Skid Plate .dwg .pdf?

[joeroberts37]

Just picked up an 01 NB tdi 5 speed. Just performed the intake manifold cleaning procedure thanks to the fellas over at TDI forums. So, to be honest, last night was the first time I looked under the car and noticed no skid plate.

Anybody have a .dwg or .pdf of a flat pattern for an aftermarket skid plate? Not trying to make these mass production, but have a hard time justifying the cost of retail since I own a fabrication shop with a 2500 watt laser / press brake, the works... Would save me quite a bit time doing the trial and error. I have some .075" HDG Grade 50 laying around. Thanks in advance.

[scarabY2k]

Bump.

I hope you find the template- i'd like to find one myself. Don't have the machinery that you have, but I could have a friend do the job for me.

[marvins_dad]

I've never seen one. The diesel geek one seemed worth the cost especially including shipping. But I can understand your delima.
When it comes to the exact angle in the back and the exact location of the holes and the custom plugs and matching bolts...plus the installation tool - it sounds like it would be difficult to reproduce without having an actual plate to make measurements off of.
You can tell that they have efficiently built these guys over years of building and refining.

[InsectusMaximus]

I WAS TOLD BY VW PARTS MANAGER THAT SOMEBODY MAKES ONE.
WILL CHECK INTO IT.

[InsectusMaximus]

Panzer Plate heavy duty aluminum skid plate kit for 19982010 New Beetles by www.dieselgeek.com
"Panzer Plate" heavy duty aluminum skid plate kit for 1998-2010 New Beetles

[InsectusMaximus]

I'm using my plastic "skid plate" as pattern for 0.125 structural steel plate. Aluminum won't hold up if you run over a parking lot divider with a piece of RE-BAR holding in on the black top.
By a new plastic skip plate from VW, COPY IT, RETURN IT.

[joeroberts37]

Thanks. I will bring the little guy into the shop over the weekend and see what we come up with... I understand the cost of convenience, but in reality the hardware and "special tool" is pocket change in cost. More of a hassle to gather, or order, all the necessary hardware, then it is to install. We are paying for 'Dieselgeeks' R&D, not the cost of the product.

Some insight for future projects - there are companies out there that specialize in "Fastners" (search yellowpages). McMaster Carr, Fastenal, Lowes - all mark up there fasteners by about 200% so consider yourself warned. However, most of the small mom and pop fastener shops have little patience to explain what a socket head cap screw is... The lingo is confusing, but McMaster Carr is a good resource.

[lightflyer1]

Originally Posted by InsectusMaximus

I'm using my plastic "skid plate" as pattern for 0.125 structural steel plate. Aluminum won't hold up if you run over a parking lot divider with a piece of RE-BAR holding in on the black top.
By a new plastic skip plate from VW, COPY IT, RETURN IT.

I can vouch that the DieselGeek skid plate will hold up to this as I hit exactly that in a lot once. Made a big gouge but very little bending. You can make one yourself for cheaper, but I haven't seen any plans around. DG plate is worth the money and most of us don't have 2500 watt laser/presses around. I need to get one myself for the NB. I had one on the Jetta.

[vwabbitman]

i need to find one for my wifes car. she likes curbs for some reason. ARGH!!!

[joeroberts37]

Not a big fan of threads that are not updated... Kind of like, do what you say you are going to do... I had the bug in the shop over the weekend. Changed the oil, and started to get a game plan for the skid plate. Did some more investigation and realized that the previous skid plate was ripped off, not just removed and mia. There is evidence of tabs/torx remaining. The drivers side vertical shroud is also cracked in a few spots, not to mention that the entire passenger side vertical shroud is also missing.... back to the drawing board.

[lightflyer1]

Diesel geek also makes the full metal jacket side plates to go with the skid plate.

skid
Panzer Plate heavy duty aluminum skid plate kit for 19982010 New Beetles by www.dieselgeek.com

side
MK4 Panzer Full Metal Jacket engine bay side shield Driver Side fits New Beetles too by www.dieselgeek.com

David