T5 Bashplate

[Shortbus]

I had a quick look underneath my transporter today as I am getting some coilovers done and wanted to have a quick perv at the general underside and suspension. The underside looks nice and clean without too much to get snagged on, but I noticed the lowest thing in the front looks like its the aircon compressor. It seems to stick out probably half an inch lower than anything else, and then the next bits are the engine pan and i presume transmission. All of which look expensive to replace if I give them a good knock, which isn't unlikely as I'm liable to be driving on a few dirt roads, and a good knock is possible especially if I lower it Any good bashplates on the market? A quick google didn't give me much joy.

[Sunny43.5]

We have two transporters a T5 128kw diesel auto and a 2.0 lt petrol manual , I have had a look under both as I was confused by your statement that what looks like a aircon compressor is showing . As both ours do not have anything exposed at all there is a large flat plastic underbody cover which completly covers everything , the only exception was our diesel which had a fuel cooler directly behind the passengers front wheel and was exposed and mounted on the underside of the plastic cover [stupid place as ours was eventually holed by a stone ] any way I might be wrong as there may have been some changes on later models . Howard

[4wheels]

Auto-Siekel in Germany, available here through Trakka, have them for their óff-road' pack campers. Not cheap though. May even be worth trying your friendly local dealer, as some underbody protection is now available overseas at least, I think.
The óff-road' pack was a stretch too far when I got my Trakkadu, but I've taken it off-road a bit, and found that the fuel tank straps seem to be the most vulnerable area. Fortunately cheap to replace, but it would be an embarrasment if you dropped the tank right out. I've now made a smooth sheet metal skid plate for that area.

Let's know if you find anything interesting.

Brian R.

[rob64981]

While searching the net for the info you are after I came across this website...

Volkswagen Transporter T5

Rob

[Transporter]

I would preffer one made localy and would explore that option before would go Trakka way.

[hoddy]

Yes, I was very concerned about the lack of any sump-guard on the new T5GPs, and yes it is the air-con unit which is the most exposed.

Check out my previous post for details of the engine guard that I had made by a business in Ferntree Gully, Vic.
From memoery it was around the $ 500 mark. They should be able to freight to WA.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f136/t5-2-engine-guard-47530.html

[haro]

YIKES !! That is VERY expensive for a simple piece of metal !

I would be taking it to a fabricater / metal shop and asking the guys there to weld one up for you using some decent steel. Would be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying some fancy schmancy item from overseas or whatever.

Bash plates are pretty simple things so no need to get too carried away with them. Once the guys have it up on a hoist they would be able to figure it out pretty quickly.

Good luck.

[Sunny43.5]

Yes, I was very concerned about the lack of any sump-guard on the new T5GPs, and yes it is the air-con unit which is the most exposed.

Check out my previous post for details of the engine guard that I had made by a business in Ferntree Gully, Vic.
From memoery it was around the $ 500 mark. They should be able to freight to WA.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...ard-47530.html

Okay so from this see that there is not the same under engine tranny protection on the newer ones that were standard on the earlier ones , is that correct if so it seems like a backwards step as even the older T4 had a metal one under it !!!! Howard

[Shortbus]

Thanks hoddy, that plate looks like it would do the trick and give me some piece of mind. Might have to give the guys there a call. It mounted to all original bolt holes, so no drilling, tapping or anything is required?

[T5Pete]

like this one?

[Shortbus]

That one looks good too t5pete, what the damage for one?

[T5Pete]

dunno, just saw reference to it on a uk forum, think it's VW germany product tho. maybe motexion can get you one over.

[bobf]

I was also after a bash plate without much success - followed up Hoddy's supplier but he was no longer making them - finally contacted local VW dealer and they had a heavy duty plastic "pan" for Multivan that fits transporter. Fits nicely and whilst I wouldn't want to hit a large rock at 100k it is more than adequate to stop sticks and stones hitting the vital parts, and would probably handle a low speed solid impact OK. Cost $215 plus GST, part # 7E0805687. VW supplied bolts to fit (M8x25) cost about $2 each.

[Sunny43.5]

Again I ask the question why have VW deleted what has been fitted standard to T4,s for nearly ten years then they fitted them standard to T5,s for 4 or 5 years and now none at all what gives ??? . Maybe they are hoping we will go out and cop a rock into a vital part and go back to VW for an expensive repair because someone decides not to provide basic protection . Howard

[Shortbus]

Thanks bobf, I just ordered one. Hopefully it's hardy enough for the job.

Howard, gotta agree, with the compressor sticking out like that right at the front of the car, you woulda thunk they could have supplied at least the plastic plate for protection.