Too late, Mike. Enjoy that steak dinner!

Cheers dude!!

lucky...still waiting on my unfinished product

Am I the only one who has unboxed and surprised at the "flexibility" of the plate? I have no OE piece to compare to, but it's definitely heavy duty in the weight department, no worries about this piece cracking from impact, ever.

Mike when you get yours back let me know what you think, I'm fairly impressed but also surprised because most bumper spoilers I've been in touch with are nowhere near as thick as this piece, nor as flexible. I'm sure you all know this but make sure your body shop is painting these using flex agent for sure.

wow funny you post that RB. I was extremely pleased to see how rubbery/flexible it is compred to my OE plate. NO WAY are the OE plates flexible. I LOVE THESE personally. the OE ones are rigid and any impact could damage it, where as the Slimbones ones seem very very durable.
I just opened mine today to see how nice the quality is. i'm actually statring at it now in my garage and i'm sooooooo glad we got these built. these look like they can easily take some rocks and not be damaged like an OE plate would.
I have 3 now (one on my suv, my silver original that I sent to Slimmbones, and one I bought from him).
I will honestly keep the OE one as a back-up incase the mold by slimmbones gets destroyed and we need another OE plate to make another mold from, but this hevy duty abs plastic one takes the cake.

Yeah I'm pretty impressed, definitely an improvement over the OE design for sure! Nice job Rick! And for what its worth, the top 3 mounting holes are easily seen on the plate, nothing a drill couldn't take care of in 30 seconds.

Hey Clockwork...since I have not receieved at tracking number...is it possible he hasnt shipped it yet?
If so can you save him the 5 dollars and tell him to get me my hardware and if possible drill in the holes...I am in no rush and can wait another 5 months if needed

For hardware you just need 3 screws and anchors. It's not my h

G2S: he has sent them all out apparently. I've asked him for more traking numbers for I never get any, so I assume he sent them all out already.

as for hardware, i'm sure he would include it in future batches but since these already left, he can't include it.
also, as for drilling holes, he told me when he drilled the holes for his test skid plate, he tried mounting it on a few x5's and noticed that sometimes the drilled holes would not line up perfectly on all vehiles (as the factory place has an oval, not jut a symetrical hole) so he said to be safe with the plates, he did not want to drill holes.

please e-mail him for any more info. his e-mail addy is a few posts back.

any other reviews from ppl who received theirs?

I'm interested as well. Who's gonna be the first one to post painted/installed pics?

Who's going to be first to post pics of the final product? :D

Hey guys! I just came back from vacation and had my skid plate waiting for me at my office. I hadnt had the ability to check the forums, but I was surprised as well about the mounting/hole situation. Oh well. I figure that I should pre-install/drill the holes before painting... dont want to tragically screw up the paint job! :D

Also, im thinking maybe of having them do a flat clear coat instead of glossy so that it will match the titanium grills.

Does anyone know the exact part #s for the top 3 mounting screws or hi-res reference images of how the original mounting hardware looked? Id like to keep it as close to what BMW used from the factory.

Thanks guys! Cant wait to get this puppy on there.

The original hardware was 3 well nuts, which you can find at Home Depot. With 3 fine thread bolts, and some black plastic bolt caps up top. Reuse 5 existing bolts on bottom.

Some have said it's better just to use a self tapping screws on top or even a drywall anchor because it negates the need to drill bigger holes for the well nuts.

honestly, just use three 8mm screws to secure the top.
BMW Part Number 07147129161

Mike are those the same ones on the bottom as well? I might buy 8 and have all of the hardware "fresh", don't like using rusty screws on newly painted parts!

Anyone know a good method of cutting the slotted holes for the five tabs? I was thinking a forcing a drill bit sideways but would might look jagged and splintered?

Dremel. Get a round sanding tip in the center, and just work it a tad to the left and right, should make a perfect slot.

yes they are the same screws that are on the bottom.
I painted all 8 of my screws used a nice shiny black

remember to drill holes BEFORE getting plate painted.

Thanks Mike, I'll go your method, sans anchors, 8 fresh screws/washers, and just screw the 3 ones in up top. I also have a can of Rustoleum Gloss black, might have to hit them with a couple coats before install. They will definitely rust if not taken care of.

Received mine yesterday. Love the quality, thanks for all your efforts. It was driving me cray trying to find one..... :2thumbs:

still taking orders? i want one!!

Will see if maker will make one

OK, So I got word back from Rick this morning.
he is doing another run of 10 but the cost has gone up (for outside of USA folk sadly)

$275 USD for product and shipping within the continental USA
$350 USD for product and shipping to Canada
$400 USD for product and shipping to rest of world.
this time Rick will remember to include the mounting hardware, but will still NOT drill holes

yes this part is expensive and just for looks, but its a better quality part than the OE plate. I know as I have one Slimmbones plate and 2 OE plates.
I'll probably never sell the spare OE plate I have or the Slimmbones replica plate as I have no idea where to buy them again if he stops making them and in Calgary, the winters and rock chips here are freaking horrible (but thats where Rick's more rubbery design wins hands down).

