APT Underbody Protection

[LRD414]

Rather than further hijack >this thread< (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/237558-ironman-underbody-protection.html) on Ironman bash plates, I thought I'd start one for APT underbody plates.
My advice if you're considering getting any plates .... wait until the APT stuff is ready & have a look. I think it's going to be excellent.

Today we fitted 2 prototypes at APT; a compressor protection plate & front bash plate for a 4 week outback trip starting this weekend.
Some last minute mods were required ....
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/53.jpg

Decided not to show the prototypes because they're a bit rough looking & not representative of the expected final products, at least in looks.
From discussing details with Ben I am confident the front plate will be a very good thing that will fit nicely with the vehicle aesthetics, as well as obviously being bullet proof.
And I've seen the CAD file for the final compressor plate design, which has some excellent features too. It's looks to be exactly what I was after.

I've been pestering Ben for a compressor plate since I got the rock sliders in December and we've discussed a few ideas/features over the months.
However, it's taken this long because among other things, he's been working on the complete set of underbody protection.

I didn't see any other plates today but if the existing products are anything to go by, it will be quality stuff.

Cheers,
Scott

PS ... this is not an advert, I am/will be a paying customer

[Ben_Vapid]

Great stuff! If the quality is anything like his sliders i'll be in :)

[Tombie]

Glad I'm not the only one pushing him for this gear!!!!

[Babs]

I can't wait to see them.

What are his sliders like?

I have seen the Prospeed vids where they test theirs over a boulder, pulled by a tractor and pushed along a tree base. Are the APT just as strong?

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Tombie]

Easily. Just a different design.

[Babs]

Easily. Just a different design.

Cool.

Do the APT Sliders protrude past the doors?
I like my sliders to stick out a little so when people open their car doors and don't have enough courtesy to take precautions, they hit my sliders instead. :EVIL LAUGH:

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[LRD414]

Do the APT Sliders protrude past the doors?
I like my sliders to stick out a little so when people open their car doors and don't have enough courtesy to take precautions, they hit my sliders instead.
Yep they do. Lots of good detail and measurements in this thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/212837-question-rocksliders-6.html
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/1106.jpg

The skid plate is optional. You can also have a tread plate on the top, or nothing except the bars.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/1107.jpg

A couple of the other suppliers of sliders are discussed in the linked thread too.

Cheers,
Scott

[ozscott]

Arghhh... That is why the new D2 rear bar with Jerry Can carrier is taking so long... Cheers

[Tombie]

Hey Scott. The new stuff is a piece of art hey!!!

[LRD414]

An update ....

Compressor Plate
I was pretty happy with the prototype, which was on the vehicle for our long Red Centre trip and a couple of smaller 4WD track excursions.
However, I felt that it needed better drainage and slight tweeks to the fitment for easier install/removal.

Ben was already on to the fitment, coming up with an excellent idea for the inner support to the chassis rail.
This has to hold the plate but not lock the body to the chassis because they need to have independent movement.

General fit and alignment to the sill and chassis also needed a couple of minor adjustments to get to the point where it is now on mine, an excellent flush fit both sides. He wanted it to work across both D3 and D4 as well as with or without sliders and these variations produce slight differences in fit.

Drainage holes have been added & extended on mine but I'm not sure what the final plan is for general production. I'd be quite happy with a couple more as the overall design is that strong the holes make no difference.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/105.jpg

It has already proven to be very strong after copping a couple of solid hits.
It's frontal protection is confidence inspiring too, prevents large sticks/rocks from getting at the front of the compressor and also would help sliding over obstacles when moving forward by presenting a ramped leading edge.

The ventilation slots allow plenty of air to flow through, as well as facilitating hosing out mud, sand, etc.
The air flow is to ensure that the factory plastic cover doesn't get any hotter than it would without a protection plate in place.
But obviously if the gap between the plate and cover is not kept free of mud/sand then overheating would be a risk.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/11/147.jpg

It seems pretty much bullet proof to me for anything I'm likely to throw at it.
Only change I'll be making is to add a self-adhesive rubber pad to the chassis side to avoid any fretting of the chassis surface.

