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Aluminum Skid Plate

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by AzusaPrius, Jun 9, 2023.

  1. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    So if you have read some of my threads, I have tried to work a deal with a company called PriusOffroad.com in the past and actually managed to get a discount code for the forum members here.

    Only thing was the owner did not want to give much of a discount, which was actually only .1ยข to track my referrals, no commission offered.

    Then he got so many calls asking why it was not more and discontinued the code.

    He said the people still bought them and I had no referrals.

    I am the one who told the owner to add a oil pan access door as he first made it to where you had to drop the whole skid plate.

    Now he has remade the skid plate with oil access door and I do like how he made it flush with the rest of the skid plate.

    At the end of this thread I will point out the differences between this company and the next one I am about to mention.

    The next company is PriusOverlanding.com and I was able to score a discount code for the forum and this time around we got a good discount.

    Not only that I was given commission for my referrals.

    Same thing applied here with no oil access door but he did have an opening, so you did not need to drop the whole skid plate.

    So I asked if he could add the door and he now has them with the oil access door.

    I made my purchase on 5/14/23 and it arrived 6/5/23

    I actually paid for a "fluxed" version which was not made perfect about 80% from 100% perfect and the issue was in the oil access area but everything is still accessible.

    Not sure if he has any more fluxed versions.

    This was shipped to me by HybridPit.

    Now the differences between the two companies are as follows.

    One owner did not want to offer a discount for us or anyone and PriusOverlanding.com did offer a discount for us and he also offers a 10% discount to people in service like the military, fire department and EMT.

    The skid plate from PriusOverlanding.com
    Has a better design when it comes down to installing it, where the other guy has holes for the bolts, PriusOverlanding.com made slots to easily slide onto the lowered bolts and help hold the skid plate as you line up and tighten the front bolts.

    Now the other guy's oil access door is better because it is flush but it ends there as far as being better in any way.

    PriusOverlanding.com does not have a flushed oil access door but it is easier to install as a whole.

    No Marketing engraved onto the skid plate by PriusOverlanding.com but the other guy wanted to engrave his company on his.

    Priced the same at $349.99 but you can save some cash if you purchase it from PriusOverlanding.com using my code "azusa" and get it for $314.10

    Final thoughts, this is an awesome upgrade and I will never have to lose another fender well or deal with a broken plastic one again, it even makes the bumper look sporty.

    Some benefits are a stiffer frame, better catalytic protection, better winter mpg because it has better aerodynamics and will keep and retain heat better and also has higher ground clearance.

    Not to mention you will never deal with taking your bumper half way off when leaving your parking space.

    Now enjoy some pictures...






    20230609_081817.jpeg 20230609_100250.jpeg 20230609_100202.jpeg 20230609_103841.jpeg 20230609_103930.jpeg 20230609_103749.jpeg 20230609_110127.jpeg 20230609_103831.jpeg
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Thanks for your detailed review of these two designs... But how much money do you want to spend on sheet metal? I remember when cat shields first came out in the $300+ range. There weren't many options and the demand for them was low.

    But today with such high demand you can get on Ebay and buy a cat shield for $39... As in 10% of the original price for a cat shield.

    As in the true cost of something reflected in the actual price takes time and do you prefer the sound of metal scraping on the wheel stop in a parking space or the sound of plastic? I'm sticking with plastic... A replacement plastic cover for the underside of the front of your Prius only costs $30 on Ebay.
     
  3. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    I feel better about driving on roads that are not maintained well or at all and know that if a big object I can not avoid hitting will not do severe damage to my ICE or transmission.

    I live in the high desert and can go offroad.

    That cheap plastic will not save you from severe damage and is and always will be prone to damage from just parking alone.

    Those cheap cat shields you mentioned are just that, cheap thin aluminum shields and are not like the steel shields from Millercat.

    How much is real protection worth to you?
     
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Driving in a place where a Prius is bottoming out on rough roads, or even going off road is equivalent to taking your plastic recycling can whitewater rafting, it makes no sense.
     