Wow another run of 10. Nice! Mike you've done enough hard work for us all, I would funnel all inquiries to Rick on the next one, and enjoy your skid plate (and its spares!)

RB, dude thats actually a SOLID point!!!
OK anyone willing to buy them can msg Rick directly at
[email protected]

Cheers all.

my wife (to be as of March 2015 - Maui baby) calls me a Hoarder of car parts and I usually tell her its for proper reasons or rare parts (for my 8) but in this case, I have a small emotional attachment to the achievement I've helped create for other e53 lovers.
So I will try not to be guilty of having two OE skid plates (and a replica now) cause having the second OE plate gave me the ability to get the replicas made :)

Amen brother!

Just put it in the first post and let Rick organize/take payments from there. You deserve a rest after this long and emotional road!

Going to the body shop at lunch, I'm hoping to have this on by next week!

UPDATE:

Dropped it off at the body shop for paint today, they are doing the mounting holes and slots before paint.

Body shop manager said "WHOA THATS A TON OF MOLD RELEASE AGENT" on the plate from a home made mold, he said the quality looked good but they are going to have to clean it up really well with degreaser/all purpose cleaners in order to get it prepped, before even spraying down adhesion promoter/primer.

Other than that, should be ready for install next week, I need to go get my bolts at the dealer because mine are all rusted to hell on the bottom.

Installed mine today, 90% satisfied. There is a bit of "gapping" on the drivers side and a little less gapping on the passenger side. I guess thats why the OEM's are so rigid.

http://www.xoutpost.com/members/smuu...031-154649.jpg
http://www.xoutpost.com/members/smuu...031-154654.jpg

I used self tapping screws for the 3 mounting points up front. Also used black license plate bolt caps to cover the screws.
http://www.xoutpost.com/members/smuu...031-155027.jpg

I used this 3m Plastic metal for the 5 rear bolts to help secure them a little better.
http://www.xoutpost.com/members/smuu...1-154418-0.jpg

I will update tomorrow I guess with the full look if I can get some sun. Its overcast here in NY and since its black it wouldnt show up so well in a pic. Overall I'm happy. It looks awesome as it is. Dont think I'm going to have it painted. If I put my titanium grills back in maybe. But with the black grills it looks real rugged... Thanks again Clockwork....

INSTALL TIP:
as a recommendation, I'd screw the bottom 5 tabs on first and THEN hold the top of the plate onto the x5 and insert the center screw first to create a starting point.
From there, press in on the left or right half of the skid plate to conform the plate body to the bumper and then screw the end in
Then do the same for the other end. this way it gets rid of any "wave"/gap that can form.

remember as soon as you make the hole for the screw into the bumper, there is no changing that mounting hole, so I'd suggest you test fit and press to fully see how the plate will sit when you have the screws in.

Thats what I did. This aint my first "Rodeo" clockwork. :D It's fine the gap doesnt bother me that much.

dang, well sorry to hear bout the gap.
but glad you're mostly happy with your plate :)

You could put a little urethane windshield adhesive or some 3m double stick tape on the top edge of the skid plate in order to alleviate any "gapping" issues. The oem plate can suffer from the same thing.

I'm going to do a test fit once I get it back from paint and if needed I will lay a bead of adhesive on the top edge to secure it flush with the bumper. Left to cure overnight and pressed against the plate it should have no issues

Yeah... It looks awesome.... :thumbup:

If you encounter the same situation I did and fixed it, please let me know.Thx

2 ways to fix it.

Very thin double sided tape on top edge (I think smallest 3m makes is 5mm wide), or a bead of windshield urethane adhesive, then reinstall plate, screw in top 3 mounts, and press/tape the top edge in place for 24 hours while it cures.

Either way should solve it. You won't need to remove the plate anyway as you can remove the bumper with it installed.

Try it out and let me know, I won't have mine back till next week, you can get the 3m tape or windshield urethane (black) from AutoZone, Advance, pep boys, etc....

Also just want to add, the OE plate does use 3m automotive tape on the leading edge. I would try that first as it's less messy, just be sure to use 3m VHB tape (very high bond) and prep the area and plate properly.

UPDATE:

I found 3M 5952 VHB (Very High Bond) tape in .125in (3.3mm) and 5mm thickness on Amazon/Ebay, placing a line of tape on the top edge and pressing into place after wiping down the bumper area with IPA should alleviate any sagging issues. This is the way the OE plate installs. Still waiting on mine back from paint, I have the bottom 5 bolts painted gloss black and rust removed, and getting 3 self tapping screws and black bolt covers for the top ones. If I have to get a 5 yd roll of this stuff I will definitely have some left over if anyone needs some.

