Skid Plate Broken?

[LuminaBug]

So last night, when I was parking my car, I ran over the curb of a parking spot in my 2005 gls. I backed up, but since it was dark, I didnt notice the skid plate. Driving home was normal, but I noticed my car in the driveway was scraping. It was new years eve, and I was tired. So, I walked out this morning and I realized that my skid plate, under belly, plastic piece under my car is completely shredded. I had my parents look at it (im in college), and there were a ton of rocks around it that fell out. Now, I have to replace the skid plate.

Main point, how much will this thing cost me? I really have no money so whatever this will cost is going to have to be saved up for a while. I guess im just going to have to get rides from people for awile Im gonna miss Herb while he just sits!!!

Anyways, Im thinking I should get an aluminum one, and Im not sure, should I have it dealer installed? I have only had my NB for a few months so your help is appreciated! THANKS SOO MUCH!

[05yellowbeetle]

I lost the skid plate on my '05 2 years ago, i didnt realize it was gone until i heard a rubbing noise when turning and found the remains rubbing the passenger wheel. Took the broken piece off and away we went, i have not replaced it.

[jakenney]

Plastic skid plate ("Belly Panel") is $38.09 on ECS Tuning.

Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0 > Search > Belly Pan > ES#6188 Belly Pan - 1J0825237R

[CoriBug]

It does nothing to protect your car. Don't replace it or get a real skidplate from Dieselgeek. It's more expensive but the peace of mind is worth it.

[IndyTom]

Don't let the stealer install your "skid plate" It literally takes only 4 screws or about 2 minutes to install.
It does protect from rocks, dirt and if you are in a cold climate road salt and snow. So even thou it might not protect the oil pan it does have a purpose.

[CoriBug]

How much it protects is up for debate. Dirt and snow don't really hurt anything. It's very common for the plastic piece to come off so it's clearly not well attached. My aluminum skidplate hasn't fallen off yet in 2 years.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by CoriBug

How much it protects is up for debate. Dirt and snow don't really hurt anything. It's very common for the plastic piece to come off so it's clearly not well attached. My aluminum skidplate hasn't fallen off yet in 2 years.

I hate to differ, snow usually comes with road salt and if that gets splattered up underneath it can cause major corrosion and rust. So while it may not protect as well as an alluminum plate it still serves a purpose.

[CoriBug]

Seems reasonable...or wash the underbody in an automatic car wash every week. It's not a bad piece to have but I wouldn't pay money for one.

[Dee-Bug]

We have the Dieselgeek plate on our 99 TDI.I have already heard scraping underneath and see the scars. The plastic one will only keep debris from splashing up in the engine area,it offers NO protection other than that,or it would still be there on many Beetles..I paid the 400 bucks for the aluminum one with the side shields. One day last summer my wife couldn't avoid hitting a gator laying in the road and ran over it.It left a black mark on the plate,but everything else was ok..Time to start saving..If you can't afford a Dieselgeek one,at least get the plastic one listed above..

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by CoriBug

Seems reasonable...or wash the underbody in an automatic car wash every week. It's not a bad piece to have but I wouldn't pay money for one.

I have seen them for $20 - $35 Dollars. For that money it's cheap insurance. If nothing else but to keep dirt away from the engine. Personally, I wouldn't pay $300+ bucks for an alluminum one. Plus I am sure they are a pain in the rear to remove when you need to change the oil.

[Dee-Bug]

Not so Tom....There are 4 Dzus type screws to remove the plate as well as 4 bolts..I can have mine off in less than 5 minutes and that includes jacking up the car. I wont ever have a beetle without one..I live in a rural area and many times dead animals are on the road or things are laying on I-80 and sometimes,you just can't help hitting them...I see just how low the oil pan and A/C compressor are,and I wont take that chance..300 vs 2-3K for a motor...An easy decision. My wife driver the Beetle 95% of the time and I can't control things,so I would rather be safe..

[IndyTom]

True, if I had the extra money I would probably also invest in a Diesel Geek full metal skid plate. However, the OP is a college kid that can barely afford to put gas in the car and probably doesn't want to spend $400 bucks on a Heavy Duty skid plate. So for now the $20-$30 bucks plastic plate is probably going to be better than nothing.
I still have my original skid plat on my Beetle. It has a few scuffs which the previous owner or the dealer put there but it's still in one piece.
Here is one for $16.23
http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...ine_cover.html

4th one down and it will work with either the 1.8 or 2.ol engine.

[LuminaBug]

Thanks guys(; I ended up taking my car to my mechanic to see what it was I needs to replace, and he ended up fixing it, nothing new required. (: I'm going to get my baby now!! I'll be more careful now haha

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by LuminaBug

Thanks guys(; I ended up taking my car to my mechanic to see what it was I needs to replace, and he ended up fixing it, nothing new required. (: I'm going to get my baby now!! I'll be more careful now haha

How did he fix the torn up skid plate? Duct tape and WD40 ?

[LuminaBug]

Haha I believe it was one of the four bumpers. I guess it just hung off.. I suppose he just screwed it back on. I really don't know but I'm just happy to have my baby back

[Smileybug]

I'm just going to say that I agree with Indy that the plastic does help. My hubby has an '01 Jetta TDI and doesn't have a skidplate on it. He had his ac compressor pulley fail and thinks that debris getting into it may have led to it. He ended up buying the plastic bits needed and will be putting it all on soon.

I've only had the plastic skid plate on all of my cars. I drove my NB for 6 1/2 years with no issues. Busted the oil pan once, but that was an unusual circumstance. Also running the plastic one on my GTI. Its all about driving carefully.