I know that I am going to need a skid plate with my driveway, and am contemplating my choices. The Moss ones seem a little expensive. Are they the only ones available? Are they the same as the Cobalt brand plates sold by other vendors?

I'm leaning towards the aluminum plate because it will be easier to modify or add tabs to if needed. Can anyone recommend a particular vendor or brand as superior?

By the way, I have a 2005 on order - I am assuming that the bolt holes will be in the same place as the 2004's.

 

What are you going to get the skid plate? Just curious because the other day when I was putting on my new wheels it looks as if MINI has fixed the problem with unprotected power steering fan or whichever one is on the bottom of the car. It has a grill on so I would say the chance of a bag or large rocks getting in there is pretty slim. But If you want to be safe than sorry I can't blame you. :smile:

 

A skid plate is a good idea. It will protect more than your fan.

I had (yes had) the Moss plate on my car. Right now it is against the wall in my garage. I had to cut the bolts off to allow Randy to change the pulley. The problem was I followed the directions, and that made it imposable to remove it without cutting the heads off the bolts.


If you decide to install a skid plate you need to do the following:

Replace the bolts that come with the plate with stainless steel hex head bolts.

Re tap the mounting holes on the sub frame to clean out rust and dirt.

Do not use the red Locktite that comes with the kit use the blue stuff..

If you ever want to remove the plate doing the above will make the job go from imposable to fairly easy.

Cheers,
Jack

 

Thanks for the heads up.

Knowing these things in advance saves a lot of aggravation later!

 

Skidplate was the first Mini mod/accessory I made, from Moss. I got an email from them just the other day that they are on sale. As an old rallyist, I wouldn't be without one. I bottomed my Mini the first week of ownership.

The problem with the bolts is greatest in areas which see winter weather, with salted roads, etc. My skid plate has been on & off several times without problem, but then, I am in Hawaii.