here's what i spent my afternoon playing with.... TWO PIECE SKID PLATE, to avoid snow/ice build up and front nose cone tearing out. last year i bought the original yamaha skid plate (not the glide plate). i had an idea due to the build up for deep snow riding, to use a two piece skid plate to allow snow to fall naturally out of the suspension, instead of blocking it and or offering a hole or holes in the glide plate or skid plate whichever you choose to use. the front nose cone cover in the two piece design is for decorative purposes mostly but, it also adds a complete layer to the oem nose cone. i had my plate rip the front of the oem nose cone off the sled the last ride of the year. i was cleaning the ice daily and it still ripped.
instead of trying to bend the plastic skid plate under the motor area, i opted to have a plate made of atp (aluminum tread plate), also known as diamond plate. i took the oem under plate, and the add on skid plate, to the local fab shop told them what i was looking for. they made it in short time for me. i lamented about the weight, and size, then started trimming, bending and fabbing to get it to fit properly, snugly, and making sure it was going to work in case of a big hit.
well, i found the thickness will withstand alot more than a plastic plate for sure. i rolled the front edges to help the snow follow the bodylines of the nytro. i cut a drill bit and used a right angled drill, to drill out the front upper hole in the subframe, so i could use a insert nut and compress it to lock in place and then use a bolt to retain the front of the plates to the sled better than the oem plastic push lock clip.
once the zert nut was inplace i mocked it up, then finished drilling the remaining retainer holes. i installed the stock lower cover, than the atp plate, they fit together like a glove. then i was free to cut up the plastic skid plate. i marked and cut the nose cone portion of the skid plate off, and installed that to the oem nose cone. i turely think it is more functional, offers more protection and looks great.
whatcha think??? ski
instead of trying to bend the plastic skid plate under the motor area, i opted to have a plate made of atp (aluminum tread plate), also known as diamond plate. i took the oem under plate, and the add on skid plate, to the local fab shop told them what i was looking for. they made it in short time for me. i lamented about the weight, and size, then started trimming, bending and fabbing to get it to fit properly, snugly, and making sure it was going to work in case of a big hit.
well, i found the thickness will withstand alot more than a plastic plate for sure. i rolled the front edges to help the snow follow the bodylines of the nytro. i cut a drill bit and used a right angled drill, to drill out the front upper hole in the subframe, so i could use a insert nut and compress it to lock in place and then use a bolt to retain the front of the plates to the sled better than the oem plastic push lock clip.
once the zert nut was inplace i mocked it up, then finished drilling the remaining retainer holes. i installed the stock lower cover, than the atp plate, they fit together like a glove. then i was free to cut up the plastic skid plate. i marked and cut the nose cone portion of the skid plate off, and installed that to the oem nose cone. i turely think it is more functional, offers more protection and looks great.
whatcha think??? ski
