Mabett | Shield Cover for Underbody Cavity Behind Left Rear Tire Available Now!

[BeardedMarine]

Got mine installed today, wasn't too bad. I did get different hardware as mentioned in this thread. I also got some 1/2" x 13 spring clips from Zoro to replace the 12mm spring clips. I did have some trouble at first getting the holes of the two small brackets to line up. What I ended up doing is loosen the first panel you install then fit and adjust the small brackets till everything lined up on the second panel. Loosely installed all the hardware then tightened everything up.

I had to use a breaker bar to loosen the two bigger bolts from the factory.

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[Toddman45]

Update with some experience and recommendations:

I had previously mentioned using different hardware. I definitely recommend this. The hardware I got from Home Depot and was relatively inexpensive for being "specialty" hardware flange bolts ($10). Regular hardware would have been much less and even that I recommend over the hardware that comes with it, but the think the serrated flange bolts are the best approach and eliminate the need for extra washers and lock washers. Here are the correct sizes:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...-Steel-Flange-Bolt-2-per-Bag-802528/204281407
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...-Flange-Bolt-2-Piece-per-Bag-840198/205011282

When I went to change the hardware, I discovered pine needles and water on top of the plates -- after just driving through one rain storm. These definitely need some added foam to really do their job. This is because the bottom of the truck isn't flat, where the plates are. I had added a small strip up front but they need a little more around the diagonal cuts at the front in order to really seal the front. Notice how the diagonal areas have much more foam that the straight front edge -- the gaps there are larger. Without anything there you will have big gaps and basically trap moisture and dirt and other junk inside there. Hard to explain but if you want to wait until you install it you will see what I mean. I still like the design, but this is a big flaw. I probably could have still used another piece on the inside corner of the front, but it is much better than it was. Here is how I added the foam:

You can see where the foam seals when installed. Without the foam you will have big open gaps. This really needs to be added in order to work the way it is intended. Here is how it now looks installed (also notice new hardware):

And finally another shot with the rest of the new hardware:

There is really only a single factory bolt removed other than the big bumper bolts. I didn't think that bolt was really all that important for torque, but the bumper bolts I did add a little more loctite and torque to 85 foot pounds.

In summary -- really nicely made piece, but I find the hardware lacking and most importantly it doesn't quite seal the way it should in order to really work effectively. But a little foam takes care of that. Overall, glad I got it and installed it.

I guess I'm going to have to do this as well to mine as I already got rust on the small black bolts @Mabbet included.

 

[MABETT]

I guess I'm going to have to do this as well to mine as I already got rust on the small black bolts @Mabbet included.

I've received this issue and will report it immediately. Also, is this the only bolt that has rusted?

 

[Toddman45]

I've received this issue and will report it immediately. Also, is this the only bolt that has rusted?

Sadly, no. All included bolts have rust as well as the cage inserts. This was one snow, and 3 washes since install.

 

[Toddman45]

@MABETT if a replacement coated bolt set is offered that would be great if one could be sent out.

 

[Hammer]

agreed. @MABETT. If updated bolt kit is created, I would like a set sent to me to swap mine out. Thanks.

 

[MABETT]

@MABETT if a replacement coated bolt set is offered that would be great if one could be sent out.

We’ve received the feedback and are currently working on resolving this issue.

 

[jb_cb900]

Does this shield actually "seal" this cavity or just deflect most of the water and debris tossed up by the tire?

 

[MABETT]

Does this shield actually "seal" this cavity or just deflect most of the water and debris tossed up by the tire?

Our goal is to seal that area.

 

[Tbone289]

Sadly, no. All included bolts have rust as well as the cage inserts. This was one snow, and 3 washes since install.

I looked at mine last weekend and, sadly, I have the same issue. All of the included bolts have rusted. My area has had no snow or road treatment.

 

[MABETT]

I looked at mine last weekend and, sadly, I have the same issue. All of the included bolts have rusted. My area has had no snow or road treatment.

Sorry to hear about the rust issue. We’re currently looking into solutions to address this.

 

[Nw_adventure]

Got mine during the intro sale, at this point it just seems like a hassle trying to deal with 2 separate pieces, hardware that's not up to the task. Now bolts are rusting. Probably will return and wait for version 2.0 -

 

[C'ville]

I've ordered bolts and washers made of 316 stainless steel to use as replacements. They shouldn't rust from water or salt. Now I'll need the weather to be warm and dry enough to crawl back under the truck to install them. Maybe I'll even enlarge the smaller mounting holes so they will align better with the bracket holes.

 

[Nw_adventure]

I've ordered bolts and washers made of 316 stainless steel to use as replacements. They shouldn't rust from water or salt. Now I'll need the weather to be warm and dry enough to crawl back under the truck to install them. Maybe I'll even enlarge the smaller mounting holes so they will align better with the bracket holes.

Good luck - I punted.

 

[AlpineKid74]

I've ordered bolts and washers made of 316 stainless steel to use as replacements. They shouldn't rust from water or salt. Now I'll need the weather to be warm and dry enough to crawl back under the truck to install them. Maybe I'll even enlarge the smaller mounting holes so they will align better with the bracket holes.

This is what I would have done at the get go, installation.

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