To chequer plate, or not to chequer plate... that is the question

[Toxic_Avenger]

I've got some chequer plate parts I've purchased, but unsure whether to fit them or not. Looking for some moral support! I know it's my car, but sometimes an anal retentive knobhead such as myself needs a push in the right direction :p

I've got the rear 1/4 panel black chequer plate pieces. Like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/576.jpg
I've already got the black wing top chequer plates, but nothing as of yet visible on the side of the vehicle.

I'm not 100% committed to drilling the holes to fit them though... they were a bit of a spur of the moment buy (they were cheap, and the ebay auction was about to end in like 5 minutes with no bids)
Currently my defender is a bit 'busy' looking... ARB front bar, winch, roof rack, hi-lift / shovel holder, rijidij rear bar/ jerry holder, and pending rock sliders...
On one hand it might look too try-hard, on the other it would be an interesting design cue having the black motif following front to back (like the defender version of racing stripes!). I don't own a car for the rivet counters, but I like to do all mods tastefully and with function. Besides, the car has been truly used and abused during my ownership, and I'm pretty sure it was for the 20,000km before I owned it too! Could the chequer plate mess up my feng shui?

[El Rey]

Stefan at alloffroad.com.au has chequer plate on the two spots I think you're discussing - and his vehicle sees some serious use based on his youtube channel.

Here's a pic:
http://alloffroad.com.au/images/promo/1/davedefender.jpg't=1438757946

So if you were going to put chequerplate somewhere, they are good spots I'd say.

EDIT: I am not a fan of going mad with chequer plate by the way. But I'd consider putting it on those spots too.

[RVR110]

Chequer plate won't protect against damage, but it will cover it up... so wait until you've got some damage to cover up!
And, as a bonus you'll be saving money by buying the chequer plate :angel:

[strangy]

Why not use some eurethane bond to put them on.
A couple of dobs to hold in place then a "corking" bead around to stop mud and dirt.
If you don't want them fitted anymore some fishing line will cut through the eurethane and remove the residue with some thinners or caramel wheel.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Why not use some eurethane bond to put them on.
A couple of dobs to hold in place then a "corking" bead around to stop mud and dirt.
If you don't want them fitted anymore some fishing line will cut through the eurethane and remove the residue with some thinners or caramel wheel.

I've thought of this, I've got some 3M VHB tape that is waiting to be put to use on 'something'. But my preliminary tests on some scrap aluminium suggest it will take the defender with it if I ever want to remove it (it's a weak section of the panel). This VHB tape is used to stick architectural cladding onto skyscrapers etc... so pretty tuff stuff. My test piece has approx 18 square cm of contact patch, and I cannot pull it apart as hard as I try. I'm led to believe it might come off when chilled down with dry ice, but I have not tested this yet.

Is there a certain flavour of sika adhesive that is best for auto trim?

[juddy]

Just fit the proper stuff, no idea why you wound put ****y gobbo on it.

[El Rey]

Also I usually see a choice of 2mm or 3mm plate - anybody know if there's a functional difference worth noting?

[strangy]

I've thought of this, I've got some 3M VHB tape that is waiting to be put to use on 'something'. But my preliminary tests on some scrap aluminium suggest it will take the defender with it if I ever want to remove it (it's a weak section of the panel). This VHB tape is used to stick architectural cladding onto skyscrapers etc... so pretty tuff stuff. My test piece has approx 18 square cm of contact patch, and I cannot pull it apart as hard as I try. I'm led to believe it might come off when chilled down with dry ice, but I have not tested this yet. Is there a certain flavour of sika adhesive that is best for auto trim?
I recall 218.
There is usually a guide with the product.
There are 2 types for automotive. One primarily for sealing and the other bonding and dealing.
Either would work for the application.

[Dopey]

I've got the same sort of checker plate on a few of my 90's, I've got them mostly behind corner protectors from first four (UK).
They protect the fancy paintwork from my steel cap boots when I stand on the corner protectors to load/unload the roof racks (when fitted).

Just remember if using a anti corrosion compound like Duralac on the stainless screw fittings, that Duralac is pretty bad for you if you get it on your skin...

http://www.llewellyn-ryland.co.uk/downloads/duralacm.pdf

Mike.

[Dopey]

Bugger, posted the wrong pic, here's a slightly better one.

[debruiser]

I would only fit the checker if it's for a purpose, ie to cover damage or something not just cosmetic. But of course that is me...

