1951 Ford skid plate

5

51shoeboxer

Senior Member
My 1951 convertible is missing the skid plate from the front of the chassis. Anyone know where I can find one? Thanks
 
I've had '51 Fords since 1957 and don't know what you mean by "skid plate". Granted, none of them were convertibles, but I can't see such an appurtenance being convertible only. Can you clarify what you're looking for?
 
Ah, the air deflector under the radiator.
First part tossed by the repair technician when he had to work on the radiator or water pumps.
 
This?

1949-1951 Ford Lower Radiator Pan

0000647_1949-1951-ford-lower-radiator-pan.jpg
 
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No, I think "nelsb01" is referring to the sheet metal plate behind the bottom of the radiator. I bolts to the frame rails. It is almost flat but has some creases in it to add rigidity. It also has a hole in it for the radiator petcock to drain through.

I can see why some lazy mechanics might remove it and not put it back. It makes accessing the water pumps and lower hoses from below difficult.
 
petehoovie said:
This?

1949-1951 Ford Lower Radiator Pan

0000647_1949-1951-ford-lower-radiator-pan.jpg
Click to expand...

No, that's not the skid plate. The skid plate is made of thicker steel and bolts to the bottom and top of the frame at the very front. Its function is the raise the frame (car) if the car encounters an obstruction, such as a large rock. I will try to get a photo of the skid plate.
 
It sounds like an add-on by 'Bubba" to me. I would like to see a photo if you can get one.
 
I agree with tubman. Your vehicle wasn't once entered in the Pan-American Race in Mexico was it?
 
To me, that looks more like an air shield for the radiator. To help maximize flow through the radiator with a shroud. It looks to thin and higher than the front cross member to act as a skid plate. Anyhow, I’ve learned something new…..Thank You! None of the Shoeboxes I’ve had, have had one………….Mark
 
Thanks for the response, Mark, as I don't really know anything about it. All I know is I can't get to the radiator from below with it attached.
 
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