Does it make sense to remove bash plates?

[Bob Blaylock]

It isn't pampering for a Californian to avoid parking a Bronco in a high theft area anymore than it is for an Ohioan to take measures to avoid road salt and brine in the winter time.

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” — John Augustus Shedd​

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[BigMex]

Unless you took them off, you did have some form of skid plates on both the 4Runner and FJ.

Good point. I never did worry about what was under either of those vehicles because I wasn't yet into off roading when I had them. The 4Runner was a short lease, anyway, so I wasn't too concerned as long as I kept it clean and maintained.

With the Bronco, I plan to enjoy many years of camping and off roading fun with my son... and since he's just a toddler now, I plan to take really good care of my pony until we can go get into the rocks and mud.

 

[BigMex]

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” — John Augustus Shedd​

"What iceberg???" -Captain Edward J. Smith, H.M.S. Titanic

 

[threeonone]

You’re totally hitting upon some of my concerns: brine and salt (I’m in Ohio). Another friend recommended FluidFilming too, and even gave me a “trial” can. I don’t have access to a lift and am wondering if I should splurge for some kind of jack stands and get all greasy before bad weather really hits…

Look into a DIY garage bay rental. You can rent bays with a lift for ~$40/hr

 

[GoTigersGoBronco]

My Kia Optima has a bash plate. Almost every vehicle has some sort of aero on the underside. There is a lot of drag created under there. I think you’d do better leaving it on.

 

[BigMex]

Again, thanks for all the advice. Based upon this, I think I'm gonna do the following:
1. Keep the bash plates on
2. Keep my Tacoma over the winter and keep the Bronco in the garage on salty days
3. Get Fluid Filmed for next winter
4. Avoid oil changes and maintenance on the Bronco, because why would I want to pamper it?

If any Ohioan above finds a good shop that will do the dirty work, or a garage-for-rent, please let me know and pass the info along. I'll do the research as well and share the deets, too.

Merry Christmas and hang in there!

 

[kylesredapple]

I wouldn't take of the front one if I were you. That would expose your intercooler to potential road damage. Puncture that and you better have a tow plan...

 

[Happy]

Both the F150 and the Expedition have a synthetic (sort of like the Bronco wheel wells) mat underneath the oil pan area. I have read that it is for sound control and improved aerodynamics.

One area of my Black Diamond that looks as if it will collect a bunch of snow is the area behind the 2nd skid plate......the area just below the transmission which is not covered.

 

[Jdc]

Respectfully, I feel there is a difference between salt damage and off roadin' damage. Scratches, dents, and other real world stuff comes from fun, is almost immediately detectable, and is usually quite reparable. Road salt and brine, on the other hand, is a silent killer that destroys vehicles here in the midwest with ZERO fun, almost no notice, and rust will eventually attack frames and other vital components.

I am pampering and preserving my Bronco precisely so that it is in top form WHEN I take it to go rough-and-tumble.

It isn't pampering for a Californian to avoid parking a Bronco in a high theft area anymore than it is for an Ohioan to take measures to avoid road salt and brine in the winter time.

Stay pumped!

People in warm places chiming in on a convo about road salt. Priceless.

 

[710-oil-614]

I’ve heard good things about CorrosionX as well. I want whichever product sand sticks to less, not sure which one that is. FluidFilm is readily available at most auto or marine parts stores where I live, so that could be a factor as well.



Maybe put out some feelers on a local offroad group, someone has a lift at their house they might let you use for a case of beer or something. I doubt the tire shop (unless a little mom and pop) will be allowed to let you use their bay due to insurance restrictions. If you are .mil or have a friend who is, some bases used to have an auto shop for service members to use. I’m not certain if that is still the case.

Living in AZ where nothing rusted my whole life I’ve never done the coating in the past. I saw a thread on here where the guy wrapped certain things in aluminum foil to keep the coating off plastic and aluminum parts. Apparently there are sprayer straws for inside the frame as well. I need to do more research, but if I could find a good shop to do a comprehensive job for under $500 I’d likely just pay rather than making a mess in my cold garage.

Found a local company who is going to flat bed the Bronco from the dealership to my driveway so that I can get it sprayed off in the driveway and into my garage.

I'll figure something out once she's safe and inside.

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