[blackapache]

Chequer plate won't protect against damage, but it will cover it up... so wait until you've got some damage to cover up!
And, as a bonus you'll be saving money by buying the chequer plate :angel:

That's what I did with mine - looks brand new almost... Almost.

I used 3mm on the bonnet and anywhere I'm standing frequently. Also 3mm for the rear quarters and sills to beef them up slightly.. They're slightly tougher than tin foil now. The door tops are 2mm and covering some good dents also my kelpies and kids jumping in and out of the Windows doesn't help either.

Eventually the chequer plate will all join up as the damage gets worse and it'll likely be just in time for the zombie apocalypse so it's a win-win scenario.

I cut most of my plate myself and there are some good hard bulbar paints that are as hard as powder oat out there now too.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Wow... the poll was 50:50 for quite a while there, now the DO NOT WANT camp are in the lead. Keep voting if you haven't already...

I did some testing today with the 3M VHB tape adhesion under low temp (using dry ice -80 celsius).
Removal is possible, but will leave a terrible, tenacious residue that will be worse than a few bolt holes. So probably not going to go down that path. I might try some solvents on the residue and see what results I get.


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=108092&stc=1&d=1460460855

[jimr1]

I was over in the UK last year and went to a Land Rover show . I brought some checker plate while there , for the top of my guards . All nicely cut and drilled . This was to put on my Puma . It is natural silver , " they didn't have black " I keep looking at them , and moving them around . I'm going to paint them black . I'm thinking of putting a bead of black sealer around the edge and riveting them down . plus a bit of sealant under the rivets , just to stop water laying under them . Has anyone else done this ? ps they cost me 18 pounds , less than $40 Jim :)

[MrLandy]

I've got some chequer plate parts I've purchased, but unsure whether to fit them or not. Looking for some moral support! I know it's my car, but sometimes an anal retentive knobhead such as myself needs a push in the right direction :p

I've got the rear 1/4 panel black chequer plate pieces. Like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/576.jpg
I've already got the black wing top chequer plates, but nothing as of yet visible on the side of the vehicle.

I'm not 100% committed to drilling the holes to fit them though... they were a bit of a spur of the moment buy (they were cheap, and the ebay auction was

Get some Mulgo bumperettes instead. Better protection, only bolt to rear cross member and removable.

[MrLandy]

Seriously do you guys really need to walk all over your car? I've been a Defender driver for almost 20 years, I put stuff on the roof all the time, driven all over Australia...never needed to walk on my wing tops, bonnet, sides or anywhere.

I'm putting in a vote for all the classic look Defender devotees. ...anyway your beer spills if you put it down on chequer plate. Flat wing tops are cool. So is a scrape or dent or three on a Defender.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Get some Mulgo bumperettes instead. Better protection, only bolt to rear cross member and removable.

No Bueno.
Got a rijidij rear tyre/jerry holder.

[debruiser]

No Bueno.
Got a rijidij rear tyre/jerry holder.

has to be the ONLY thing wrong with the rijidij carrier.... pity there isnt an option for the rear quarter protection with the bar.

[MrLandy]

Apparently the bumperettes fit with the single rijidij

[digger]

has to be the ONLY thing wrong with the rijidij carrier.... pity there isnt an option for the rear quarter protection with the bar.


Maybe the solution to that is to point it out to ridge?

He's tried to incorporate most reasonable ideas that I've heard

[filcar]

has to be the ONLY thing wrong with the rijidij carrier.... pity there isnt an option for the rear quarter protection with the bar.
But there just might be ...


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/233551-now-110-owner-4.html#post2514431

[Plutei]

Seriously do you guys really need to walk all over your car? I've been a Defender driver for almost 20 years, I put stuff on the roof all the time, driven all over Australia...never needed to walk on my wing tops, bonnet, sides or anywhere.

Wow, barely a week goes by that I don't walk on the bonnet. At the moment I don't have chequer yet so I have to be careful where I step, but it's definitely on the cards once finances allow.
I'm mainly strapping kayaks on the roof (between 2 and 8 at a time) which definitely requires some clambering around; they don't tend to stay up there by themselves.

[DefenderSte]

Yup me too im just waiting until i have the pennies to get a chequer plate kit for mine as i carry quite a bit of timber on the top and im just not tall enough to get to it from the side steps which will be replaced with rock sliders when the extra pennies allow......:D:D:D

[jimr1]

Seriously do you guys really need to walk all over your car? I've been a Defender driver for almost 20 years, I put stuff on the roof all the time, driven all over Australia...never needed to walk on my wing tops, bonnet, sides or anywhere.

