I'm looking to fab up a skid plate for the front of my 4runner. This is meant to be somewhat functional, but I'll be the first to admit it's mainly for appearance. I will be needing a piece of diamond plate. I'm not sure on the size, somewhere around a 2'x2' piece. I'm gonna do some measuring to get the exact size, and also gonna have to make a few cardboard templates to see what design I wanna use. Anyhow, since my 4runner is black and I'm not a fan of "bling", instead of using standard diamond plate I am wanting to use a gloss black. However, I've been unable to find this for sale as a sheet anywhere. Can anyone point me in the right direction for this? I was thinking about getting a standard piece and using either undercoating or the herculiner, but I am not sure how well it'll stick on and hold up (not gonna be abusing it, but still want it to last). Here is a pic of the type I'm wanting:
http://www.rockcrawler.com/features/...amondplate.jpg
Can anyone help me find some of this (that hopefully doesn't cost an arm and a leg)? Thanks!

 

why not just paint the normal diamond plate.......


Sand, Paint with Gloss Black, let dry, bolt on.....

 

Probley gonna have to find a metel supplier in your area, I would go with 1/8 or 3/16 thickness in steel dimand plate. Dont use aluminum. Cost more and would bend alot easier.

 

Keep it natural

 

My 03 4runner is my daily driver, rarely sees any off road. I've got a 87 4runner I use on the weekend to play around with. So, as I said this is mainly for looks. I think aluminum should be lighter which isn't a big deal but a plus. The aluminum bends easier which is a huge plus because I'll have to make several bends in order to get the look I want. I'm pretty sure I'm doing the 1/8 inch to also help with the bends and it will be plenty for what I want. The added toughness of steel and a thicker piece really wouldn't benefit me. As far as sanding then painting a gloss black, I can do that, I just wasn't sure how well the paint would stick to the surface. Also, do any of you have any advice for making a couple bends? It'll need a bend all the way across at the top and bottom, maybe at a 45 degree angle or so. Any tips? Thanks guys!

 

Just paint the diamond plate. I used 1/8" thick steel diamond plate in my sliders, and painted them flat black. They turned out great, and are holding up really well.



On the truck:

 

Bandit, Those came out amazing.

 

Thanks, here's the build thread if your interested:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/c...s-pics-182374/

 

Great build! What did you cut the diamond plate with? Plasma cutter? Looks real clean. I dont have one but want one BAAAAAAD.

What did the custom sliders run you if you dont mind my asking?

 

Everything I've read says you can use a fine tooth blade on a jig saw and it should cut well. I've spoke with a local shop and can get the regular diamond plate, I may do that and try painting it. However, I'd really like something more durable such as an anodized black.

 

go to quickshipmetals.com they have black diamond plate you can order

 

If you are planning on welding it, you will have to anodize it after that.

 

buy a chunk, cut it to shape, pre-assemble for proper fit, remove, powdercoat, reinstall, enjoy.