Chevy & GMC Vans

Here are some pics of the skid plate I built....









Thanks to LiftedAWDAstro for the plans! The transfer case on my 2000 was in the way and there was no way I could flatten that bend back out, so I notched it out w/ a skil saw and sawzall. Next is the 2nd battery...or maybe the second fan...
We took it for a drive out on the tank range south of town for a test drive. I guess since I didn't hit anything this time, I'll have to try harder tomorrow!

Cool!
What did it set you back? How much weight does it add? Can you change the oil filter without taking the plate off?

Thanks!
The Aluminum was $112 w/ tax, bending included. Hardware was another $5-ish. I never did weigh it, but I think it's about 45lbs.
It has to come off, unfortunately. It's only 4 easy to access bolts in the front and 4 more in the cross member. It took the better part of the morning to install, but w/ a jack under it, I think I can drop it in about 5 minutes.

Won't it be difficult to remove the plate when the bolts get damaged?

Maybe you can make a hole just big enough for your hand and the filter to pass through, and the oil drain.

The filter is pretty easily accessed just from the side and I could cut a hole for the drain, but I figure, if I hit anything hard enough to damage the bolts, I've likely got bigger problems than the next oil change

I'll get some more pics in action tomorrow...

Awesome