Any update on the skid plate?

Sorry guys, I do not check xoutpost much anymore now that the weather is nice out.
the progress is apparently slow.
getting Rick to e-mail back is a bit of a chore. No work has been done on it yet apparently.
making ME mad too as he still has my skid plate and I have a buyer waiting for it here if I wanna sell.

Thanks for the update. Next time you contact him you should point him to this thread so he can give us an update too...

http://replygif.net/i/279.gif

Clock can you email me the info again, sorry I was training at BMW NA in jersey for the last 3 months.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pquast1, all info is in first thread.

Mike it just annoys me a bit because I hate being over promised and under delivered.

When we started this he said 4 weeks ETA after he took our 10 deposits.

It's been approx 10 weeks or longer at this point (I lost track) and now he can't communicate well and tells you no progress?

Did we miss something here, like did he mean 4 weeks of work getting the first mold done and then months later we would receive?

Just venting a bit of frustration here as I believe I paid Rick beginning of April, and if I knew this was such a hassle I would have picked up a 4.6is rear diffuser and sourced a front 4.6 lip from the dealer instead. At $275 we aren't too far off from the $400 of the front lip off the 4.6.

Obviously still grateful to you Mike but I'm just not too pleased. I'd rather Rick say you know what guys this will be a solid 6 month process and if it's done sooner great! Than tell us 4 weeks and have you harassing for updates constantly.

I know, what can I say though.
feel free to e-mail him through the paypal address you sent him money through and ask yourselvess about progress updates as you're not seeing any.

I know I just got on board, but for a minute I was getting scared I got duped as I couldn't even open this thread! I hope he gets it to us soon! Thanks for your hard work! I will send him an email. Good luck to us all.

K, so Rick sent a few of us an update by e-mail:

To everyone that has been waiting on their new black polyurethane x5 front skid plate, I can understand the frustration on the past eta date.

two issues:
we had a fire evacuation and that put me behind 2 to 3 weeks shop was closed down and didn’t work for 1 week and
it is my fault on eta. I should have explained in detail the process of producing a new part from existing. I have made two fiberglass pieces that are used for r&d and testing and stretching the skid plate so there is no issues!!!

I am almost there and looking to make the first test skid plate end of week/ beginning of next.
I will again take updated pics. when all goes well I will polish out the polyurethane mold and to make sure fitment and design is what everyone has asked for.
this front skid plate is black polyurethane and will be very durable like my other polyurethane parts for the e39 m5.
if all is perfect next week I will start to make end of week and will send final pics of part ,

Trust me the wait will be worth it

Wow nice updates and thank you Rick! I knew about the fire but did not know it had him out of work for weeks.

Keep up the good work!

Roger that, RB. I'm patient for cosmetics like this, but appreciate the SITREP

Woop, Woop! :thumbup:

Thanks for the update!!! :D

Does anyone know how the OE Bull Bar actually mounts? It would appear it is simply screwed onto the bumper itself. I ask because if so. I know a muffler shop that could bend such a piece for a whole lot cheaper than almost $500. I'd then have it powder coated.

not sure, but do you guys mind taking this "offline" or another thread so this one does not get hijacked?

ALSO here is an update again!!
here is a pic of the first skid plate he made yesterday and the mold he used to create it.
assuming he is happy with the first skid plate (he never mentioned any issues to me) hopefully the rest will be coming soon.

WOW!

I didn't mean to attempt a high jack of the tread with my bull bar question. My apologies. I was reading through the past post where a good picture of an OE BB was posted and the question came to me.

Anyway I'm liking the new progress update. Appreciate it.

Kristophe, they look SICK, but I'd say you're better off buying a factory one. Aftermarket may not have rigidity/design as the factory design.

Bump for updates :thumbup:

We should be getting really close

Was just thinking about this the other day. I figured if I didn't bump the thread at all the next update would say the batch was getting done! (Wrong lol)

Excited!!!...but anxious!

Yes, looking for some update... :whistle:

I got nothing more from Rick since the pics and update I posted.
So please feel free to e-mail him guys to get some info (And post it here).
not sure if he is tired of seeing me e-mails in his inbox honestly.