  5. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    Heh, I take it you haven't really camped then... or taken your Prius over rough terrain to camp. or... all campgrounds! that's it.. I say that because anyone with a Prius not lifted, i speak for myself, has had to replace that plastic more than once just driving city streets. but.. its not the big plastic only, that little front one by the time you've scrapped it enough, you've scrapped the metal away or there are no hole that aligns... so you replace the little one and the big one then one day you scrap or bumper grabs a parking block then bam... need another front piece but because you didn't secure the larger piece on your way home the wind catches it then boom.. now you have to go buy both pieces and your fender liners this time because they all caught air on the same trip home. true story!

    separately... only the large piece is closer to $40 plus or minus shipping but then you also need the little front to the bumper piece which is another $40 plus or minus shipping.. so.. $100 to replace both... now you must be rolling in money if you are replacing that stuff each time it comes off because you now have nothing to attach it all to.... you are not a thinker outside the box, are you?

    upload_2023-6-9_20-59-28.png

    lmao.. you must camp on concrete! lmao!!!

    so then... you are saying all Prius owners who take their Prius where they bottom out on rough roads make no sense? clearly you are not one of us normal Prius Campers!

     
    #5 black_jmyntrn, Jun 9, 2023
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2023
  6. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Today was a nice drive to work and I noticed a quicker time to get to speed.

    Also noticed turns are much quicker.

    Speeds limits are around 50-60 mph.
    On one stretch everyone does 80 mph.

    Heavy winds were easier to cut through.

    I know people will say plastic is cheaper
    Yada yada yada...but is it flatter?

    Are any of the plastic shielding bent, warped or missing?

    Then you will have drag at higher speeds.

    This skid plate is flat and will be the last shield you will buy.

    This allows the front end to cut through the wind and perfectly send the air under the already aerodynamic body easier than any perfect plastic one would and will protect your engine bay like no plastic one can.


    Sheeeeesh....
     
  7. burebista

    burebista Active Member

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    $350 for a piece of aluminium sheet? o_O
    Here I bought this for 60 bucks 3 years ago. It's a 2mm sheet of steel.
    It doesn't looks pretty after 3 years but it's doing the job.

    IMG_20230401_120403.jpg
     
  8. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    You are truly amazing......

    Just one question....do you actually really believe any of the above comments you made?
     
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  9. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Ha, ha,,, Sponsorship (advertising) in your signature has its benefits!
    But you have to toe the line and make nice for your sponsors if you want that tiny discount on random products.
    Who knows, maybe some of these gee gaws are given out.
     
  10. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Jwap

    The issue is you have no idea how in tune I am with my prius.

    There is a huge difference!!

    Norton

    I am not sponsored, I purchased the skid plate but I also scored us a discount code.

    You two should meet up and hang out.
    Talk about how much better your stock Prius is than anyone elses in person.
     
  11. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

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    To each his own...I never plan on taking my Prius off road or camping butI would use a skid plate just too protect from the parking curbs and road to driveway transitions. I've lived in PA,FL,CO ad now KS. I've driven a LOT in Cali and it is very different. Clean cars, flatter ground, less salt and debris. The number of flying rocks in CO is HUGE. Like new windshield EVERY YEAR. LOL. Windshields in FL are mostly spotless. Never replaced one there due to a rock. Environments are super different as are needs. When I lived in south beach in FL. I bought a cheap corolla so I could actually park. My big Truck I had to leave back at home for 3 years. If I lived in NYC I would not need or want a car. In Venice CA there was never any parking available on the weekends. Buy and mod how you see fit. Some people see PPF as not needed. I'd never consider a car without it now..
     
  12. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Please show us how in tune you are. Here's the perfect thread to document all your "upgrades" to show the difference.

    Prius 0-60 Times, Post Yours! | PriusChat
     
  13. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    So then why do you do all this unsolicited advertising for these 'companies', that don't give you a dime in discounts?

    My Prius is approximately exactly like every other dang prius out there. No anodized gee gaws under the hood or body.