Front Plate
I'm still running the prototype and have no significant complaints.
It is strong and fits well but is a bit ugly, being a non-production sandblasted finish and not quite sized right at the front edges.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/11/148.jpg

Ben tells me he has been working through many iterations to get it exactly right.
I'm happy with this approach, although somewhat chomping at the bit to get the end result.

But it's important to not just be highly functional but also aesthetically sympathetic, being such a visible element to the vehicle's front.
Obviously this is not a concern to punters who've fitted a bullbar but it is important to me and Ben has the same view.
From what he's described I think it's going to look great.

Engine and Transmission Plates
Haven't seen these yet at all and am holding my decision until I see how they fit and what gets protected.
I think production version must be getting pretty close.
Also, the air tank one is already available. This is lower on my list at this stage.

Cheers,
Scott

[Ben_Vapid]

Nice! Thanks for the update Scott :)

[Babs]

I finally got around to putting my APT Sliders, Compressor & Air Tank Guard on today.

2.5 hours fitting time with the help of my 4yr old boy.

Everything was straight forward except for the Air Tank Guard had trouble with that lining up, had to loosen the front bracket to secure the screws under the guard then tighten back up the bracket.

I had the clear protective wrap fitted to the sills yesterday and also the roof, ready for the roof rack. The wrap covers everywhere the Sliders touch the body.

117286117287117288

[Babs]

The only negative comment I have is that I would have preferred the Sliders to protrude past the door panels ever so slightly to protect against people opening up their doors on you in car parks.

But a very easy DIY installation & great design. Still a recommendation. [emoji106]

[Tombie]

The only negative comment I have is that I would have preferred the Sliders to protrude past the door panels ever so slightly to protect against people opening up their doors on you in car parks.

But a very easy DIY installation & great design. Still a recommendation. [emoji106]



Leave the D4 at Normal height in busy car parks...

All but rear doors hit the slider first (no slider stops a back door on a sedan or wagon).

Looks good mate!!!

[hv_man]

Hi Babs, what type of protective wrap did you use? Did you do it your self? Fitting my APT sliders up later this week.

Craig

[Babs]

Thanks for the tip Tombie, I'll take that on board.

hv man, I had a wrap business install it, it is 3m Pro series.

Not sure if it's a good thing or not as it's a wet application, for the roof ok but today whilst installing the Sliders I was thinking I should have maybe just painted or sprayed the area with Septone underbody or similar.

[LRD414]

This will be going on this weekend. It is clearly very strong, like all the APT products and I will be very happy to have the transfer case protection it offers as well as the transmission. The factory transmission plate is ok but flimsy and the transfer case is completely exposed.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/428.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VuV2jm)

And I have seen a pre-release photo of the front guard. Can't reveal more yet but it looks actually better than I was hoping. Chose a powder coat colour for it this morning even though it's still a few weeks away. Only painting the front guard, not the transmission guard.

There's also an engine sump guard available now that I may end up getting too, although the factory one is ok if a bit light weight.

Regards,
Scott

[Bytemrk]

APT make great products.... that certainly looks the goods Scott.

[Russrobe]

Hey Scott have you knocked any of the standard bolts yet? Ive nearly worn one flat!

Lucky they're high tensile 11.9s or else there would be nothing left.

[LRD414]

Hey Scott have you knocked any of the standard bolts yet? Ive nearly worn one flat!

Lucky they're high tensile 11.9s or else there would be nothing left.

Well no because I only picked it up today. Do you mean the countersunk ones or the other two that are closer together towards the front?

Scott

[Russrobe]

No no, on the standard transmission plate. The large bolts M12 i think that hold it on. Looks like this plate uses the same bolt holes.

[LRD414]

No no, on the standard transmission plate. The large bolts M12 i think that hold it on. Looks like this plate uses the same bolt holes.

Oh right. I've suffered some dings but nothing as extreme as you by the sounds. The APT is completely flush with countersunk bolts towards rear and the front bolts are in effect "hidden" behind a change in height.

