Front Skid Plate - repaint

[BestGear]

Had a quick look at the front skid pate after I fitted the rear on this afternoon.... its much more substancial than I expected!

It looks like the plate goes back at each side... do I just remove the two bolts each side at the rear and it comes off?


Anyone got a picture of it off?


David

[Arianne]

Hi David,

Yes, our XC90 is pampered by Clelands in Gala.

Like all Volvo dealers they're not cheap. But........

1) they are honest, and
2) the service is truly fantastic. They'll collect and drop your car back at no extra cost. It is returned fully valeted - wash, hoovered, tyres dressed and any rubber mats power washed.

They're the best dealer we've ever done business with.

All the best, Arianne

[BestGear]

Originally Posted by Arianne

Hi David,

Yes, our XC90 is pampered by Clelands in Gala.

Like all Volvo dealers they're not cheap. But........


They're the best dealer we've ever done business with.

All the best, Arianne

That is quite something.... not many people "love" their dealer... for any marque!

Goint OT: my biggers gripe is the lack of detailed knowledge these guys seem to have when it comes to fixing things, and, even with the correct diag equipment, are unable to make proper judgement calls when fixing and swapping parts.


D

[BestGear]

I removed my front skid plate last night and dropped it off to get powder coated - so will have it back tonight.

I decided against painting it given that the factory paint seemed to be struggling to stay attached to the plate - in areas not seen when fitted. Road salt over the winter and ali is not a good mix, so I want it properly protected.

Given that the plate is aluminium, getting paint to stick can be tricky... and rather than do the job twice, I voted for powder coating.

I will post some pictures up of the removal and fitting for future reference when I get it back.

David

[BestGear]

Ok Guys

Not a write up... just some pictures and guidance for the front skid plate removal.

I could not find on the web any info re its removal so, after getting it in the air, you will find that there are 6 bolts in total to remove - three each side.



Two bolts are at the back ends of the "legs" of the skid plate and the other longer goes through the cross member and into a captive nut on the skid plate.

So - as I mentioned earlier, I decided to get it powder coated, so that adhesion can be assured...

The removal of the skid plate was fun, as has been said before, its a juggle once the bolts are out - the trouble being the shape of the structure as it goes over the cross member.

I did find however that removing the M6 bolt that holds what I assume is the tranny oil cooler to the OSF side of the radiator moulding does afford a fair bit of wiggle room... the picture below is that bolt... The trick I found was the when refitting, try and keep the "nose" down as it seemed to want to go up and that made refitting harder as the sides hit the fog lamp brackets behind the bumper.




So - pictures below showing both sides of the powder coated skid plate... quite a complex wee beastie given its "simple" function... first thought was that they could have saved manufacturing costs here!







Hope that helps someone!

David

[bobdabuilda]

Hi David and thanks for the how to! The powder coat looks really good and is something I aim to do in the future. Just to note that it's not a skid plate as such but a safety device for the protection of smaller cars when you smash into them!

[BestGear]

Originally Posted by bobdabuilda

Just to note that it's not a skid plate as such but a safety device for the protection of smaller cars when you smash into them!

Yes, sorry , you are right, my bad!

When its off, you do still see that it does protected the three radiators plus a few other things too.

I am not sure if it protectes you or what you hit.... it is certainly strong enough to lift the front of the XC should you hit something...

David

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by BestGear

Yes, sorry , you are right, my bad!

When its off, you do still see that it does protected the three radiators plus a few other things too.

I am not sure if it protectes you or what you hit.... it is certainly strong enough to lift the front of the XC should you hit something...

David

I activates the smallers cars safety systems, othewise the XC 90 would ride over the smaller car without it's air bag etc. activating.

[RoyMacDonald]

There is an illustraton of how the safety device works.....

[lesk]

repainted mine with silver smoothrite, have to say very pleased with the result.

les k