Gas tank skid plate

[sandawgk5]

I am looking at making a skid plate for my gas tank. Question is what to use for the metal. I was thinking 1/8" but is that too thick? What is the thinnest I could use . I do mostly rock and some sand but no mud. I would like something thick enough to spread the load on the tank and thin enough to work with a large hammer and some angles to bend it around. I plan on bolting it in place to my bumper in the rear and to the crossbar that the tank is mounted to in the front. I have a K5 with a 31 gallon tank if that matters. Oh ya buying one is not an option as I am faw(kin cheap .

Ira

 

[Muddytazz]

My stock skid plate is 1/4" thick steel plate

 

[sandawgk5]

My stock skid plate is 1/4" thick steel plate

Ira

 

[1985_K5_Silverado]

You might check the boneyards for a cheap deal on a nice, used, stock K5 gas tank skid plate.

 

[sandawgk5]

You might check the boneyards for a cheap deal on a nice, used, stock K5 gas tank skid plate.

I dont even care if it is nice as long as it will bolt up and it is cheap or free. I am just gonna drag it over rocks. I would normally not worry about it but I just raised my rear bumper and I already have a couple of dents and obvious rock rash on the tank.

Ira

 

[Muddytazz]

Tomorrow I can dig mine out of storage and take some pics and measurements if you need.

 

[sandawgk5]

Tomorrow I can dig mine out of storage and take some pics and measurements if you need.

That would be great . Maybe I could not have to test fit a lot that could be quite the work out .

Ira

 

[FWP]

1/8 is too thin. I did 1/8 over the top of the stock plate... my fuel pump tube is very upset with me I'm sure the baffles are pissed too.