TapeCase VHB 5952 0.125in x 5yd Roll Adhesive Tapes, 45 mil (1.1mm) Thick: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1000_.jpg

Has anyone had difficulty getting a body/paint shop to take on the job. I've been to two and both don't believe painting & clearcoat would hold up to the winters in the Northeast. One suggested a tint shop and vinyl heat shrink but that shop did not think
it would come out looking very good.

thanks, Rich

:banghead:

If painted with Flex agent I don't know why it wouldn't hold up any worse than anything else mounted on the front end. Are they saying because of the material used to make it, that paint won't stick, or the location because it will get rock chips?

To be honest, I REALLY wish Rick would have just made these to the spec of the OE plate or told us about the differences beforehand. Between the sagging, and reports of the paint job not being taken on this is starting to really annoy me after $275 and 6 months of waiting.

man, I have no idea why a company would not just paint the product.
i live in a city where they do not put salt on the roads, but rocks/sharp aggregate stones and if ANYONE should be affraid of putting a factory skid plate on, it should be me, but I painted my OE plate, and then 3M clear bra'd it and its held up perfect.
this aftermarket piece should be NO different.

x2 I was thinking about that as well, I think he means more from a damage perspective the shop is saying they don't want to hear complaints when it gets chipped up.

I haven't had a call from my body shop yet to say its ready, but I also haven't had a call saying it would be a problem to paint.

the 1st shop mentioned about some sealant was needed ($50) and then
attempting to paint that, but they didn't want to take on the job since
they would have to stand behind it for a year of so.

I'll keep searching

Weird. I don't know why adhesion promotor, primer, paint, clearcoat wouldn't work. Check out reputable body shops specializing in custom paint although this shouldn't be too bad.

got my item...still no 5 dollar refund

haven't even taken it out of the box...but already wanting to sell it

Reason?
I'm sure you could sell it fast since other members showed interest in getting one;)

Jeez goodie have you complained enough yet?

If you were really about paying it forward you'd send your $5 to Mike (Clockwork) as he took a hell of a lot of leg work to even get these into production, yes I know its not perfect but drilling the holes and getting mounting hardware is something you can get from the body shop that paints it.

If I was Mike I probably would have just kept my 2 OEM plates or sold one for a hell of a lot of profit, he really stuck his neck out for us.

UPDATE from my body shop:

I requested, and told me no problem to use some extra high strength 3M mounting tape applied on the top edge, so that, combined with the 3 top screws in the bumper should be enough to keep any "sagging" between the mounts on top of the plate. Body shop manager has not told me any issues yet with painting, and will call when its ready.

I didnt bother to go to a paint shop because the flexibility of it I knew painting would be a waste of time. Im leaving mine black. I like the look. Painting that thing with these NY winters lately I would have to repaint every spring... Black with my black grills looks fine to me. No maintenance....:thumbup:

I visited a 3rd body shop in Rhode Island. Prices to paint/etc ranging
from 150 to 300. All shops saying the same thing, no guarantees and
with the NE winters expect peeling & chipping by spring.

I may try the plastic dip paint from home depot/lowes as I understand
it can be removed easily if needed and would last up to 3+ years if
applied correctly

Rich

Do they tell you WHY to expect peeling of a body part? There has to be a reason.


As I mentioned earlier, my shop mentioned a decent amount of prep work to get rid of the mold release agent on the surface (the waxy material that makes the plate non-stick), and scuffing/plastic adhesion promotor, but when dropping off he didn't give me any red flags.

I emailed Rick about this as another suggestion on the next run, to perhaps make a firmer material that is easier for body shops to paint.

Rich, I just emailed Rick, and got a nice update for you:

"If a body shop won't paint them, they have no clue and should not be in business, the shop should know that they need to paint with an added flex agent in the paint. An OEM skid plate would be painted with flex additive as well, and this material is no different of a polyurethane material that I make the E39 M5 parts from"


So you need to specifically mention painting with flex additive if the shop is giving you problems. Although if they are saying they can't do it I'd walk away elsewhere too.

they all seemed to think even with prep-work and bonding agent application
that it would just not withstand the salt trucks etc.

I don't understand this since "all" modern cars are mostly plastic
on the frontend since they hide the 5mph bumpers

Guys, you need to relax.A good prep job goes a long way.If they know what they're doing the plate will come out looking awesome.
Heck, if you have a Hvlp might as well paint it yourself if you've got the space and the hand to do so..

