Skidplates for late-model Subaru: NO FIT on BCBF

[rallysam]

Paul Eklund of Primitive Enterprises (http://www.get-primitive.com/) makes nice skidplates that I recommend for a variety of new-model Subaru's, but IT WON'T FIT BC-BF's as far as I can tell. I have it on my RS now and I like it.

I ordered one that is designed to fit the 2.5RS because Paul seemed to think that it would fit my 90 Wagon if I drilled a couple new mounting holes. Unless I am a dumbass, I don't think it will fit regardless of where you drill mounting holes. The problem is that edge extends way out past the lip of the bumper (3"). Sure, I could sharpen it and use it to cut grass or decapitate pesky rodents, but then I would have to wash my car more often.

The bottom is that our bumpers are recessed at the bottom more than the RS. If you move the plate back far enough that it tucks into the bumper, then at the back end it won't clear the exhaust manifolds unless you create completely new bends in the plate.

I have no beef with Paul since he warned me that this is an experiment (he doesn't have any BC-BF's to around to use as a template). I just want to warn you all because I know another person on this list (XeviousR) has had the same problem.

Rally on.

PS Does anyone know a place that DOES make skidplates specifically for BC-BF's?

[subiecar]

A local Subie shop that I have as a customer is going to fabricate one for me as I have Borla headers (I think they sit lower than the stock manifolds). He said it would be relatively easy with 1/16" aluminum and a hole saw. You might try in your local area for someone handy with lighter metal.....just a thought....good luck.....Rod

[ultrasonic]

I have a Primitive Racing skidplate installed on my 91 BC. I did have to drill new front mounting holes. The front edge of the plate tucks in just behind the lower lip of the front bumper. I did not have to change the rear holes. I did use a different jack plate, one that has captive nuts into which the mounting bolts thread. The jack plate part number is 20510AC000

I have a photo of the installed plate on this page:

http://homepage.mac.com/ultra.sonic/aut ... lbum4.html

If you look closely you can see the five original front mounting holes, and the three new bolts just behind them.

I also had to chase the threads in the front mounting points with an M8x1.25 tap, to clean out rust. I used M8x20mm stainless steel bolts in the front, and longer ones in the rear because I had to use two large nuts as spacers between the jack plate and the skid plate. Without the spacers the oil pan would contact the skid plate.

[rallysam]

Cool, thanks for the info. I may try that. Just out of curiosity, how much of a spacer did you have to use on the back?

[ultrasonic]

Cool, thanks for the info. I may try that. Just out of curiosity, how much of a spacer did you have to use on the back?

I used some nuts that I had sitting around. They must have been 3/8" or 1/2". Just enough to angle the plate down a bit in the rear.

Works great. First week I had the plate on there, a car I was following on the highway made a fast lane change, only to reveal an extention ladder in my lane. It was parallel to my direction of travel, but close enough that I could not safely change lanes. I adjusted, to line up directly over it, and held my breath. As I ran over it I heard just the slightest "snick." No damage other than a slight scrape on the rear edge of the skid plate.

Really, I don't think it would have contacted anything if the skid plate was not in place, but still.... it makes you think.