I honestly have no idea what else he has going on in his life (is he married/kids/crazy job/sick family members/sick himself?) so I can not say why this is taking so long. I respect his privacy so I'm not harassing him to tell me why it's taking so long for them to be built/shipped but yes hopefully he will get these perfected soon and mailed out.
The catch to making a new part is the time it takes to make the mold perfect, and I KNOW you're all "suffering" (patiently waiting) because he has to make the mold first but I have never molded anything in my life so I have no idea how hard/long of a procedure it is and I also know you guys want nothing less than OE quality.

Yeah I kinda am thinking to myself if we don't hassle the man the quality might be better? Lol.

But if it gets past labor day with no result or update I'm probably going to be a little annoyed by then. With this much time I literally expect nothing less than perfect quality and included stainless steel hardware lol.

ok latest update from Rick:

"So here is the tool (to make the skid plate) that had to be stretched and the metal drilled into mold so when the polyurethane mold cures or dries it doesn't shrink.
I have a little more work then will make.
the picture is how the inside of the part will look like.
I just need to flip the mold and clean the front side and start producing!!
It will be spot on!!"

So please be patient still.

PS: the actual skid plate at the bottom of the pic is my O.E. plate (TMV's old plate).

AWESOME, Mike and Rick coming through again, I never doubt it bc this guy has such a good E39 rep that it will be perfection.

Thaks RB. but its really ALLLL Rick (Slimmbones). I'm more of just a middle man (just not actually making money off this haha).
I just LOVE fiddling with/building things or being a part of the reason something is built. Just ask my wife (it drives her nuts mostly hahaha.)

Man this is gonna be so radd!:bustingup

:iagree:

It's been three weeks since last update. Wondering what the current status is?

Damn you Junger lol!

I deliberately do not bump the thread because I'm hoping its Mike telling us Rick sent an update, and "a watched pot never boils" lol!

Idk man I'm just getting other things taken care of in the meantime, I'm sure they will be ready when least expected.

Rick has not sent me anything since last pics/description.

Sorry, RB... I'm getting anxious to get this piece and put it on. :D

By now I think I'll insist mine to include a production sequence number and personally signed by Slimbones

Since I was thinking of having mine painted titanium silver, maybe mine should come in titanium plate with slimbones' sig engraved?

Actually, I did recommend to him to put a prod sequence number in his works just so he can say he sold so many and even track which ones went to whom.
plus it would be nice to know you have plate 2 or 4, but out of how many... would be anyone's guess.

PS: in case anyone is curious about the wearability of the part in winter... I bought the silver one from TMV (as my back up) as I was worried mine would get cracked over winter with our horrible cold temps (-40° F at many a time in winter) and even potentially parking in a lot too close to a snowbank by mistake and I have to say I never did park he front of the x5 onto a snowbank or scuff the skidplate off any ice chunks or snow drifts to test, but the SUPER cold temps last winter were no affect on the factory plastic (which is what Slimmbones is using too).

having said that tho... it is in direct line of fire for rock chips so I'd highly recommend the owners get the part 3M guarded.

Whens the next order? I need to get one before paint.

Place the order now, get it in 2016

Well alrighty. I'm guessing that means the turn around is pretty slow.

If you go back and read the thread... the first batch hasn't been received yet. Pretty slow indeed. But the guy seems to have decent creds on other forums, I doubt he'll stiff anyone... guys have had to wait a really long time for the R&D on these it looks.

Interesting part... but think I'd rather body color match the whole bumper. Not sure.:dunno:

O wow. There's like 20 pages of replies. I skimmed through the first 5or so. Ok. I may just make my own.

if you can make your own, go ahead.
these ones being made will be amazing I'm sure.
BUT yes the tun around time has been about 6 months already.
But agian as others have said, Slimmbones has a great rep and the part he is making is not usual for him to mold, so he taking his time to be honest it seems.
anyhow, Rick (Slimmbones) said he should have a first run of production skid plated done yesterday night, but I have not been in contact yet. I'm out camping with VERY little coverage.

Cool beans. I'll be patient and wait until a finished product is completed and posted.

BUMP-PIDDY BUMP BUMP

:tapping: haha! He just looked so cool!

I just e-mailed him inquiring.

Thank you Clockwork for looking out for us. Hopefully we have some good news soon!

