R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 skid plates

Old Jan 4, 2008 | 02:26 PM
  #1  
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skid plates

Anyone got one on?Im concerned about bottoming out and
ripping my oil pan off.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 02:33 PM
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replied to your PM
 
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 02:47 PM
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I have the aluminum skidplate on mine. I feel better having it on there when I'm driving up my back alley and it's got a 6" hump of ice in the middle between the tire tracks. I'm sure the cast aluminum oil pan could probably handle it, but for $150 or so, it's worth my peace of mind.

In case you're wondering about oil changes, I have the Fumoto valve, so I use a 1.5 ft long piece of 5/8" tubing to attach to it via one of the many 4" holes on the skid plate.

- Al
 
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 03:02 PM
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Im thinking of trying to make one.Any pics out there?
 
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 03:04 PM
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[quote=ASC;1963073]I have the aluminum skidplate on mine. I feel better having it on there when I'm driving up my back alley and it's got a 6" hump of ice in the middle between the tire tracks. I'm sure the cast aluminum oil pan could probably handle it, but for $150 or so, it's worth my peace of mind.

In case you're wondering about oil changes, I have the Fumoto valve, so I use a 1.5 ft long piece of 5/8" tubing to attach to it via one of the many 4" holes on the skid plate.

I dont mind dropping the plate for oil dumps
 
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 03:47 PM
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redlinedave,

With the plate from MiniMania/Ultrik, the holes are big enough to get a box or socket wrench in there. Plus, the holes aid with airflow to the power steering fan. I'm sure you could make one, I too love to fabricate - but it's one of those things that would take too much time for me (and probably many of us) to make.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 07:41 PM
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i had one on my 2002 coopers S but i have yet to install it on my 05. it has been sitting in the garage for many years..
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 08:01 AM
  #8  
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Vdub
PMed you
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 01:50 PM
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I have an aluminum skidplate on my 06. It's very good at fending off icebergs & the odd curb at the track. Some folks like Fumoto valve, but I'm not one. No problem changing the oil through the whole that is right under the drain plug. I bought my plate from Moss motors. IIRC it was made by Cobalt.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 05:44 PM
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thought i would post my PM here as well, in case other peeps want to see it

i got the cobalt one from moss mini, happy with it

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=36721

the only other one i know (Ultrik) of is steel and more than twice as heavy

the one thing with the skidplate is the bolts it comes with rather suck

i bought some real bolts and am selling my spares if you are interested

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...d.php?t=123542
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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Good point on the bolts. Yep they suck. I replaced mine with stainless steel hex head bolts. No corrosion worries.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:55 AM
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the only other one i know (Ultrik)
Madness had one a few years ago and I was talking to him about it just before this thread got started.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 03:53 AM
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I saw that MINI BEOTCH has a ABS one listed for $100.
Good price.
Light.

MINIBeotch.com

http://minibeotch.com/skid-plate.html
 

Last edited by COR BLMY; Jan 6, 2008 at 03:57 AM.
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:03 PM
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I would prefer metal
I think ABS would shatter in the cold of Canada if it was hit by a chunk of ice
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:09 PM
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My Jetta has a plastic one and it shattered last snow fall.
Im getting a metal skid plate for it now the Mini should get one.
They both ride low and Im worried about the oil pans getting smoked.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 05:50 PM
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ABS is generally rated at -40 ... NOW THATS COLD
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 08:14 PM
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got this if you need
 

Last edited by MC 2; Jan 20, 2008 at 09:35 AM.
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 05:55 AM
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MC 2 pmed you
 
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:50 AM
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just replyed to you.... thank you..
 
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 07:18 AM
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I use a small piece of alum foil as a "diverter" when I change oil, it flawlessly deflects the oil from the output into the oil catch pan. Simple, cheap, and it means I'm not dropping the skidplate or paying for a Fumoto...

Go alum, and replace the hardware (I still have to replace mine, and I'm not looking forward to getting those old crappy ones out...)
 
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Old May 5, 2008 | 02:11 PM
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I currently have an ultra rare Mini 226JC, as you know, they ride quite a bit lower than any 'normal' Mini....wondering who makes a carbon fibre skid plate to replace the factory unit , or if one is available at all ...thanks.
 
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Old May 5, 2008 | 06:49 PM
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A 226...WTF..
 
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Old May 5, 2008 | 06:55 PM
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I put blocks in the springs in winter to lift my Mini.Get 1.5 to 1.75 inch.
Like an awsome Nascar
 

Last edited by redlinedave; May 5, 2008 at 06:56 PM. Reason: grammer
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Old May 5, 2008 | 07:11 PM
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226-jc

I think that Mini made the Canadians 226 special Minis with back seats. These cars have all the good stuff of the GP.
 
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Old May 5, 2008 | 07:27 PM
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How much extra H.P. ?Better tranny.Im thinking of sell mine and would like to know more about
the 226
 
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