Front skid plate

[RogueIV]

The 2 plates take the place of the 1 original press board rearwaward "deflector" and are proper skid plates to better protect the engine and trans from getting hit. the front pressboard remains though.

 

[robz32]

So I got curious and sent Skid Plate Guy an email (skidplateguy@gmail.com). Looks like he makes a set for our cars, they are however not cheap. Also don't seem to replace the front deflector but cover the Engine and Transmission but look like really nice units.

They are built to order and has them in either 2mm stamped steel (engine $468, trans $477) or 4mm stamped aluminum (engine $543 and trans $552). Steel ones are powder coated and the pricing didn't include shipping but he does offer a generous discount if you buy both plates at the same time.

I just placed an order for a set of steel ones to get built I'm hoping to get them early October. I'll definitely post when i get them in and likely do a quick tutorial. I'm sure if he gets enough interest it may become a stocked item.

Here's some pics he sent me of the steel ones:
View attachment 48598View attachment 48599

SMH no opening for the oil drain plug. Im sure he would get more people interested if he offered them with openings that eliminate the need of removing the shield for oil changes. Also a replacement for the front one will also be advantageous.

Im sure that is something he can easily incorporate as he already has the template for the rear one. Not sure on the front one.

 

[RogueIV]

SMH no opening for the oil drain plug. Im sure he would get more people interested if he offered them with openings that eliminate the need of removing the shield for oil changes. Also a replacement for the front one will also be advantageous.

Im sure that is something he can easily incorporate as he already has the template for the rear one. Not sure on the front one.

It's not that hard to remove. it's all of 4 bolts, and adding holes into a plate made to protect the bottom of the engine are not usually a good idea.

As far as the front section goes there's really not much of there to protect, that can literally stay as a wind deflector. Infact I can argue that you'd be better off with the fiber one. if the bottom of the bumper hits something at least the oem panel will flex with it, steel or aluminum will bend and possible cut through the bumper. If it's properly mounted that fiber one up front shouldn't ever be an issue.

 

[Crisis]

I've never taken the piece off and I didn't think the dealer should need to take off the front one for an oil change.

Having the dealer remove it and improperly reinstall it is the only thing that really makes any sense whatsoever, but even that seems unlikely as it's pretty obvious from the shapes of the pieces that the tray should sit above the bottom of the fascia.. When I put it back into place, I made sure it was sitting on top as it should be. Re-reading my initial post, I see that I worded things poorly about it being ripped off the bottom of the front fasica. Was just trying to make the point that it had to be hanging down for the air to catch it and bend it down and back.

Just tried the dealership and their parts catalogue is down, so I'm still no wiser regarding the replacement cost.

Just an update to my post about this last month: Kia of Saskatoon (my local dealer) replaced the "skid plate" at their cost. They accepted my statement that I hadn't hit anything and that failure to properly re-install the piece after removal by them for an oil change is the only reasonable explanation for what happened. No debate or discussion required. I'm pretty pleased about that.

 

[G-715806]

Anybody know anything about aluminum version in Canada. I just damaged the front one from snow and am thinking I should likely replace it with something more sturdy.

 

[rocket23]

I would use plastic sheeting Cut to fit may take some ingenuity. Their quassy cardboard is worthless IMO.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I would use plastic sheeting Cut to fit may take some ingenuity. Their quassy cardboard is worthless IMO.

Oh come on. It's a composite of some kind and is water proofed.

 

[rocket23]

it tears easily, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck..........

 

[MerlintheMad]

Are you expecting to tear into anything with it anytime soon?

it tears easily, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck..........

 

[psujwj]

Does anyone know the part number for those bolts that hold up the front large shield? I think I saw they are 10mm, but not sure how long they are.

 

[rocket23]

Does anyone know the part number for those bolts that hold up the front large shield? I think I saw they are 10mm, but not sure how long they are.

simple ''body '' bolts 10x ???...can be had at any hardware store worth their salt...

 

[mfenske]

Is there anything "mission critical" under this panel? I slowly drove over a hidden curb in a parking garage this morning and peeled it back.

 

[RogueIV]

Is there anything "mission critical" under this panel? I slowly drove over a hidden curb in a parking garage this morning and peeled it back.

Not really, the front section is there for aero, it's not really protecting much.

 

[mfenske]

Not really, the front section is there for aero, it's not really protecting much.

Okay, that's good. It "feels" like the car was less "peppy" than normal but it's probably my brain overthinking. Didn't see any leaking fluids or obvious damage.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Not really, the front section is there for aero, it's not really protecting much.

Try driving without them for a month. It will change your mind. I drove mine for several weeks without those shields. The engine compartment got so filthy.

 

[RogueIV]

Try driving without them for a month. It will change your mind. I drove mine for several weeks without those shields. The engine compartment got so filthy.

I mean that's not mission critical, but yeah that would be messy.

 

[Aarvix]

Without it your wheelwell liners may contact your tires at high speeds. Ask me how I know...

 

[socalvn]

Without it your wheelwell liners may contact your tires at high speeds. Ask me how I know...

View attachment 83094

It's the High Speeds that concern me here