Factory Skid Plates

[strokeZ]

I was just quoted $465 for the gas tank skid plate by the local stealer, but see it on line for around $200. Can anyone explain the possible reason for the difference in price?

[LWM]

I do think I paid just under $200 for mine as well, just make sure it is the skid plate with the mount for the transmission plate. $465 might be the complete package.

[strokeZ]

Yeah I just found it online for around $230 delivered. Not sure how the install will go but looks a little tricky - time and patience I guess. I have all the skids except that one. Dealer claims $200 for delivery from CA which is quite high so they must be doing 2nd day delivery or something.

[Sal-XK]

There charging you for delivery and the install hours because you have to drop the gas tank to put it on. I've seen them as low as $150 so just do it your self man. I like to get quotes on service then do it my self and add up my cost and then laugh at how much money I save. I put top end brakes on my wifes car and bought jack stands and still saved $300 doing it myself $300 in my pocket blows my mind.

[strokeZ]

Yeah and then I also look at it like this - so I need some tools to do the install and even if it costs the same I leave with a job well done and tools to boot! I have seen people quote on the other forum that they have had it installed for $40. The install instructions quote 1/2 hour to do the job, so that might be right, but seems really low to me.

[LWM]

I did pay to have that one installed but I do not rememebr what I paid any longer (it was 4 years ago).

[Sal-XK]

The cool thing is you don't have to buy new tools unless you want to. The parts store usually has a wide variety of loaner tools that people usually don't have in there box. I used this doing my wifes breaks, I had a caliper compression tool but the wrong kind for her car. Just went back to Autozone and borrowed the right tool and done in no time.

[strokeZ]

True! I have borrowed spring compressors / etc from those places from time to time. I usually do that comparison when working on the BMW (hard to find loaner tools for many of the quirky fittings). I love to get my hands dirty, unless time is a factor.

One thing I really like about the XK's is that they are pretty easy to work on and there is lots of room!

[strokeZ]

Just to close the thread, installing the fuel tank plate was a major PITA!!! Took most of the day and I had my dunce cap on a few times. What made it really hard was that the superlift drivers side rear arm attachment blocked me from getting to a bolt so it had to come off as well.

[Sal-XK]

Does anyone know if the 4xguard front skid is compatible with the stock skids. It looks like it is from the pics.