Hot Rods 40 Deluxe Grill Chin Pan

Does anybody make or has made a skid pan to protect grill chin pan? I know almost every 40 Ford Deluxe I see has been dented in from hitting bumps or dips.

 

Not that it would help now, but I think Magoo's used to make them. It looked like a nerf bar and bolted to the front buggy spring U bolts.

 

Always an issue with Deluxe 40's for me--I keep a couple of spares painted to match and change as needed. Have two done now for my 40.

 

I remember awhile back, someone made a chin that had a wheel in a cutout that would take a hit and keep the rest of the grill from taking the hit

 

It would be nice if someone would make something that works and can be bought. I'm thinking of making something. I just lowered the rear and I'll see if that helps a little.

 

I used to use wire ties to hold the chin on so when I hit something it would bend the rest of the grille! Finally raised it up some!

 

My 40 standard is full of dents fixed it once and gave up on it after that .Can't see it unless I get under the car.

 

I never really knew what the old saying "sometimes you have to take a few on the chin "meant until I got my 40's .

 

Consider It To Be A Asphalt Feeler....Now You Know Where The Asphalt Is...I Just Leave Them With A Dent Or Two For The Experts To Judge...

 

It seems like I remember years ago someone was making one out of a paintible flexible material similar to modern day bumpers. I've searched and come up with nothing.

 

I decided to make my own from 3/8" metal sheet. First drilled the holes where front spring "U" bolts are. I slotted them so it will slide in. Then I drilled another hole for a 3rd bolt to screw into the front cross brace above the frame. The metal took a lot to bend so I made cuts half way threw and bent to shape. When I had the fit, I welded them up. Then ground down the lip on the frame so the skid pan will fit flush. Then ground the "U" bolt mounts to fit closer to tighten with the skid plate. Next I drilled and mounted 2 anchor bolts to connect to the chin. I think it will work. Got nothing to loose. I straightened the bent chin pan and reinstalled it. Just have a little trimming and paint it before I install it permanently.
What do you guys think?

 

I heard of that too. Let us know if you find it. Good luck.

 

Maybe someone could cast or 3D print some out of urethane.

 

Here it is all done. Straightened and Repaired and painted the Chin Pan, and skid plate. Then installed it all. I hope it works,

 

I like it , but here's a thought. That front edge would catch on say a parking curb and rattle your teeth. What if you followed the grill centre bar with a piece of 3/4 cold rolled round bar and carried it under and weld it to your plate. It would help to ride up when you nudge something rather than stop hard. Looks bomb proof though , even if you hit something you won't break that!

 

Good to know! I just bought a 40, thanks for the heads up!

 

I'm not real worried about mine, it think it will be fine....



Or maybe not....

-Abone.

 

Hahahaaaaa

 

Okay, now you have a strong plate . How about installing a small steel wheel that sticks through the plate just a 1/4 inch or so that will allow the plate to roll over that speed bump? I saw one installed on a Forty in a HAMB post a few years ago but I cannot find the post.

 

Chip Foose, his Dad had a rolling wheel, in the chin, of his Forty

 

You can't really see it much, but I ground the front of it at a little angle. I guess a little more wouldn't hurt.

 

I thought of that too, but I think I would have to brace it a little more. Like up to the bumper brackets.

 

I met Chips dad Sam a long time ago when I worked for Snap-On. I went to his house in Santa Ynez. He's in Arizona now. I wish I could talk to him now.

 

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I agree that the plate would need additional bracing.

 

That skid plate might work but, I fear it will just transfer the impact to the bottom
of the radiator and the louvered grille side panels. Hope I am wrong.
I have 4 1/2 in. clearance.

 

I changed mine out a few times in the past, then I got tired of that and said "screw it"! So I left it as a sacrificial piece taking the hit for the team. It's getting pretty ugly under there!!

 

I'm with 19fordy, hoping we're wrong, but looking at the path of energy from the impact and it's still going right to the chin piece (and now the bottom of the radiator too)...……...plus you now have 3/8" less clearance (unless something else has changed). It will be interesting to see how it works in the real rather than theoretical world. Hope you're going to be happy with it.