Update:
ITS DONE. WOOOOOHOOOO.
I will add photos from my PC in a few hours! The part looks amazing!!! Rick did not disappoint

From rick:
" Iam very sorry for the long delay I will pre drill all holes and supply mounting hardware will start making Tuesday!!!"

Soooon in the mail
Look for a second invoice from Rick soon

WHOOOOHOOOOO

Wow! Looks awesome!

Very nice! Thanks Clockwork for the update.

Awesome :thumbup:

:iagree: Yeah baby!

Darn that looks good.. now I am even more madder My house has not been repaired yet due to the fire.. Im still on the hunt for a new one. I hope he remembers not to ship mine yet. I will still pay for it... I dont want mine to goto someone else..Dont know how long it will take for him to do another batch... FIRES suck... Thanks again Clockwork for the update.

Looks good. I'm looking forward to it. The more I see SUVs with similar panels, the more I think I will have it painted titanium silver and mount coincident to a Fall detail/polish synthetic sealer.

Nice. I was starting to wonder how much longer and I find this.

Update: Rick is making 20 of these plates on Monday.

Oh my. Excited!

latest update from Rick:

"first test on painting the skid plate"

to me and my larger pic file, it looks like a sensationallly accurate part and great paint job!!!

coming soon to a home near you

Looks awesome! wish I could give him my paint code and have it ready for installation. I'm excited!

He's also going to paint them titan silver for us?

Hey Guys! I have been watching this thread unfold over the past few months and figured I would chime in seeing how anxious/excited everyone is

I've worked with Rick a lot over the years and have tested many products for him, including parts for my M5. Slimm never fails to impress with the quality of his work and I have served as a good Guinea pig for him.
My girlfriend has an e53 x5 so I opted to test out the prototype he made.
Let me tell you this thing feels military spec I honestly can't imagine the OEM part feeling this solid.

Knowing Rick, The fact that he gave me the skid plate means yours are basically ready to go. This piece will be well worth the wait, the silver one pictured above is the prototype that I painted and installed. Currently trying to figure out adding pictures so you can see it installed


Btw I just used the aluminum plasti dip for the skid plate it's cheap and easy. if it chips I will then proceed to rattle can it silver with a matte clearcoat but let's see how the dip holds up. It looks killer, and I can't stress enough how f***ing solid this piece feels.

Feel free to email me at
[email protected] for pictures and questions installing and materials needed. I will post pics to this thread once I figure it out. I'm a noob I know...

///M Azing, thank you so much for the update. Rick sent me 3 pics of them on your gf's e53 and I will upload them as soon as I get home. Can't do it from my galaxy s3.
I have to say the parts look great so I'm glad you seen them first hand.

As for all else NO rick will not be painting them. He is sending them with no primer or anything as stated in the first post. Its hard to ship something painted and guarantee it will not scratch and hard to paint match so that's why you will get it in the black polyurethane.
I'm sure you will love it still.

The test plate in the picture looks very nice painted with plastidip aluminum color IMO

No problem Clockwork, I love that you took the initiative on this project. It's pretty cool knowing that YOURE the reason this happened. You made the world a more beautiful place with all these skid plates lol!


Thanks Kristophe! If the plate you guys are getting is anything like the prototype you guys are all stoked! I'm excited for everyone who took part in this, very lucky to get ahold of this discontinued part.

I will be making a post on the install process ASAP

///M Azing, I'm just glad to help people out. Especially ones who have educated/helped me out.
Also, glad to see if I ever bust mine up in the winter time, I can grab a replacement (after I install the one Rick has from me now) hahaha.
Now to get Rick working on some e31 8er stuff... :)

I was extremely surprised to hear it was Plasti Dip when Rick told me. Yes it looks great!!!
May have to do that to my 2nd spare when I buy one from Rick.
Gonna start selling them locally too.

Seriously Clockwork that's weird that you mention that about the E31. My dad got the last 850 csi front and rear kit from BMW a few years back. They said it was the last one they would be receiving.

If we can get enough interest my father said he'd be willing to send them out for a reproduction, they're brand new and never mounted! Let me know if you'd like to discuss further, I'll be approaching Slimm about it. Seriously weird though, literally talking about this today

are you kidding me? OH HELLS YES we will be talking offline about that. I am sure a LOT of ppl would LOVE more CSi body parts as they currently still sell them but its old stock and therefore old plastic. and there are a LOT of 8er owners in Cali state.
I just had to make a fix for one of my plastic parts last night using a metal as the plastic let go (like it does so often in these old cars) and I have a DIY up on BF.com about the fix. I may start making/selling this metal fix since this part is no longer made for euro 8's

Yes I think most of us can relate to a brittle plastic experience with these cars
I look forward to hearing from you.