    Except I'm just about the cheapest azz you'll ever meet. I use strictly M*** 1 engine oil and a premium ATF in the eCVT.
    But, I spent $401 OTD for new tires mounted and balanced from D*** Tire.
    I sold off the stock Level 5 17" wheels and have stock 15" wheels and wheel covers.
    See how I didn't mention a company by name, bc I don't give away free advertising.(y)
     
    #13 Bill Norton, Jun 11, 2023
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2023
  14. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Cool thanks nort and wap, I will make a note and figure out when I can take the time to give wap some info he really needs but I cant tell you what app I have to use nort because thats free advertising and you will not benefit from the info only jwap will.

    This reply is free all others will be a charge.

    SMH
     
  15. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    I have Torque Pro.
    I wouldn't notice or care if my pruis was 0.5s quicker. MPG is why I have this thing.
    I have a tired old 13 year old stock battery pack.
    I would love to replace it with a Li-Ion pack some day, but it just keeps working.
    Do you, can you attribute any advantages to your pack if you have the Li-Ion? What got you to upgrade?
     
  16. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Unfortunately, Az P, there is pretty much nothing in this universe that you could offer that would be of benefit to me, ever. In reality, your posts likely have little to no value to anyone. If you shake that melon hard enough, maybe the lifetime of cobwebs will finally clear up, so keep on "SMH" !!

    You post non-stop about your 'upgrades'. I posted a link to a thread where you can document improvements. Not "I thinks" or "I feel", but actual real life data. Certainly you have some or can get some to show how your upgrades have improved your car.

    If I were trying to get people to buy items from my "links and discount codes" I would be putting up a ton of improvement results. Is there a better way to spend some time than actually proving an upgrade has value?
     
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  17. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Obviously you are not my target audience.

    In fact if we ever came into contact and it was something you absolutely needed, I would refuse service.

    You have plenty to spew out though but nothing of value so your comments are not requested at this time and may leave the thread unless you are just trying to continue to harass my threads like always.

    Nort, I needed an HV pack because my refurbished one was on its way out.

    Was lucky enough to test for Project Lithium and risked my car with a prototype.

    Turns out the upgrade is worth it and anyone looking to replace theirs should put this on their list.

    You may continue to respond but not jwap.

    Any further harassment from him will lead to other actions.
     
  18. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Obviously you are not my target audience.
    Obviously I'm not your target audience, because I know what I'm talking about and I'll continue trying to help people less knowledgeable who may be susceptible to not just you, but anyone trying to blow a bunch of smoke up their backend.

    In fact if we ever came into contact and it was something you absolutely needed, I would refuse service.
    You can't refuse what would never be asked for. Again, there is nothing in this universe you could offer to me that would be of value to me. You prove it with almost every thread you start and every post you make.

    You have plenty to spew out though but nothing of value
    If keeping you honest is spewing, then I'm guilty. Still, that's pretty funny, because I would venture that if a poll were taken, many would find more value in one of my posts than all of yours combined.

    so your comments are not requested at this time and may leave the thread unless you are just trying to continue to harass my threads like always.
    If you consider giving you opportunity to straighten out falsehoods to be harassment, that's on you. I'm here to help people, if that means posting in "your" thread, then so be it.

    You may continue to respond but not jwap.
    Dang, a public forum and you're telling me I'm not allowed to post? Sweet! Didn't know that was an option!

    Any further harassment from him will lead to other actions.
    Call the police? So, questioning falsehoods or requesting data is considered harassment? Maybe the best thing you could do is just put me on ignore?
     
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  19. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    I am also asking about useful data, not opinions.
    Of course it was "worth it". You got a replacement pack, probably for free. I was asking about details, not opinions.

    Now tell us how the 'Water Injection' system was 'worth it'? :whistle:
    And the red bullet gee gaw... "Quicker valve timing changes"? The VVT is in one mode or the other.
    Gold anodizing does nothing to change that function.

    I assume you get something from peddling this stuff on this forum. :( Shirley it's not "For the good of the Community" ;)
    I feel sorry for the people that buy this crapoli and think there will be any measurable improvements.
    Of course replacing a failing batter pack is noticeable. I'm waiting to see how that Li-Ion replacement works in the climate I live in.
    And of course, I'm waiting for my original pack to pack it in.:cool:
     
  20. Hybridwork4me

    Hybridwork4me New Member

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    How long does it take to install the skid plate?