I'm putting in a vote for all the classic look Defender devotees. ...anyway your beer spills if you put it down on chequer plate. Flat wing tops are cool. So is a scrape or dent or three on a Defender.
I agree I've also been a Defender/Land Rover series owner for 40 plus years and never climbed all over them . The guards do seem to be a lot more flexible with less support under them than earlier models . I'm sure that the gauge of metal is thinner too. I have a 1959 series 2 . The front guards seem thicker , plus there designed to run down on the inside making them more of a box , plus dot having those holes for vents . Jim :)

[Chenz]

Wow, barely a week goes by that I don't walk on the bonnet. At the moment I don't have chequer yet so I have to be careful where I step, but it's definitely on the cards once finances allow.
I'm mainly strapping kayaks on the roof (between 2 and 8 at a time) which definitely requires some clambering around; they don't tend to stay up there by themselves.

With the camper on the back the only way I can get to my roof rack is over the bonnet so the chequerplating is a must. I reckon it looks pretty good as well
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/[/URL][/IMG]

[Toxic_Avenger]

Further into my little foray into science...
Turns out the VHB tape will actually peel off fairly cleanly once it comes back up to room temp after freezing / snapping it off.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

And Isopropyl alcohol and a rag does a good job on the rest!

So This might be a feasible, non permanent way to affix chequer plate.

[El Rey]

Further into my little foray into science...
Turns out the VHB tape will actually peel off fairly cleanly once it comes back up to room temp after freezing / snapping it off.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=108105&stc=1&d=1460532223

And Isopropyl alcohol and a rag does a good job on the rest!

So This might be a feasible, non permanent way to affix chequer plate.

What's your main concern with riveting: Resale value? Change of mind? More points for water to drip or collect?

I see the bonnet guards often come with some kind of foam or rubber gasket - does everyone use those, or are they a risk of holding moisture in, as much as keeping it out?

[digger]

With the camper on the back the only way I can get to my roof rack is over the bonnet so the chequerplating is a must. I reckon it looks pretty good as well
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/923/9gV240.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn9gV240j)

Marree pub?

[Toxic_Avenger]

What's your main concern with riveting: Resale value? Change of mind? More points for water to drip or collect?

I see the bonnet guards often come with some kind of foam or rubber gasket - does everyone use those, or are they a risk of holding moisture in, as much as keeping it out?

I'm more concerned with change of mind, and have a m5 hole in a spot on the vehicle. My main reason for the poll was to try sway me one way or the other... im not totally committed to installing them, but I'm also partial to the look.

I've got the wing top chequer plate already, and used the foam gasket. I purposefully made my wing top guards easily removable for this very reason- I want to be able to clean under them and ensure they don't corrode or hold abrasive mud, grit dust etc.

[El Rey]

I'm more concerned with change of mind, and have a m5 hole in a spot on the vehicle. My main reason for the poll was to try sway me one way or the other... im not totally committed to installing them, but I'm also partial to the look.

I've got the wing top chequer plate already, and used the foam gasket. I purposefully made my wing top guards easily removable for this very reason- I want to be able to clean under them and ensure they don't corrode or hold abrasive mud, grit dust etc.

Got it. What method of attachment did you use for the wingtops - screws?

[Toxic_Avenger]

Funnily enough- M6 Rivnuts needing a 9mm hole!
Oh, the irony!

[El Rey]

Funnily enough- M6 Rivnuts needing a 9mm hole!
Oh, the irony!

:)...

[debruiser]

Funnily enough- M6 Rivnuts needing a 9mm hole!
Oh, the irony!

That's a good idea.. would have saved you hurting your hand trying to jam it into the cavities on the bonnet and under the wings... wish I had thought of that

[Chenz]

Marree pub?

Yes and a few well deserved beers were had that visit - very dusty drive to there

[DazzaTD5]

Its a Defender...

Drill, rivet, screw, bolt, climb on/over..... do as u need!!:p:p:p

Regards
Daz

[MrLandy]

Its a Defender...

Drill, rivet, screw, bolt, climb on/over..... do as u need!!:p:p:p

Regards
Daz

Well said Daz, you've reminded us, that's part of the beauty of Defender. Totally agree... Whether you need chequer plate or not? Up to you. I've never needed it and I prefer the classic lines, unprotected and the patina if use over time. But if you want full bonnet chequer plate to give you better grip to load your kayaks, or whatever, go for it! Cheers