Sorry all did not mean to hijack

Now that is just awesome! :yikes:
I can't believe that is painted with Plasti Dip. It looks great.

So all we have to do now, is to convince Plasti Dip International that 'Titanium Silver' could be the new best selling color. :D

That's awesome news and I'm even more excited now to get this once "gone for good" piece back in rotation!

Well worth the wait now that it's coming all together, what hardware is all included just some stainless self tapping screws?

What, are you building a boat? Most cars these days are assemble with plastic rivets.

:laugh: so true

RB, Rick asked me to send the original mounting screws/rubber expansion nuts so he can source them and he said he has takenc are of the sourcing so I assume he is referring to the exact parts I sent him (the official BMW mounting hardware), but I guess we'll find out very soon.

This is probably a stupid question, but does plasti dip come in the alpine white? I want mine to match the car.

I've seen Plasti-Dip in White (whiter than Alpine) and clear. Maybe you can paint in Alpine white then clear with Plasti-Dip. I'm going to paint titanium silver then apply 3M clear bra paint over it so it doesn't chip.

For what its worth you can probably drop this piece off and have a perfect color match done at a body shop for $150.

Looks good. I'm leaning toward having a body shop paint mine titanium silver and clear coat, but would be happy to use a less expensive solution if anyone has one that will hold up . . . .

Yeah I'm also looking to have mine sprayed BMW Titan Silver 354. My X is already Titan Silver and the more I see other X's with the "Titan Line" painted mirror trims, door handles, and hood grilles, the more I think I'd like to do the Titan Line retrofit for a cleaner, more updated look. But that makes me contemplate (pardon the pun) that the skid plate needs to be more of a brighter aluminum or stainless steel so I'm not overkill on Titan Silver and have some offset. In which case the Plasticdip looks tempting since the one is the photo looks very good. At least if I don't like it and or doesn't hold up I can remove the coating and then have it sprayed.

Kristophe your X should look similar to tmv's, if already Titan Silver it should already have door handles, mirror caps, and grilles are separate (although cheap, I bought my set for $80), but I dont think tmv's example is an overkill on Titan Silver at all.

I really need to get one of these. Tmv's prefacelift X5 is nearly exactly what I want.

I would really look into plasti dip because it is just so easy to replace if it gets scraped.

Get in on the group buy

TMV's TS X does look sweet with the skidplate.

Whoop Whoop I just received an invoice from Slimbones!

Me, too. its in the form of a paypal request from Richard Hagen, reporting a ship date of 9/29/14. I assume the paint experience worked well?

Got my invoice as well, will pay within 24 hours.

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME to hear guys.
I'm excited to get my original back hahaha
maybe I'll save that one and frame it with the plaque (hope thats the correct version of the word) "the mother of all aftermarket deco skid plates" hahahah

I may wait for feedback from you beta testers before I get mine painted and mounted. Curious about what paint method will hold up and not cost an arm & leg.

I'd say prime and paint. nothing more should be needed, nothing less should be expected.

Ed Chyna on 'wheeler dealers' about has me sold on ordering spray cans of bmw titanium silver 354, apply over a primer basecoat, then finish with clearcoat. Given the location, whaddayathink?

By the time you rattle can it just buying the materials from www.automotivetouchup.com will run you about $75-80.

Spend twice that and you can have a pro body shop spray and mount it same day. I always leave painting to the pros. They will use a 2K clearcoat so it will be durable as well, not to say you won't ever get a chip or two but its the nature of the front end anyway.

If you want to go wild you can wrap it in clear vinyl after paint but that will probably be at least 100 bucks extra.

Thanks, RB, I can always count on you to convince me to spend more money on the X5 .....

Very nice! Just paid through PayPal. Looking forward in installing this. :thumbup:

I look at it this way from a few perspectives:

-Is the price I am looking to pay for xxxx job, part, or service less than a newer Bimmer's monthly car payment?

