HOW-TO: Modifying Skid Plate to Make For Easier Oil Changes

[nhparrot]

After reading all the trouble folks were having with changing oil filters (ie: oil running down onto the "skid plate" area) I came up with an idea that solved it for me. I took a 3" hole saw (The kind you put in a drill) and simply drilled a hole through the plastic, directly underneath the filter. It is big enough to get your hand in to remove the filter from underneath the truck. What I do is first loosen the filter a little, then from the topside, place a funnel into the hole (with a catch pan underneath the truck of course) then continue to take the filter off. My funnels "mouth" is big enough to turn the filter over and set it inside to drain. Thats it!! No more mess!! The hole could be left open as is, (It doesn't let much "road doo doo" in due to it's small size and location). You may also do like I did and fashion a rubber 'flap' of sorts from an old inner tube, placing the flap inside the skid plate, and fastening just the front edge of it with rivets to keep the engine bay protected from dirt. I had plans to invent a cap or lid modification to sell, but this was too, too easy! Hope someone can use this tip.

Courtesy of MCTOY