Scott

[eddy]

Excellent products,do you know the difference between the APT Engine Sump Guard and the APT Front Guard?As it cost more presumably it covers a greater area, longer or has built in LCA guards?

[LRD414]

Excellent products,do you know the difference between the APT Engine Sump Guard and the APT Front Guard?As it cost more presumably it covers a greater area, longer or has built in LCA guards?
Front plate protects the front and to a partial extent the radiators from low level impacts. Engine sump guard is behind that and the transmission further back again. So it is a sequence of guards but you can install piecemeal if preferred. Front guard costs more because it is a larger piece and a heavier grade alloy.

Scott

[Russrobe]

Oh right. I've suffered some dings but nothing as extreme as you by the sounds. The APT is completely flush with countersunk bolts towards rear and the front bolts are in effect "hidden" behind a change in height.

Scott
Ah that's great, fixed the main problem with the standard plate then.

[l00kin4]

This will be going on this weekend. It is clearly very strong, like all the APT products and I will be very happy to have the transfer case protection it offers as well as the transmission. The factory transmission plate is ok but flimsy and the transfer case is completely exposed.

And I have seen a pre-release photo of the front guard. Can't reveal more yet but it looks actually better than I was hoping. Chose a powder coat colour for it this morning even though it's still a few weeks away. Only painting the front guard, not the transmission guard.

There's also an engine sump guard available now that I may end up getting too, although the factory one is ok if a bit light weight.

Regards,
Scott

That looks excellent Scott. Very nicely engineered. I like the profile of the APT plate and the fact it covers the transfer case too. Fixing with countersunk bolts is better too. For comparison here are some pics of the GOE transmission plate (which I ordered last year before the APT one was available).

124574

124573


David

[LRD414]

That looks excellent Scott. Very nicely engineered. I like the profile of the APT plate and the fact it covers the transfer case too. Fixing with countersunk bolts is better too.
Here is the transmission plate fitted up. The top of the photo is the trailing edge of the black factory sump guard which sits lower than the leading edge of the APT guard.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/266.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VBx1iW)

You are right about the engineering. It is solid and the attachment method is well designed too. No need to remove the sump guard bolts for fitting; just loosen, which helps when it comes to mounting when just on the driveway. I was able to partially install the front, hold the rear up with my bottle jack and then install the rear countersunk bolts to the cross member.

These photos show the section covering the transfer case.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/267.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VBx1Z5)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/268.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VtAJBR)

I know that the transfer case is up quite high and I haven't heard of it getting damaged but the general exposure of its small components has always made me nervous.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/278.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UouWRd)

I am very happy with this guard and counting the days until I can get the front plate.

Regards,
Scott

[letherm]

Off topic, but what tyres are those Scott?

Martin

[LRD414]

Off topic, but what tyres are those Scott?
BFG KO2 in 265/60/R18

[DiscoJeffster]

I've been considering making my own stuff but you just can't go past APT quality and design. It's worth every cent

[Owen]

Mine are ordered, full armadillo set for me , I'll post pics of the fitting etc when they arrive.

[LRD414]

Front getting close now .....


https://youtu.be/6j41I4866XQ

Cheers,
Scott

[Redback]

Front getting close now .....


https://youtu.be/6j41I4866XQ

Cheers,
Scott

I installed the APT compressor guard last weekend, pretty simple job, so Scott, can you fit this new guard if you have a bullbar??

[LRD414]

.... can you fit this new guard if you have a bullbar??
I doubt it Baz with the way it comes up in front of the bumper opening. Wouldn't there be bar work there?

Scott

[kero]

I installed the APT compressor guard last weekend, pretty simple job, so Scott, can you fit this new guard if you have a bullbar??
Does any one make a front guard with a drain area so you don't have to take off when doing a oil change.
Kero.

[Redback]

Does any one make a front guard with a drain area so you don't have to take off when doing a oil change.
Kero.

I have no idea as I only have what came with the bullbar, it's not what I would call strong anyway and from memory doesn't cover the drain hole.

[Jimlr]

I wonder if it's a slightly different design between 2011-2014 and MY14+ cars, as there is a difference in the lower bumper profile, and bumper mounting points as I understand?
Also, I wonder if Ben does them in black?

