[Buddies72]

Hi Guys,

I'm in dire need of some bash plates under my 96 LWB Vitara and was looking for opinions.

My 2 options at this stage are

1/ the calmini bash plate kit from Low Range - Full Kit from front cross member with steering stabliser - totals $349US plus $280 shipping

Low Range Calmini Armor

and then getting a TSOR tank guard.

or

2/ an ODA full under body armor kit - $700 locally made etc

Outdoor Auto Under Body Kit

I was just looking for some opinions one way or the other.

Both being equal, i don't think I can go past the ODA kit but was looking for opinions from others who may have bought these kits.

Thanks.

[royce]

Youve done a damn good job of making your stuff up so far, why not make your own? I reckon you could set up a nice strong gearbox Crossmember from some decent thickness plate, the rest of it isnt as important

I dont have any experience with either product but once made a front skid from braced 3mm plate and it was rooted in a weekend, I think you need to go with something a lot stiffer to work well

[atari4x4]

Calmini, the ODA stuff is pretty thin & doesn't suit the diff drop

[DarkHorse]

Join the pressure on FatZook to come up with some 1.6 plates. There's at least a few of us in line now, just gotta push it up his priority list! Last I heard they were in the pipeline, but he's a pretty busy bloke with everyone wanting something different from him.

[suzukiboy]

I have the Calmini skid plates and they are great, no problems and they take a beating.
Just watch which transfere cross member you have on the Vit.

[atari4x4]

DarkHorse wrote:

Join the pressure on FatZook to come up with some 1.6 plates. There's at least a few of us in line now, just gotta push it up his priority list! Last I heard they were in the pipeline, but he's a pretty busy bloke with everyone wanting something different from him.

don't hold ya breath, you'll get blue balls

[Fatzook]

DarkHorse wrote:

Join the pressure on FatZook to come up with some 1.6 plates. There's at least a few of us in line now, just gotta push it up his priority list! Last I heard they were in the pipeline, but he's a pretty busy bloke with everyone wanting something different from him.

Can I borrow your beast on monday for a measure up?

[DarkHorse]

Absolutely - what time?

[steak_knife]

Buddies72 wrote:

Hi Guys,

I'm in dire need of some bash plates under my 96 LWB Vitara and was looking for opinions.

My 2 options at this stage are

1/ the calmini bash plate kit from Low Range - Full Kit from front cross member with steering stabliser - totals $349US plus $280 shipping

Low Range Calmini Armor

and then getting a TSOR tank guard.

or

2/ an ODA full under body armor kit - $700 locally made etc

Outdoor Auto Under Body Kit

I was just looking for some opinions one way or the other.

Both being equal, i don't think I can go past the ODA kit but was looking for opinions from others who may have bought these kits.

Thanks.

Is Bali round the corner from you??

[Fatzook]

DarkHorse wrote:

Absolutely - what time?

I'll call ya on sunday.

[got_bar_work]

Yeah I would love a new crossmember with built in skid

[DarkHorse]

DarkHorse wrote:

he's a pretty busy bloke with everyone wanting something different

got_bar_work wrote:

Yeah I would love a new crossmember with built in skid

See what I mean?

@FZ -

[Buddies72]

Cheers for the info/opinions guys, looks like it's Calmini.

Unless FatZook wants to bend up a set in the next few weeks that is.... (hint hint)

[Buddies72]

royce wrote:

Youve done a damn good job of making your stuff up so far, why not make your own? I reckon you could set up a nice strong gearbox Crossmember from some decent thickness plate, the rest of it isnt as important

I dont have any experience with either product but once made a front skid from braced 3mm plate and it was rooted in a weekend, I think you need to go with something a lot stiffer to work well

It's mainly a question of cost vs benefit.

With the barwork I wasn't able to readily source what I wanted. I added up buying all the 'makeshift' styles of bars etc and came up with roughly $3000 in costs.

This versus $250 worth of steel and my time to get exactly what I wanted.

With the bashplates what I want is already available at a reasonable cost, so I don't see any need to fabricate and reinvent the wheel.

I just picked up a replacement crossmember from the wreckers today for $33, so i'll wait until the armor is here before installing it, then won't have to worry any more.

[Buddies72]

atari4x4 wrote:

Calmini, the ODA stuff is pretty thin & doesn't suit the diff drop

Cheers, didn't consider the diff drop...