Well I got all the fab work completed this weekend. Now I just have a lot of clean-up work to do on it, and then its time for paint. A few pics:

 

Awesome work, man. I'm enjoying your build thread a lot, so keep the updates coming.

 

swweeeettttt work, I love the detail and the ribs, great ideas there!!

 

I bet you will be clamping around the welds and letting them cool before you take the clapms off nextime?


I really like your design, In addition howver I think the farther back surface could use a few more drain holes I dont know about you but my skid woud get full of mud rocks and other debris. It really should not comprimise the strenght of the skid over all.

 

Wow, nice work. That took some time! Is there a thread for your bumper build? You do nice work.

 

here you go. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/bandit-r...-build-206103/

 

Nice work. Gonna kinda blow to remove 15 bolts to service the underside....but it is def beefy and well thought out.

Nice

 

That's so awesome!! I want one!! GREAT work!

 

Yeah, I'm still learning on the whole welding thing. I hadn't really thought about drainage holes though. Thanks - that's a great idea. I'll definitely add some in.

 

OK, I finished cleaning up all the weld splatter, and added some drain holes. Then I mounted it to the truck one last time to make sure everything lined up. It mounted up just fine. Then I scrubbed it real good with some degreaser. Now it sits ready for paint. I'm going to use POR-15 that I had left over from my bumper build. Probably be painting it next weekend if the weather cooperates.

Here are some pics of when I had it on the truck.

 

Looks really good, had similar ideas for a skid plate on my truck but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

Finally got it all painted. Two coats of POR-15 semi-gloss black on each side. Just waiting a few days to make sure the paint is fully cured. I should be installing the skidplate for the final time on Friday evening after work. Here's a few pics of it painted.

 

Well, I couldn't install it on Friday due to having to take my daughter to the hospital. Didn't get home until 4 am Saturday morning, so I was too tired. I felt better today, so I got it on. I am really happy with the way it turned out. It really cleans up the front end. It is super strong, and very light. A few pics:







Sorry the pics don't show it too well. With everything being black underneath, it all just kind of blends together.

Thanks to all who followed and contributed to this build! Up next...Rear bumper build. Stay tuned.

 

What did you use to cut the ribs? Looks great!

 

Thanks, I just used my miter saw with a fiber cutoff blade in it.

 

That is a good clean looking setup, great job.

 

Looks Incredible Bandit!

now just get a winch in there

 

Thanks guys. A winch is definitely on the wish list.

 

If you don't mind me asking how much do you have invested in the skids and the bumper builds ? I don't have a toyota I have a 99 dodge dakota 5.2 4x4. But it seams that you yota guys are a lot more creative and care a lot more about your rigs. As do I. I love the way your body protection is coming along and the amount of thought and planning that go's into your work. Looks great !! And I defiantly will be following your rear bumper build. I hope when I get mine planed and built it turns out half as good as yours and I will be a happy man. Thanks for the pix and inspiration.

 

WoW! Nice work!!