I think that is somewhat laughable. I had a complete factory body kit on my 2008 GLI, which was 3" off the ground when I was lowered on coilovers. I had no paint peeling after 4 years, and drove through winter all the time.

I mean god it's not like we don't wash our cars, and just let salt eat away at the vehicles. You're right, its no different than any lower painted pieces on a front end.

Are there any 4.6/4.8 owners out there experiencing peeling paint on their lower valances because of salt? Don't think so.

Rock chips? Yes I expect some because of the location.

Peeling paint? I would not expect it from a reputable shop whatsoever.

All shops mentioned "flex". I'm beginning to believe they just don't
want to do the work.

SOOOOO if there are some recommended shops out there I'd like to get some quotes on having the job done.

thanks, Rich

Rich if you want to come down to Jersey, my shop didn't seem to mind.

my daughter lives in somerset Nj if that is close by.

I could also ship.

do you mind me asking what they are charging for the
job

thanks, Rich

guys, that comment of "rock chips" is REDIC!!!!!
just bring it to a shop and JUST tell them the paint code. do not mention where it gets mounted and if they ask, just say its for your brothers x5 in Florida or Texas and you bought it as a gift and am painting it before his b-day.
I've had mine for over a winter and this winter past was 6 phucking months long with extreme, and I mean phucking extreme -32° C (0°F) constantly and major snowfalls, therefore constantly driving on roads full of rocks. I'll take a phot tonight to show you the condition of my plate.
that fact that no one will paint is really is BS. they do not want the work as it is not worth their time to make a batch of paint of that specific color for such a small part, UNLESS they happened to be doing another Bimmer with the same paint code.

I am very distraught to hear you're still dealing with complications in getting this part finalized for you. Trust me, I had NO idea it would take this long or be so difficult by your local paint shops.

I agree this is getting down right silly. I'm only trying to relay the amount of difficulty I'm facing when trying to get a job done. Maybe I should have them
paint the whole X5 Titanium (currently black), maybe that would be a big enough job.

end of rant, Thanks, Rich

That would be a big fat lie and we don't do that here on the forum;):D
But seriously they shouldn't care where it goes.its like they don't wanna make money..pshh

I bought myself a HVLP spray gun (you rock Harbor Freight) and will spray it myself. I've lightly wet sanded the plate and will apply adhesion promoter and primer, wet sanding between coats. I'll spray it with 354 titan silver paint + clear coat.

Will definitely come out nice as long as you do nice prep work and take your time. Most shops see the skid plate as a ''small project'' and really don't want nothing to do with it which is why they make a big deal out of it. There in it for the big bucks most of the times. That's why DIY is the way to go on the skid plate. Would love to get one on my X but am planning to go with the 4.6is set up on my 3.0. Good luck.

Rich, Somerset is 2 towns away from me, 10 mins at most. I haven't picked up yet from my shop, and didn't ask what the final cost would be, but I expect it will be reasonable. I didn't press for time since I know its a small job, and usually that's reflected in my final cost. They have done body work on my wife's car twice in the past year (she got rear ended in May and in November last year my father in law backed into her fender by accident) so they know me pretty well.

I can let you know how much my shop costs me, and perhaps you could mail it direct to them if they'd like to do another (I'll ask when I pick up).

As I mentioned previously the shop is also going to put high strength 3M mounting tape on the top edge to reinforce the installed position so that I won't have any "sagging" issue when its mounted.

Will update, hoping tomorrow they will be done.


Agree with Mike as well, I believe a lot of the shops turning you away just don't like to do small jobs for cash (although I don't know why in this day and age people are refusing work), I can understand if you were telling someone you only want to pay $100 and they refuse the work because it would cost more than that, etc.

But basically I don't see why a thorough cleaning with prep-solv, scuffing with a 3M scuff pad, adhesion promotor, primer, base coat, and clear coat, which is fairly simple to do is so complex up in your area.

Thanks for the feedback

If the shop wants to do another I can deal directly with them, being a middleman is sometimes painful.

the 1st shop I went to has done multiple jobs on all of my cars over the years
(teenagers and cars being beat to death in commuter rail parking lots).

They said they would do it because of our existing relationship but were did
not believe the surface would hold up. Because of their hesitation I'd rather not have them do the job.

Thanks, Rich

Understood. If a shop hesitates I probably wouldn't hire them either. Will ask the owner when I pick up, get you a price, and if the info is good I'll send you their info if they want to do another one.

Received my skid-plate. Looks like I would need to do some extra prepping before painting and install to make it perfect. Anyone installed your's yet?

http://junger12.home.comcast.net/~junger12/300/3.jpg

Still waiting for my body shop to call. I'm glad to see Rick is drilling the slotted mounting holes on the bottom now

If you meant Rick who made the skid-plate then no. If Rick (me) then yes. :)

Lol I thought Rick the maker! Nice work slotting the holes yourself, I had my shop do it personally. If I don't get a call today I'll stop by my shop and see how the job is going, I told him to take his time but it will be 2 weeks tomorrow LOL

I'll have to agree. Very nice work.
From the picture, it looks completely factory.
How did you make the slotted holes so nice? A Dremel and a steady hand?