(in this case yes, $275 + paint less than the $500 plus on a new payment)

-Will this part, service, etc. leave me with lasting satisfaction for months and years to come and will it not be sold or traded in the near future (<2 years)

(in this case yes)

-Does this part, upgrade etc make my X another level of badass?

(yes)



If yes to all 3 the price of said upgrade, part etc is justified to me LOL :thumbup:

I'd have it bronzed!!

RB, I like your way of thinking, but I also think your picture is in the new version of the DSM next to definition of "delusional disorder." In a good way :)

I thinking of going with hyper silver (darker shadowed chrome silver) instead titanium silver.

has anyone thought about line x ? you can get any color .

You may want to look into hydro printing, lots of options.

PAID my invoice, ready to rock Rick!

me too - I'm looking to forward to hearing other buyers' experience with painting and install before I do mine. I'm no beta tester ..... from the thread, I expect it to come with install hardware [bolts/screws, washers/spacers, etc.]

Should just be 3 bolts and 3 rubber expansion nuts.

The bottom 5 holes are already used on the bottom of the bumper trim (existing bolts)

Rig, its a polyurethans part. If you bring it to a pro painter, they'll paint it up no issues. you're not being a tester since this part has been out for years and since this is the same material used as the original design, then its not an issue.

I paid mine yesterday.

I just sent my payment to Rick. I wonder if I can powder coat this thing?

Has anyone received theirs yet?

Has anyone received theirs yet?

Nope! Not yet. Hopefully sometime next week maybe?

Update: rick just e-mailed me saying the shipping will start going out this Monday/Tuesday. He needed to order different boxes from what he had because the skid plates are heavier than OE ones. Guess the boxes he had were not able to hold the weight.

Thanks for the update, Mike

I'm glad to hear this is made out of tough ABS plastic :)

Thank you for the update!

Hi all. I just got this e-mail from Rick.

"Mike I am ready to ship and I would like everyone to please email me their complete shipping info and contact number to [email protected] I want to use FedEx and it will be easier to cut and paste instead of going back and forth with PayPal and FedEx is easier to track

Please send it to him asap.

Sent to Rick this AM and copied you on the email Mike thanks again!

Done here, as well. Looking forward to receiving it!

Done

thanks guys. spread the word to one and all.
its a joyous day everyone.
soon to be in your homes

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

Yikes, just saw this. Sent him an email just now http://www.xoutpost.com/images/smilies/yikes.gif

Anyone else need to send him their address? Please do so quickly

Kwalk got yours sent????

Got my tracking number last night, I assumed they just shipped out.

Same here, RB, I expect shipping today, as my number didn't show up on FedEx yet.

As soon as the pkg scanned is at the receiving terminal the complete tracking information will be populated.

will there be another group buy or is it just give info and order

send rick an e-mail (it was provided a few of my posts back) and tell him you're looking to buy one. he MAY have one left.
just an FYI, to ship to Canada, its now costing around $315 USD (includes part, hardware and shipping costs).
but ask Rick for Clarification on cost

Thanks. Email sent!

My tracker still has only an "initiated" status. Does anyone else's show shipped or in transit?

Mine too

Mine shows the same: order initiated 12 Oct with FedEx, but nothing since.

Mine shows estimated delivery of Friday but you're right it doesn't show "in transit"

same here


glad i got the 2nd last one...

to anyone else wanting 1...there is only 1 left!!

OK. Thanks guys. I was mildly concerned mine may have been overlooked and left behind by the FedEx driver. Obviously the plates are still getting a few....finishing touches.

Paid for the last one yesterday..... :D:D

I'm assuming now they will all ship? Rick was probably waiting to sell the lot.

all were picked up by FedEx yesterday.
I have a pick of a crap load of them in boxes waiting for pick-up :)

wow, so he sold them all. I lost count of how many he made honestly as I was sending people directly to him as of last 5-6 guys (some locals wanted them so I told them to contact him directly).
glad he was able to sell them all so fast. maybe others will see the quality of these and he will make another batch. who knows?

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...psdbfb74a2.jpgthis pic sealed my fate, in spending what i wasnt suppose to spend..

^glad to see the pic of the old girl get passing around :D

so who has not received a fedex tracking number yet?

