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I need to update that janky plastic splash guard that protects the oil pan and tranny pan.

718 Views 12 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  cjjon7
That janky plastic splash guard was missing on the b 5.5 I bought not so long ago. I didn't really like that, but the price was pretty good.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with more robust guards for the car that come off easier than the stock ones, because my Audi had a similar splash guard on it to the B5.5 that was a real pain in the ass when it had to come off and just keeping the thing even attached was a problem. I had to go out and find it more than once after biffing a big dead (a live one too) raccoon laying in the road and driving in a blizzard through 18" deep snow. Never mind the cheap plastic hardware that holds it on...

I would like to copy a design like they put onto rally cars, as I come across a lot of things in my travels in Illinois...that state where they don't seem to do a lot of road maintenance to keep auto repair shops busy. It's a conspiracy...Maybe...I dunno. I've literally broken cars just driving around Rockford looking for nothing in particular.

I have a rather extensive metal working background, so fabbing stuff isn't much of a problem for me. I just need more clear ideas to work with other than just the vague ads for rally plates that cost more than the car did, like attachment methods and attachment points.

Thanks in advance.
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I was just sitting looking around online and pondering what 2mm + thick aluminum costs, it is pricey...Then I remembered a time when I was riding my bicycle and my helmet visor occluded my view of a street sign that I was approaching at speed. I remembered how hard it hit my head (or my head hit it) and how it took no visible damage. It just sat there and kind of quivered as if it was laughing at me...

Then I wondered what happens to those old signs when they get faded and damaged, because on occasion I have noticed when they are replaced with new ones.

And then I called my local township to ask them what happens to old signage after it outlives it's usefulness.

I found out that they just store them up and really appreciate it when somebody takes the stuff off of their hands, at least they seem to be.

Free is the best price.

Recycling begins with re-use.

I'm peculiarly aroused. (this is my normal state, but slightly more so than usual).
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Look up Panzer plate and passat skid plate
2mm aluminum plate won't protect much.

Thor plate.
Evolution Import: Thor Skid Plate Kit For 1998-2005 B5/B5.5 Volkswagen Passat

I've got two of these skid plates, both on the W8's. The price / value of the skid plate vs the damage that can be done by bottoming out?
Priceless.
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as I come across a lot of things in my travels in Illinois...that state where they don't seem to do a lot of road maintenance to keep auto repair shops busy. It's a conspiracy...Maybe...I dunno. I've literally broken cars just driving around Rockford looking for nothing in particular.
Go up to WI. Now those roads suck!
Go up to WI. Now those roads suck!
I live in Wisconsin. Rockford is a way better place than Madison or Dubuque to find trouble if one is seeking such things. I sometimes bring "trouble" home with me and point out the difference in the road as we cross the state line. They almost always laugh about the difference because it's like flipping a switch almost.
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The metal skid plates are easier to remove and put back on than the plastic ones (after the initial install). I need to get one for the Tiguan as it has a plastic oil pan.
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Look up Panzer plate and passat skid plate
I put the Panzer on after 2 destroyed plastic shields. Totally worth it and goes on and off super easy when needed.
I was just sitting looking around online and pondering what 2mm + thick aluminum costs, it is pricey...Then I remembered a time when I was riding my bicycle and my helmet visor occluded my view of a street sign that I was approaching at speed. I remembered how hard it hit my head (or my head hit it) and how it took no visible damage. It just sat there and kind of quivered as if it was laughing at me...
Not to go off-topic, but I actually had a stop sign (for traffic crossing my path) fall on me while cycling. You know how large, heavy those are, since you ran into one. A huge gust of wind (like 50 mph) toppled it. I don't even remember the incident - I was flying down the road, in my bike lane, and lights out. I woke up looking at the sky, helmet in two pieces (skull in one). Crazy. Even more crazy, an ER resident was walking nearby, she saw the whole thing, and she was the first face I saw. She was like "don't move!!" I'm like "WTH just happened??!!" Anyway, she said she thought I'd be leaving in an ambulance, but she checked me out and besides some nasty road rash, I was "OK".

On the actual topic, I don't know what is wrong with car designers. For instance, on my SO's HRV, the belly pan is still a piece of plastic with clips that are pretty much designed to fall out - much like the B5 plastic OEM 1/4 turn plastic "screws". It was destiny she would lose the pan if I didn't do something, so every time I do the oil change, and reinstall the plastic pins, I put a dab of Silicone on each one. Works perfect. It shouldn't be necessary.
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The Golf belly pan was lost years ago after hitting too many driveways and parking lot curb stops. I replaced it 2 years ago as the fender liner was also toast (another crub) and any standing water hit by the RF tire ended up on the serpentine belt causing the p/s to stop working for a few seconds. The new one was hanging off again a few months later. I put it back on this Thanksgiving, but my son said it rattled. I took it off again at Christmas and secured the fender liner to the core support to keep the belt dry. I should have bought the full metal jacket protector while they were available.
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The Golf belly pan was lost years ago after hitting too many driveways and parking lot curb stops. I replaced it 2 years ago as the fender liner was also toast (another crub) and any standing water hit by the RF tire ended up on the serpentine belt causing the p/s to stop working for a few seconds. The new one was hanging off again a few months later. I put it back on this Thanksgiving, but my son said it rattled. I took it off again at Christmas and secured the fender liner to the core support to keep the belt dry. I should have bought the full metal jacket protector while they were available.
My bro and I both have Passats. Both of our belly pans suffered from bringing it to places to get our oil change. They never get them all back in, properly. Eventually, enough "screws" are left off, the wind catches it, like on the freeway, and BYE BYE. This was before I did oil changes. I wish I had done my own work from the beginning, but I knew absolutely nothing about cars until I came to PassatWorld. I still don't know much, but I did manage to do my timing belt (with PZ, and Andreas, and a whole lot of swearing - LMAO!)
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I've got an (I think) Evolution Thor(?) from a group buy here many years ago. It was for B5 1.8T, probably fits lots of other B5/B5.5 products. I don't have any more B5/B5.5's to put this on, if you can figure out shipping lmk, it's large (l x w) and reasonably heavy. Estimate $150 + shipping, location: Southern VT USA zip 05101. You'll also need the installation kit (compression nuts) if it is still available. Great product.


QUOTE="Wahobbert, post: 4579416, member: 384875"]
That janky plastic splash guard was missing on the b 5.5 I bought not so long ago. I didn't really like that, but the price was pretty good.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with more robust guards for the car that come off easier than the stock ones, because my Audi had a similar splash guard on it to the B5.5 that was a real pain in the ass when it had to come off and just keeping the thing even attached was a problem. I had to go out and find it more than once after biffing a big dead (a live one too) raccoon laying in the road and driving in a blizzard through 18" deep snow. Never mind the cheap plastic hardware that holds it on...

I would like to copy a design like they put onto rally cars, as I come across a lot of things in my travels in Illinois...that state where they don't seem to do a lot of road maintenance to keep auto repair shops busy. It's a conspiracy...Maybe...I dunno. I've literally broken cars just driving around Rockford looking for nothing in particular.

I have a rather extensive metal working background, so fabbing stuff isn't much of a problem for me. I just need more clear ideas to work with other than just the vague ads for rally plates that cost more than the car did, like attachment methods and attachment points.

Thanks in advance.
[/QUOTE]
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