Thanks. I used Dremel with grinding stones tips (# 952 & 954). Tips worked well on soft plastic.

What color did you decide to go with?

I going to prep, paint, and install myself. I picked up chrome paint to get hyper-silver effect. Going to try on the backside to see how it looks before moving forward. Like any replica parts, it needs additional prepping and there are few flaws that require fixing but shouldn't be too bad.

Thank you so much. :thumbup:
That was actually exactly were is was going with my question. Since my experiences with Dremel'ing in soft ABS plastic usually ended up with a grinding tip embedded in molten plastic.

I'm gonna give it a go with the aluminum oxide tips.

Just use it on slow speed, it won't melt it. Melting plastic is using the Dremel at too high a speed lol

Yes i know. But..

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sql-F-PNNI...e-for-that.png

:D

Junger, thanks for the cone sizes. I will do to my plate as well. Looks very factory

UPDATE:

Body shop called me today, they got "swamped" "the day after I dropped it off", I'm a patient man but this was getting ridiculous.

We'll see if they remembered to put some 3M double side adhesive tape on the top edge to support the weight of it (so no sags), but he said it should be ready for pickup tomorrow, confirmed the paint code with me. Will upload pics when I pick up and when I get installed, its been a long time waiting, LOL

I'm going to let you guys finish sorting out the details [slot cutting, paint prep., etc.] before I get into this. My skid plate replica is still sitting in the corner of my office - sort of like Pete's .22 rifle in earlier seasons of Mad Men ;). I keep getting questions as to what it is - I'm purposefully vague ........

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...c9e719fb96.jpg

Shhhh, it's painted :)

Installed pics to come, and yes they put 3M tape on the edge so that should keep any sagging along with the top screws.

Now THAT is eyecandy!

But why is it just laying there on your workbench? Did you loose the car?
We want to see it 'in action'. :D

Lookin HAWT! :) More pics please!

Did the paint company mention any problems?

Put it on already RB. :D

Looks like a nice paint job, RB. And your workbench is way too neat . ...

Working on it boys, I gotta change the oil on the X and wanted my garage to be warm enough for the 3M tape to stick on the install. Its friggin freezing out and I hate installing body parts in the cold when the plastic is cold etc, will update soon!

And don't hate on the workbench, its my OCD!

The shop said that it wasn't the easiest thing to paint compared to an OEM piece because of the home brew mold, and there is a ton of mold release agent on the plastic. They hit it very heavy with the clear coat, because some of the plastic piece's imperfections showed up through the basecoat, but honestly it looks 99% perfect to me considering where it is located on the car. I'm sorry to say I don't think they want to paint another one of these anytime soon, only cost me $100 though since I know the owner pretty well from past work on the wifes car...

I sprayed mine this afternoon using my Harbor Freight HVLP gun and Titan Silver 354 from O'Reilly. The paint they mixed had the clear added and only cost $9 for a 1/2 pint. I did have to add reducer @ 8-2 ratio. I'll install tomorrow when the paint fully cures.

Finish looks textured. Is that your intention?

Looks good RB.

I still need to finish prepping my skid plate. Winter came so early this year. :( I'll probably wait til spring...

No its not textured rather its a grainy effect of the photo when I had to resized it. The finish is quite smooth.

Junger, I'd probably wait too.
Having said that, I was walking back to my semi-washed x5 in the snow last night and the look of the skid plate made me smile as it looked so shiny

Skid plate installed. Finally!!

Well done being the first buyer to install:)

Looking good!! now all you need is a good headlight polish to really make your X pop! :)

Yes, embarrassingly so. My next Saturday project.

I should have noticed that everything on the photo looked textured. LOL...

Looks good Kristophe. :thumbup:

Unless we get a warm front in the 60s sometime this month. ;)

I have mine all ready to be installed but as you know in Alberta we have had quite a bit of snow! The skid plate took a back seat to shoveling

Dopey88, installed yet?
I now have my original back from Rick too :)
its the Titanium Color, so I may put that one on in winters and my beige to match my beige paint in summers only.

Well, finally installed boys. Love the look and for me color matching was the right way to go. Ended up only costing $100 for paint.

I'm about 98% happy with fitment, but don't expect perfection because it's a replica and because of where it's mounted. I actually think the OE method of install might be better because the well nuts act as sort of a "washer" between the plate and the bumper, the way I have it with the self tapping screws just screwed down may be what gives me the TINIEST gap between the top 3 mounts. It was bad at first but I repositioned it a bit and it's almost non existent.

