CAT sx Rear Bumper - anyone designed a rear skid plate

Snappy · #1 21-09-2009

Hi there,

I'm racing a CAT in Australia on clay tracks and found I'm constantly replacing the rear CAT bumper. Has anyone designed a rear skid plate or alternative to the plastic bumper that seems to wear out in a single race meeting over here?

Thanks

stegger · #2 21-09-2009

I'll see if BW-RACING can come up with something

bigred5765 · #3 21-09-2009

brass rear bumper and skid plate might be a lovely idea ste??

stegger · #4 21-09-2009

What sort of weight would be needed ?

bigred5765 · #5 21-09-2009

hmmm good question,i have no idea i would make its exactly the same shape as std plastic one and see how that works, ps ill take one for testing

stegger · #6 21-09-2009

pitbitch and a crashtest dummie

Snappy · #7 21-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred5765

brass rear bumper and skid plate might be a lovely idea ste??

Count me in on a replacment bumper and skid plate.

The details below may sound a bit dodgy but I'll put it out there anyway.

I've been playing with some aluminium sheet tonight and believe there are possibilities of bending around the current plastic bumper. I could then use the curren screw positions for the rear sway bar and bumper to mount the aluminium.

To ensure any skid plate doesn't move from under the car mythoughts were to drill a hole in the chassis either side of the rear diff housing (just in front of the rear suspension blocks) so I can use counter sunk screws and a locknut through the undertray and into the chassis.

Any suggestions appreciated.

bigred5765 · #8 21-09-2009

sounds ok but if ste can get them machine out of brass, just as a direct replacment for the rear bump, problem solved i think

Snappy · #9 21-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred5765

sounds ok but if ste can get them machine out of brass, just as a direct replacment for the rear bump, problem solved i think

I agree, brass would be good for two reasons - add balast and more durable but the design may be worth consideration. I just have a feeling the car could turn into a small plough with the brass bumper as a direct replacement.

How about a two piece configuration that has a skidplate bolt into a replacement bumper and use the current holes in the chassis that are there for the rear diff housing to keep the leading edge of the skid plate in place. The only issue I can see doing it this way is the screws for the diff housing would need to be longer.

All this has to take into account of when you need to adjust motor mesh etc so a skid plate and rear bumper needs to be easy to remove.

bigred5765 · #10 21-09-2009

which is why a sugested just replacing the rear bump(plastic)with a brass one,the plastic one does its job and its a plough,just isnt strong enough to take good hard knocks

eichkay · #11 23-09-2009

be nice if the bumpers were machined from nylon block.. the current plastic is too soft

Snappy · #12 23-09-2009

Well, I've been playing around a little tonight and here's what I came up with over the last hour. Seems solid but needs more refinement to make it look decent. I shaved down an old worn out rear bumper to remove some of the existing plastic so the plate has a 45% bend and is held flat and solid by the normal mounting screw position on th bumper. (i'll change them to button head).

bigred5765 · #13 23-09-2009

you'll need to have the front end screwed down or it will work like a snow plough

Snappy · #14 23-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred5765

you'll need to have the front end screwed down or it will work like a snow plough

Was thinking that also. The main object was to determine if I could shave down an existing bumper to get a 45% angle bend. Worked out OK in that respect.

I was even toying with the thought of a strip from th front to rear bumper. The front also tends to wear but not as fast. You could make this out of a durable plastic instead of aluminium and use the factory front and rear mounting holes.

Snappy · #15 17-11-2009

Wanted to update this thread to say the skid plate is a success. Very happy with the added protection and very easy to fit.

fido-dido · #16 02-02-2010

I like the idea of this, mainly as the rear plastic bumper is going to take a lot of punishment being where it is plus after two meetings i need another plastic one and at £8.00 a pop (bumper pack) it could get rather expensive..

Have you any pictures of the finished item and poss some pics to show how the orignal bumper was cut to fit the metal skid plate?

Cheers

Michael.