Aluminum Skid Plates from V8 Choppers

[Harold Blocker]

While Stan had my bike, he machined some aluminum skid plates to fit the Boss Hoss. Shane and I have one. If interested, contact Stan. They have cooling slots, the normal engine oil drain cutout and he drilled a large hole under the left pan bolt on the tranny. Fluid can be drained without removal of skid plate if desired. Personally mine is mounted on studs fore and aft which makes for quick removal for service without loosening the tranny bolts.

[hogv8]

What would really be nice is if it had louvers from one end to the other .

Jack

[Harold Blocker]

I think it was cut on a waterjet. I don't know if louvers are possible on that or not.

[SRF]

The skid plates are really nice additions for the bike especially for people like me that lost a transmission in the past because I had quit using a skid plate. This aluminum reminds me of what is used for skid plates on many Chevy trucks. Looking forward to installing mine soon. I will also have it mounted on all studs, remove 4 easy nuts and skid plate will be on the floor.

Shane

[hogv8]

Back in the day there were many shops that had louver presses . They must be still around but just not in style today .

Jack

[SRF]

Jack, I like the idea of the louvers, and as you said there has to be someone nearby that can do it but I have no clue where to look for them. I just did a couple searches and nothing came up. I did find some places that make equipment to do it but not at prices I wanted to pay for one time and several things I found were dies for larger pieces of equipment.

Shane

[Elvis]

http://www.speedlook.de

[hogv8]

Shane , a shop that builds old style hot rods should be able to direct you .

Jack

[Harold Blocker]

Shane,

I think this is what Jack is talking about.....

http://www.google.com/search?q=louver+p ... 80&bih=707

I have no idea of the cost or if it would work on our thick aluminum skid plates or not.

[SRF]

Yeah I would like that but it would be something to catch against if the skid plate drug on anything. Finally got my plate installed before Paris been a lazy summer for projects. Not sure if I got any pics of it installed might have to take some soon.

Shane

[hogv8]

I really like my skid rails . They kinda look like they are part of the frame .

Jack

[SRF]

I really like my skid rails . They kinda look like they are part of the frame .

Jack

I like your setup, some long slots in this aluminum plate might be a good idea too.

Shane

[hogv8]

Shane , good idea , it would sure help with cooling .

Jack

[V8Bikers]

Has anyone noticed a decrease in engine/tranny temps with these modified ones compared to stock?

[Ric]

Hmmmm, you cats gave me some good Fabrication ideas. I have access to a laser cutting place that owes me favours. Sounds like a great winter project for me!