Note that these pictures are literally 6" away from the plate. If standing up or viewing the car any further everything looks perfect. I will add farther back pics when I pull the X out but I'm not going anywhere today and it's freezing out.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...e6a7cb3838.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...ec6dd4fb69.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...31b9ca333e.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...5cf6cf0171.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...9ec5c39a72.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...4094b2234c.jpg

Overall I'm happy to have it on my X and feel it's a great standalone piece, I wish I got the OE one when it was available but this will do for 98-99% of the look/quality, thanks for doing this for us Mike.

RB it was my pleasure to see another board member with a smile on their face. And the fact that a few of you were able to purchase (and hopefully smile) makes me very satisfied.
Happy new year to all. my fiancé (officially wife in 2 months and 1 week) and I are just headed to Winter Wonderland dj festival in Anaheim now.
I'm glad I could help you guys out this year! Hope everyone is safe and I can help people out again in the new year!
Cheers y'all

Looks good RB.

I'm very picky with imperfections. I filled and sanded down all the imperfections on my skid plate. Made the edges as straight as possible and test fitted many time to assure flush fitment. I just need to have it painted now. I'm going to attach Bishop tape (thick rubber tape) on the edges instead of 3M double-sided molding tape for better finished look.

Can you send me a link to bishop tape? I'm willing to try it again but even after IPA wipe on the bumper the 3M tape didn't really stick at all.

The 3M tape on my factory plate was useless came off within seconds. Definitely not strong enough

^bingo. Like I said I adjusted it and it's better I may wait till a free day and do some more adjusting till it's perfect. It's about 98% now

That looks pretty good for a replica. I want more pics!

Doesn't Bishops tape stay tacky? It may pickup and hold dirt in the crease which would be an issue in the long run.

Lookin' sharp, J!! :thumbup: Love that color, not sure I've ever seen a picture of your X in it's entirety. Would love to see a couple..! :D (I love pics.)

RB, I’m not using the Bishop tape to stick the two pieces together. I using it to fill the gap with clean seam line between the two panels. Bishop tape is not intended to bond two pieces together but is used to seal the two pieces together.

1.5" Bishop Tape - 10 ft. Roll

Maybe collect dirt as much as a piece of rubber. Exposed areas will lose tackiness but will stay soft. I'll let you guys know how it all works out when done... :)

Stay tuned I will get an update later today as I need to get the X out of the garage and take the Triumph out for a quick run for fuel and stabilizer :)

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...0cdceb82bd.jpg

Looks perfect to me from over 12 inches away, other pics in the "what did you do today" thread

Beautiful machine, RB. Triumph is a fitting name for her.

That looks really nice!

WOW, she's a real keeper!! One to be proud of... :thumbup::thumbup: I have a weakness for anything blue! :D Can't wait to see what your SPYDERs do to it...

Haha thanks Chris, but actually I meant my Triumph Thunderbird m'cycle that I had to get "ready for winter" yesterday, never really named my X or any of my cars to be honest, maybe I'll have to come up with something.

@ Matt thanks man the Spyders are the last piece to the front end upgrade! Then I'm saving for Running Boards and Dynavin N6!

Looks great. Color match was an excellent choice. It definitely gives it more youthful look.

Thanks Junger its exactly how I wanted it to look, now to get working on my headlight swap/project so I have a completely refreshed look in front.

Definitely recommend the color match, it gives more "depth" and aggressiveness to the front bumper, that you don't get with just the stock black plastic and no skid plate.

Looks awesome bud :thumbup:

Looks great, RB. My X5 is Sapphire Black, but I'm afraid the skid plate will just disappear if I paint it black to match. So Titanium Silver is still the plan, though at this point I'll probably wait til closer to Spring ....

I think you are right, unless you are standing close to your X it will blend in too much. If I could use one I would see if there is a vinyl that is the color I wanted it to be. It would cost less to wrap and replace if damaged.

selling mine..still in box unopened..PM if interested
reason is im done modding the X and selling the E34

im interested..how can i get it?

Hey guys! I finally had my skid plate painted and installed and had a moment to take a quick pic. I love it. There was a lot of cleanup and stuff involved in the paint process. They had to pre-bake it 3 times to suck out all the oils which left alot of little air holes on the surface. Painted in Titan Silver with a flat clear coat They also installed it with 3 stainless steel star pattern bolts that are used on Mercedes G Suvs. :thumbup:

Also, if you look closely you can see my white german shepherd in the backseat. (dont worry the seat is covered... but white hair/black leather interior... :dunno::()

^^^Looks great!

Yes the shop did a ton of prep on mine, they had to spray the clear down extra heavy because of the air holes as well, mine came out great with a regular clear coat.

