Anyone knows where I can get an aluminum / steel skid plate / belly pan?

[arjun90]

Pretty disgusted by the condition of the plastic belly pan, are there any aluminum / steel alternatives?

[ewmin3m]

Subbed. I'd be also interested.

Having some bloody leaks and would like to know faster when they happen instead of them being absorbed in that material.

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[a1dan_87]

I've seen some company in... Argentina? Sells them, but they don't even list shipping as available to the US or to CA on their website. Is it worth reaching out for a potential group buy or something?

(I'm potentially starting work for a company that specializes in polycarb/carbon fiber type skid plates for side-by-sides. Could maybe work something out? I've got the skills to design...)

[MTL4]

(I'm potentially starting work for a company that specializes in polycarb/carbon fiber type skid plates for side-by-sides. Could maybe work something out? I've got the skills to design...)

That would be awesome, the plastic one sucks (mine cracked from running over ice/snow) and aluminum or regular steel don't do very well with the nasty sandy/salty roads we have up here.

[a1dan_87]

That would be awesome, the plastic one sucks (mine cracked from running over ice/snow) and aluminum or regular steel don't do very well with the nasty sandy/salty roads we have up here.

Yep. In the rocky mountains myself. thankfully my car has the underbody weather coating. Not sure if its part of the cold weather package or standard? But the cw package is literally the only one I have

[arjun90]

Audi overdid it with the undercoating on these wagons, I have the cold weather package as well. At first I thought those rocker panels were an afterthought . I really want to replace the bottom side panels (driver and passenger sides as well). I strongly doubt you come across fully intact panels. I don't cracks on the bottom, but I have to somewhat fill the sides of the plastic panels where they anchor into place, possible damaged by flying road debris. There is no way to avoid it.

This is our new best friend, just to reinforce the top and bottom of these panels, including the belly pan



No point in splurging $400 at the dealership for a new belly pan either. I can't drive this car in the winter it seems; looks like I will hop in the Q5 whenever it snows

[MTL4]

Audi overdid it with the undercoating on these wagons, I have the cold weather package as well. At first I thought those rocker panels were an afterthought . I really want to replace the bottom side panels (driver and passenger sides as well). I strongly doubt you come across fully intact panels. I don't cracks on the bottom, but I have to somewhat fill the sides of the plastic panels where they anchor into place, possible damaged by flying road debris. There is no way to avoid it.

I was thinking of using this method (friction welding) to fix them if I do it, it's an older video but method hasn't changed.......just need a Dremel tool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0zpqhhcmp4 (experiment with the angle, pushing/pulling techniques)

You can get 1/8" (3mm) coils or rods (preferred) of black polypropelene from just about anywhere pretty cheaply.
https://www.perigeedirect.com/produc...polypropylene?

[arjun90]

Despite of receiving a brand new genuine Audi plastic skid plate, I managed to find a steel one for half the cost

https://www.skid-plate.com/skid-plat...i-a6-2004-2011

[jbain2]

Despite of receiving a brand new genuine Audi plastic skid plate, I managed to find a steel one for half the cost

https://www.skid-plate.com/skid-plat...i-a6-2004-2011

How much is shipping going to be from overseas?


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[arjun90]

I emailed them and hope to receive a response soon. Will update here once I get further info. Would be cool if we can all do a group buy if we show enough interest. The side pans that traverse from front to rear are also in desperate need of replacement. There are visible gashes on the sides and you have fuel and brake lines potentially exposed if these pans are not replaced in a timely manner. Ridiculous how Audi charges $500 for just the front belly pan alone; for a very flimsy piece of plastic lined with cheap foam. Did you know that there is no transmission belly pan despite how low these cars ride?

How much is shipping going to be from overseas?


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[11A6]

any idea of what this weights compared to the OEM?

- - - Updated - - -

just to clarify I see the 14 kg but I was wondering what the OEM weights

[arjun90]

any idea of what this weights compared to the OEM?

- - - Updated - - -

just to clarify I see the 14 kg but I was wondering what the OEM weights

The OEM one is very light at only 3.6 (4) kg as per

https://www.oemvwshop.com/4f0863821k...ation-p820221/

[jasontaylor7]

$80+40 including shipping:




But it is better to build one than use the OEM unit. A good starting point is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9WCVlWPcys

Idea: increase top speed, lower fuel usage. But one needs to use aluminum not iron. I fear the "sheet metal" would rust.

[arjun90]

The aftermarket plastic skid plates are junk. They are thinner than the OEM. They are not even lined with sound dampening material. I used one on my old wagon; though it held up, you truly get what you pay for. Aluminum skid plates are the way to go but sadly are not available in the US, unless you know someone that can custom make one for you, but then may not work out perfectly.

There are so many plastic panels on these cars nowadays the front pan just doesn't quite do it it seems

$80+40 including shipping:




But it is better to build one than use the OEM unit. A good starting point is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9WCVlWPcys

Idea: increase top speed, lower fuel usage. But one needs to use aluminum not iron. I fear the "sheet metal" would rust.

[jasontaylor7]

" but then may not work out perfectly."

As if getting them on and off isn't a nightmare? For me, it takes so much time to do it, I went to a jiffy lube that didn't even replace the oil filter just changed the oil.

[arjun90]

That sucks to hear, I would avoid Jiffy Lube at all cost just do your own oil changes :)
The existing hardware won't necessarily work with an aftermarket all metal skid plate. Some aftermarket options may not have the holes drilled out precisely in the right place

" but then may not work out perfectly."

As if getting them on and off isn't a nightmare? For me, it takes so much time to do it, I went to a jiffy lube that didn't even replace the oil filter just changed the oil.

[arjun90]

I noticed the A6 C6 3.2L has a rear belly pan (directly behind the front belly pan). However, my 3.0T does not. Can someone confirm this for me?

[Caco110]

Hello,

So i found these ones:

https://apshop.eu/en/audi/763704-kol...rotection.html

Company named kolchuga. I guess its for the guys from Europe. Maybe they shipp internationally. No idea

[11A6]

Have a6 3.0 avant - no rear pan and I don't see one in my ERWIN manuals

[pele75]

Hello,

So i found these ones:

https://apshop.eu/en/audi/763704-kol...rotection.html

Company named kolchuga. I guess its for the guys from Europe. Maybe they shipp internationally. No idea

Just ordered with shipping to USA.

[pele75]

Arrived pretty quickly, bolted on with no issues, very happy with it.