He told me a bunch of you will be getting new tracking numbers becasue FedEx picked them up friday instead so they gave Rick new updated tracking numbers.
I have 11 updated tracking numbers

I didn't get one yet Mike but it might be in my junk mail let me check

same didnt receive one yet

same here. no updated tracking number

k, I have 11 updated fedex manifests for the following people.
since they are actual names on the packing/tracking sheet and not handles, I'll post the last names here and ask that you send me an e-mail (NOT a PM as I can not send you attachments through a PM I do not believe) to [email protected] so i can respond with your new fedex tracking number.
thanks all:

DeYoung
Fisk
Gwyn
Ison
Lee
Melton
Rigrish
Monegro
Uribe
Walker &
Zachariev

Shot you a PM Mike

Haven't received a tracking # as of yet. Email sent...

The first 11 names above are for the original orders placed, and if your name if NOT on the list above, then your order will be shipped very soon in a second batch to be picked up by FedEx tomorrow, according to Rick.
so if you see your name, and care to have the tracking number, e-mail me at [email protected]

e-mailed you

Mike, this skid plate endeavor has at times kept you busier than a one-legged Wishbone quarterback. But it is so greatly appreciated.

Many many thanks.

emailed

email sent. TY!

Kristopher, you're welcomed sir.
It has kept me busy at times for sure! But the end goal is going to be worth it. We will now have a source to make skid plates.

I just got mine an hour ago from fed ex. I might wait until the spring to install it and spare it the Utah winter.

:woohoo::cheer:

still waiting on tracking number

same here....

keep your chins up.
mine is expected to be home by tomorrow for me.

I just checked my tracking and it is showing delivery about 45 mins ago....I can't wait to get home and check it out.

Got it!!!! Yay....Mine doesn't have any holes in it or hardware? Kristophe and anyone else could you tell me how yours came and did you have hardware with it? I know Rick said he was going to source and supply the hardware.

Oh Man. Yeah I'll let you know how mine arrived.

If it's not pre drilled I may be just a bit pissed.

Well, sorry to report that mine has neither the mounting hardware nor pre-drilled holes.

ugh really? i thought that was part of the deal..
and still no tracking number..
so now(in my case maybe others) i would have to find someone or a shop to go and do it and pay extra money on top of this??

Mike, when you get a chance can you pass along the hole size mm from yours? As it appears from online pics that the holes in the OEM tabs are large and oval? Obviously for adjustment. I'm sure the three upper can be any size.

I mean on one hand I'm glad Rick made these.

On the other hand, his communication is terrible and he sent an unfinished product. I can drill the holes myself it's just another tedious thing, after months of waiting, and frustrating considering the price we paid that a few holes couldn't be drilled and a couple stainless bolts included

For my case, I don't have the tools or space to do this as I live in a bachelor apt.
I need my mechanics or a shop to do this..but that is time and time is money.

+1 on the effort to give to the X community, but as stated above..communication is poor/unfinished product.

Still waiting. Tracking number still shows no activity. :( I don't mind drilling holes myself or not having hardware. I want it now so I can put it on... It's been a long wait.

Maybe my X is a little different. After looking underneath, the skidplate will not seem to mount without quite a bit of modifications. There are no slots underneath for the aft end of the plate to be mounted

Here's a good link to an OEM plate that more clearly shows the size and locations for the holes. And one of the pics seems to show two foam rubber supports glued on the back.

Search 82110021339 - 82110021339 - Front Spoiler/Skid Plate - (NO LONGER AVAILABLE) - ES#194658 .

Do you have photo of the skid plate?

Looks like double-sided trim tape. Can the skid plate be held on by plastic rivets? Similar to plastic rivets that holds wheel arc and rocker panel?

OK so I got an e-mail last night (,from Rick) that kind of pissed me off.
It said he did not drill the 1/4" holes in the skid plates as he wanted them delivered faster and he also forgot to include the plastic pop rivets he wanted to include. So he is refunding $5 to everyone.
I couldn't believe it after all the times he said he was going to definitely include mounting hardware.

Ok as for all the questions above, I will tell you now, you use the 5 existing screws on the absolute bottom of your bumper (it has 5 screws holding bumper to metal frame so you remove the 5 and put skid plate on and then reinsert the ,5 screws).
For the top three, I just bought the 3 of the same size (8mm) screws from BMW and screwed right into bumper to hold in place. I did not use the thin strip of 3m tape as it is useless.

