hey guys

ive just about got my car all prepared for the rallycross this sunday, the only thing still on my mind is if i should make a bolt on skid plate. ive never really done any sort of metal work, but for my crapalier i really dont feel like paying someone else to do it haha

ive heard that the summer rallies can be pretty hard on cars... is it worth the effort to make one?

if so, could someone give me some step by steps on making a simple one that at least covers my oil pan, header, ect?

thanks  

Bryn Epp used to have a Cavalier that he TSD'd and rallycrossed.  I'm not sure if he made a skidplate for it, but you can probably track him down through the member list here.  He may have some Cavalier-specific advice.

Not to disagree that skidplates are not good to have - but from my personal experience has been that they are not 100% necessary (if you don't have time to get it done).  A poorly mounted skidplate could actually do more harm if it came undone.  

I have run rallyx in 5 different cars starting in 2001 (Golf, Jetta, Protege, CRX, Scirocco).  Many of those events I ran were in the Bancroft gravel pit (when that was the only course used).  Only one of the cars I ran has had a real skidplate (the rally car).  I have always made it back home to North Bay after the event (285km).  

I will be running this weekend - skidplate free (knock on wood).

To better answer your request I did find some cool skid plate ideas and photos here;
http://www.specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36082&highlight=wood+skid+pl...

Anthony

I'm in the same boat as you Slowpoke. its a 350km drive home for me so i tow my car just to be safe... for the 50 bucks you pay for a tow dolly its nice to know you can smash up your car and still arrive home as long as the rear wheels are still on haha

i have a few ideas now... i already have my car up on jackstands so tomorrow ill take some cardboard and make a mock skid to determine mounting points. using marine plywood seems like an interesting idea

"There was a guy hereabouts running a GTI who used epoxy-painted 5/8" marine plywood for a skid plate. It protected well, was easy to shape with ordinary tools, sprung back into shape when hit, and above all was CHEAP. When he saw three plies or so worn through, he'd just put on a new one - I think he got three from a 4x8 sheet. He could easily swap it out at service.

If this is for rallycross, a plywood plate might last forever."

hence why i said it was interesting. if i do make one i think ill put some actual time and effort into it... trying to throw something together in the last 2 or 3 days before a rallyx didnt seem like a great idea

What's next "Oar Locks"

200 hard a-starboard into port over crest, 50 rough seas into huge swell, 100 come-a-bout hard to port, keep starboard of bouy, 50 large rock to port.