[LRD414]

I wonder if it's a slightly different design between 2011-2014 and MY14+ cars, as there is a difference in the lower bumper profile, and bumper mounting points as I understand?
Also, I wonder if Ben does them in black?
The design fits all front ends. That's the first query I had and something that was picked up with the prototype one that I have currently installed. You can get any colour powdercoat you want, I'm getting a gunmetal grey. Most people seem to be going with the raw version but I think a grey will tie in better with the front end for my colour.

Scott

[geoffmc]

I installed the APT compressor guard last weekend, pretty simple job, so Scott, can you fit this new guard if you have a bullbar??

I spoke with Ben today and it will require quite a bit of modification if you have a bullbar. I'm keen for one, as they look fantastic. My IID tool arrived today and ill be picking up a set of sliders, compressor guard and trans guard in the next couple of weeks, so a few days of fun work on the cards soon.

cheers
Geoff

[Redback]

I spoke with Ben today and it will require quite a bit of modification if you have a bullbar. I'm keen for one, as they look fantastic. My IID tool arrived today and ill be picking up a set of sliders, compressor guard and trans guard in the next couple of weeks, so a few days of fun work on the cards soon.

cheers
Geoff

Hi Geoff I had a squiz at the website and I reckon this is the guard you use to replace the factory sump guard if you have a bullbar and you retain the guard that comes with the bullbar, that new guard would need that front bit taken off so it would meet the bottom of the bullbar.

[LRD414]

This is mine, going on tomorrow morning.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/90.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VehadP)
I am more excited than is probably normal.

Scott

[Hoss]

What colour powder coat is that Scott?

[LRD414]

What colour powder coat is that Scott?
I chose Gunmetal Kinetic from the Dulux Precious powdercoat range, which is the product recommended by the powdercoater working for APT.
https://duluxpowders.com.au/products/precious/

Scott

[Hoss]

I chose Gunmetal Kinetic from the Dulux Precious powdercoat range, which is the product recommended by the powdercoater working for APT.
Dulux Precious(R) Powder Coat Range (https://duluxpowders.com.au/products/precious/)

Scott

Thanks Scott. Looks great! Cheers

[geoffmc]

Hi Geoff I had a squiz at the website and I reckon this is the guard you use to replace the factory sump guard if you have a bullbar and you retain the guard that comes with the bullbar, that new guard would need that front bit taken off so it would meet the bottom of the bullbar.

Not sure, but Ben did ask if i was getting a Bullbar and if i was it wouldn't fit. It really does look the goods though.

cheers
Geoff

[LRD414]

There is a replacement sump guard that would probably fit with a bullbar. From the front it goes: front plate > sump plate > transmission plate. The front plate would clash with the bullbar but the next two would most likely fit, unless the bullbar requires removal of the factory sump plate.

Scott

[Redback]

There is a replacement sump guard that would probably fit with a bullbar. From the front it goes: front plate > sump plate > transmission plate. The front plate would clash with the bullbar but the next two would most likely fit, unless the bullbar requires removal of the factory sump plate.

Scott

I forgot the link to the sump guard[bigwhistle]

With bullbar
APT Engine Sump Guard | Discovery 3 and 4 (http://aptoffroad.com.au/browse-catalogue/discovery-3-4/product/301-apt-engine-sump-guard-discovery-3-and-4/category_pathway-36)

[LRD414]

Not the best photos but best I've got just now. Rest assured it looks absolutely excellent in real life.
The profile of the plate is well designed, it matches the bumper trim nicely but it's also the lowest thing so that it gets hit first.
Also good drainage to flush out any mud/sand.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/78.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Wr48tq)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/79.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Vg6nTi)

Scott

[rar110]

Matches perfectly.

[Owen]

I have done the full armadillo and very happy. Booked the D4 in for a trans birthday at Rova Range (90k, time for a full flush and the filter) and had them fit the plates and sliders same day. Happiest person was my youngest miss 5 who thought the sliders should have come with the vehicle as it's much easier for her to get in and out now !