Looks nice and clean/simple!!

Well done rdeyoung. Looks great. :thumbup:

Now only if the weather gets warmer so I can install mine...

Very nice! :thumbup:

Any chance you got a picture or two more from different angles? And perhaps even a close-up of the bolts?

The reason i ask is that my X is practically identical to yours. Sterling Grey right? And i am currently debating with my self whether to paint my skid plate same color as the car, or go for Titan Silver like you did.
I'm worried if the contrast between those two are noticeable enough to make the skid plate 'stand out' from the body color.

Well the Titan Silver matches the grill mesh, personally I did body color match and happy with my choice.

Either way you'd be happy, personally I'm a body color match proponent, even on black (flat bumper contrasts with gloss black plate nicely)

Good to know I do have a part in making this happen for many members. After all, you have a copy of my piece. :D

Nice ! Love the sheppard ...i have one too ! x5 and German Sheppard goes hand in hand;)

That goes without saying -when your X is Topaz Blue. :D

But yes you are right. Both options will propably look good.

I painted mine beige to match the body and I'm sooo happy I did. looks great. But TMV's titanium Silver one is a great option for my X5 too as I have the titanium package :)

subscribed.

D Unit: 00-06 BMW X5 front skid plate just as an FYI

OR you could contact the maker of the aftermarket ones as he is in your state so shipping should be much cheaper. I believe his contact info is in the first post of thsi thread.

Thanks for the lead, but local sale only...

so I just want to check in with the buyers to see how happy they are still with the product. Just curious...

super happy with it had quite a bit of release agent on it so it was a pain to prep and paint but in the end it is a great piece

glad to hear. I have no idea what the release agent is, Im assuming a slippery spray or something that makes the primer hard to stick to? I have looked at my black unpainted one and its not slippery to the touch, but I assume its soaked into the material somehow adn you have to leach it out?

the release agent is the waxy like substance on the surface. My shop said it took quite a bit to prep it (and probably better to let it off gas naturally as well)

my color matched piece is still phenomenal and I love it thanks again Mike!

Mine has held up really well and was very much worth the long wait.
I used single stage Nason automotive paint mixed to BMW color code 354 Titan Silver. I did have to wet sand the plate quite a bit as the surface was pretty slick with the aforementioned release agent.

LOVE that.

I wish there was a skid plate option like that for the 4.8/4.6 bumper

Only owned my X5 for 3 days. But I LOVE THAT LOOK.
my ride is 2004 BMW X5 4.4.
How do I get in on this?


Thanks

Greg

hey Greg, try e-mailing rick (I PM'd you his addy, and its on the first post too) and if he doesnt respond PM me again and I'll see if I can get a hold of him somehow... BUT I'm not sure if he is run out of his stock, or still has a few more.
hope you can track one down. The OE part seems to be near impossible now to find.

I sent him a shout-out.

For those that have purchased these, are they holding up and looking
good still?

My is still in the box. I haven't had the time to pre and install it.

Willing to sell it?

Got my skid plate today.
I was expecting a flimsy fiberglass shell.
WOW, this item is sturdy!
Most impressive item, gives a new meaning to "Made in America"

I have a few questions about this plate.

1) do you fit it before painting?
2) if I need to smooth the edges, what do I use? Sandpaper, file, dremel?
3) any special prep or primer required?
4) has anyone tried painting the push pins?

^Glad to hear you like it, and yes its very sturdy!

1) I didn't fit it before painting but its good to do so

2) Probably sandpaper is fine

3) Yes you need to prep with prep solv and primer as you'll notice the surface is very waxy with mold release agent on there

4) I got mine before the push pins were provided but they are probably so unnoticeable like the screws i wouldnt bother

glad you like the plate AV8R4AA!!
I was thinking I'd have to send you my replica if Rick never got back to you. phew :)

Hey Guys,
I want to fit and prep my skid plate this week.
What works best to smooth out the edges?

This material is very foreign to me. It's not metal or fiberglass.
No idea how to smooth out the imperfections.

Thanks

Wet sand, my friend

PS: Rick still has a few more to sell if ppl are still interested. his e-mail is in first post of this thread.

DTMDan also just sold his X and is selling a genuine skid plate :)

Wow, paint shop!
 

Got my Silver X5 back from the paint shop.
Front and rear bumpers repainted, hood repainted, front and
Rear skid plate painted, 4 corners mud flaps installed.
New kidneys, fresh air vents installed.

Dayyyyyyymmmmmm the 'Ol girl looks sharp.

Silver paint and black trims look nice.
Will try and get a few pictures when it's sunny.

AV8R4AA did your paint shop complain to you about the amount of release agent on the deco skid plate? Did you go with Titanium silver paint?