Guys I am sooooooo sorry to hear these plates came with no hardware Or pre-drilled holes as that is how they were described to me a show they would show up to you. I wish I had of known as I would have told him to wait another day and drill them before shipping and in his rush he also forgot to tape the fasteners to the underside of the skid plates.
I just hope you guys like the build quality.

the following pic is what Rick had purchased and was going to include.
I honestly recommend drilling a very small pilot hole and then screwing in the three 8mm screws (with washers built into the screw) to hold the top of the skid plate securely to the front bumper.

Mike, No worries... And thanks for the info and getting this group buy organized.

Not having the hardware is fine with me. I still didnt receive a tracking # for the skid plate.... Waiting patienty... somewhat..:dunno:

still no tracking either...

Mike its all good, I just hope the build quality is great.

Kristophe can you snap a pic of how your skid plate arrived? Did Rick do the 5 bottom slotted holes for the lower bumper bolts at least or no? I also am going to do like Mike and just get 3 extra bolts for the top and screw it in the bumper, no need for rivets or well nuts.

Mine shows delivery today. I'm not thrilled with the plate not being predrilled and no hardware, after what, six months? That said, I can live with this. Rick hasn't done his business any favors with this experience, regardless of quality . . .

Rigg, I agree with you. whole heartedly

RB, here's a good close up of the mounting bracket as well as one of the three upper plate-to-bumper mount areas. I'm going to go with a slotted cutout on the (5) tabs areas. And likewise just use a short fat threaded screw for the front bumper installation.

Well I'm glad he sure finished the piece for us after all that time LOL.

I guess the slots on the bottom were to give some lateral room on install, some dremel work is in order I guess. At least its made of ABS Plastic haha!

How does the mold look anyways, does it look pretty good, smooth? Etc

Very smooth and quite heavy; an excellent reproduction. Yeah I wish it was pre drilled but I'm still very pleased nonetheless.

I can overlook it and if it meets your approval I'm happy to hear it.

It's going to the shop anyway for paint so I'm sure it won't be too tough, I'll drill the top 3 1/4" holes but leave them to do the slots most likely.

glad to see you're pleased with the repo (minus the pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware).
I will weigh the two skid plates to see a difference in weight (since I will be getting a replica and my OE plate back), just out of curosity

Just got mine. Looks like a good quality molding, texture good. Since my phone is 'dumb' and I don't have the camera at work, I'll leave it to others to post pictures. I won't be getting it painted and installed under others here report further.

Rig, don't be so scared. prime and paint that puppy.
put it on now and enjoy the compliments :)

be a pioneer of the Slimmbones plates :)

Heh. I would, but other plans the next couple of weeks! :)

Me as well. I'll be dropping mine at the body shop to get a dent pulled and this painted/installed in the coming week or so. It helps that I pass a body shop on the way to work every morning (100 yards from our office) and my wifes car has been there twice this year :banghead:

Rig, I'm just glad you got in on this potentially limited run of plates.
hell keep it on your wall if you like, Its just awesome to know you have a very limited part now :)

Maybe the "2nd" batch will come pre-drilled + Hardware....:D:dunno:

so when do tracking numbers and 5 dollar refund come back?

Getting the tracking doesn't mean your item is ready to ship. I received my tracking number almost two weeks ago but still no activity. :(

Mine arrived today. Going home soon.

Mike, what about just using a heavy duty drywall anchor in the top 3 holes? Surely that should be secure with a bolt in the top of the bumper right?

Mike, I'm going to go ahead and send you (via PayPal) my coming refund from Slimbones.

Maybe a few others will as well and you and your wife can enjoy a nice steak dinner as a token of our appreciation.

I used heavy duty drywall anchors to mount mudflaps in the past. They have yet to come off even with coupious amounts of dragging snow on them.

Got my tracking #. Will arrive tuesday....:D :thumbup:

Mike you can have my $5 refund as well as a token of my appreciation!

Kristopher thank you soooooo very much for the offer.
That's extremely kind of you sir. Both my wife and I love a nice steak dinner but I will not ask you for that.
Honestly I'm just happy to help people out.
You and RB are sensational people for offering this tho. Much appreciated