Hi everyone. I recently started changing my own oil and noticed that the skid plate is in pretty bad shape. It's missing bolts and the bolts that are left do not tighten very well. I fear that the threads are becoming stripped. So, what should I do...any suggestions?

I've been looking for a skid plate online, but I'm having difficulty finding one for sale. Is this something that I'm only going to find at the dealer? How important is it anyway to have this plate? There are lots of cars without one. Also, if I do get one that is in better condition (new or used I don't care) what can I do about the bolt threads being worn down so much?

Any help is appreciated.

 

Could try Myswedishparts.com or IPD. IPD has a metal one.
http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-V50/Exte...-124-416-4679/

Stan

 

A skid plate is very important. Whatever beating it takes is a beating the bottom of your engine doesn't take. It may also affect air flow through the engine compartment not to mention keeping it cleaner. It is a prudent decision to find a replacement. I too recently purchased my 2007 v50 (loving it) and one of the first things I did was change the oil. I found it much more involved to have to raise the car to drop the skid plate to drain the oil. I am used to my 245. I noticed that the screws don't get a good bite and thought that could be a problem in time. I don't think they are meant to crank down to hard on them. That is because you are screwing into plastic and not metal in some places. Though I am not so sure about the screws toward the rear. I don't think your screws are stripped as much as the holes they go into are getting larger. I would look to increasing their size a tad. Any good hardware store would have a good selection of such screws, self tapping or sheet metal screws. If you don't increase the size, order some replacements from your Volvo dealer when you order your skid plate.
John
98 V70, 91 245SE, 07 V50

 

As far as the importance of the skid plate, I was afraid someone would say that. I'll try the larger screws first. After that, I guess it's time to bite the bullet and shell out the dough. It never ends (the expenses...the money could).

Thanks for the responses.

Cheers