at least for me). I know the full belly BudBuilts weigh about 110 lbs. A sheet of this stuff the same size is probably not even half that weight, but probably pretty darn close to the same amount of impact resistance, especially when reinforced.

 

My 2000 is still stock so I am interested in getting in on some underbody protection, sliders etc (I have been monitoring the slider group buy thread too). This is the first I have seen the non-metal skids like the budbuilt variety. The idea of a lighter skid appeals to me, although the white color does not (call me vain). I'm in Tucson so I'll keep paying attention to how this turns out.

~Joe aka Henry

 

I think, through the right dealer, it is available in black as well.

 

Zona,
I think that both of us getting one piece and trying to make some skids out of it sounds like a good idea. If we get what we want out of it great, if not we split the money so its not a total loss. We can go to tucson this sunday or whenever for all I care, but with this plastic we really only need a jig saw or band saw to do it.... Let me know.

 

I would love to get in on the BUD Built buy as well......

 

Found a local dealer: Professional Plastics
4runner measurements:
front skid 30" wide
back skid can get away with 24" wide
from front of skid (where it bolts up) to beginning of muffler(behind front edge of gas tank) is 96"

UHMW (confirmed by very helpful salesperson knew about using this stuff as a skid) available in various sizes:
48"x96"(A), 48"x120"(B), 24"x48"(C) plus many others, even custom
various thicknesses: 1/4"(a), 3/8"(b), 1/2"(c)
approximate prices per piece (online at professionalplastics.com)
Aa: $190
Ab: $225
Ac: $300
Ba: $240
Bb: $280
Bc: $375
Ca: $50
Cb: $70
Cc: $95

It seems most people use either 3/8" or 1/2". I listed the 1/4" because a friend of mine a large sheet(either 4x8 or 4x10) of expanded steel sitting in his backyard that we can have to help strengthen the stuff if we need it. We can also add some L bracket to teh stuff.

now, do you want to run 24" wide all the way back or pickup a sheet of 24"x48" (each or split it) and cut it to fit the 30" wide front and then narrow down to 24" wide. I'm kinda in favor of each getting a smaller sheet of whatever thickness and every two people splitting a 48x96. It all depends on where they would meet up.

 

SOAZ,
This Sunday is no good for me to go to Tucson. I'm free all next week after work to take care of the skids. The company has the stuff in stock. What would you like to start with? It's more or less on my way home from work, so it's no problem to swing buy and pick it up. I've got a sawzall, a cordless jigsaw, and a circular saw. If we want it split right down the middle, they may be able to do that for free.

 

good research ... I'll be interested in seeing how it turns out. And anxious to give it a try as well if it turns out well.

Tim, if you come to Tucson Sunday, give me a call (I'll pm you my phone) We can at least meet and compare our rigs (have to work at 2, so a trail isn't easy).

 

Got it!
1 48"x120"x3/8" sheet. Cut 30" off for a 24"x30" piece up front. leaves us with 90". Add the 24" from the front and we get 114" This should cover a good amount of the gas tank skid as well. total will be around $300 or $150 each.
If anyone sees a flaw in my logic, please point it out.

SOAZ, if this is okay with you, let me know. I'll get the stuff Monday after work.