They didn't say anything about the skid plate.
The only snafu was the fitting if the mud flaps.
Guess they were old and had deformed some.

so, just curious about updates on the skid plates guys... any paint issues or mold (deformation) issues?
I still have his first replica in my garage unpainted sitting next to TMV's painted model.

Mine is going strong Mike - paint is holding up great from my local body shop

glad to hear. I figured winters (salt/rocks/temp fluctuations) would be hardest on these skid plates and since there have been a few now... wanted to see. thanks for your update

Mine is still like the day I installed it minus a few rock chip dents only thing is I will have to reapply the 3m tape I used to seal it to the front bumper. Will post pics soon

Only a few months into this, but looking great

Is anyone looking to sell their skid plate?

I still have mine as I received it. Let me know if you want it.

Hi Army X5

I'm in...not sure if I sent you a PM...I think it was early morning, and I could have been in "auto pilot"

Anyhow please let me know how much etc...let's get it done!

Finally had the time to take the pictures.

Here there are. I never got a chance to install it, so it is the same as I received it. You can have it for $200 shipped.

I have been up till the wee hours of the morning reading this thread. I have enjoyed reading all the post so much that I joined Xoutpost! I felt all of your anticipation and excitement leading up to each of you receiving your skid plates! I pretty sure that I want to order one for myself now. LOL If anyone has one they want to sell just let me know. Otherwise, I'm just going to see if Rick is still producing them and order one.

Let us know what Rick says. A few ppl have asked me over PM too. I'm not sure what ever came of it. Perhaps he does still make them.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I haven't yet mounted mine, or had it painted. I have a minor boo boo in my rear bumper cover and was thinking about having my skid pate painted titanium when I have the boo boo fixed, and then mount it, but could be talked out of mine if someone is really interested. If so, PM me.

I have one available if anyone is looking.
[email protected]

So, I'm reading back over this long thread prior to having mine painted. Although mine has sat since the original order, leaching out the mold release agent, it appears a body shop will need to clean it to remove the release agent, prime, then paint BMW titan 354 before I mount it using the existing 5 screw and adding 3 M8s [with rubber washers] to the front, perhaps also using 3m double sided tape for a clean seal on the front. Anything else to keep in mind from those who have had it mounted a couple of years? Finally, the plasti dip option: anyone do it, and if so how has it held up and does the Plasti Dip aluminum color match up at all with BMW titan 354? Thx in advance.

Rig, I've got a Titanium painted one (TMV's actually, the one that is on the front of his X5 thats been shown few times in this thread), which was the one that was used as the template for all these replicas, AND I have my original which I had painted Kalahari Beige to match my X5 paint. I MUCH prefer the Kalahari Beige painted one since it matches my body panels.
I have the silver one on now for the last few months but everytime I look at it, it just seems to not match the X5 as well as the beige painted... SO IF you have a lighter color (basically anything other than black) then think of getting the deco skid plate painted the same color as the vehicle body is... its a nice compliment.

so you can compare pics in the first post and you can see a beige on beige body vs a silver on beige body. See first post.

OH and forget about using the 3M tape to hold it perfect to the bumper... it wont last/happen. the replicas are softer than the factory material and even the factory does not mate exactly with the shape of the front bumper curves. I have two factory skid plates and a replica so I have a good comparison basis. Its not even noticeable how little gap there is really when you're standing in front, or hell driving BY the front of the vehicle. So dont worry about a little gap. its so shaded in the spots where it attaches, it will be fine.

I"ve not plasti-dipped mine, mine is still replica black finish. so I can't offer any advise on the release agent portion...
I may end up selling my replica since I have two factory plates, BUT I have to say this replica seems to be built better than the factory... so one day I may have to get it painted/installed.

Anyone still has theirs and willing to trade for cash?
Thanks

If you wish, contact the guy who is making them. check first post for his details. He may have a few more sitting around.

If anyone has one for sale, PM me!

Me too
 

If anyone has an extra PM me as well.

I thought a few ppl were selling theirs.
So keep hope alive.


Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

well, I sold the Mother of replicas today to a local e53 owner. just left with my (spare) replica skid plate now (first replica Rick made). it still looks nice, but I should probably sell it off instead of letting it collect dust.

I am in the lookout for one. Pls let me onow if it gets sold

PM'ed!

There's one for sale on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17486837878...wAAOSwUIBg6h8V

odd, I never received anything. I just happen to be on the Xoutpost forum by chance.

That one on ebay is MUCH cheaper than what I'd sell a new one for, just saying.

What are the headlights on this X5? https://xoutpost.com/1009488-post283.html They look nice compared to original prefacelift ones.


I ordered this, we will see if the fitment is good enough to install. I have bought few alpina lip's past couple of years from Latvia and they've been fine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/16497806407...cAAOSwGEZg~HuW