F8 AutoMods Skid Plate Package

After reading a few posts about others adding skid plates to their F8s, I decided to take the plunge and to do so as well. There were two different packages/manufacturers I considered: AutoMods and ScrapeArmor. I spoke with both companies and opted to go with AutoMods for the following reasons:

1. I have a lift, so the skid plates are belt and suspenders.

2. The AutoMods package does not require the addition of any new screws to attach the plates to the underside of the car. While I was not opposed to the idea since the new screws are under the vehicle, I did not want to take any chances with the installation.

3. The ScrapeArmor plate is 1/2" thick, while the AutoMods plates are only 1/4" thick. Since I have a lift on my F8, I did not feel that the extra 1/4" thickness of the ScrapeArmor plate would be a benefit to me. I do not "plan" to routinely scrape the underside and always use my lift when in doubt. I would say that the ScrapeArmor plate seems substantially "beefier" in comparison to the AutoMod plates - see below for additional context.

4. Since the ScrapeArmor plate is 1/2" thick, it requires silicone to "ease" the edge. I know my skills with silicone are not great in terms of appearance, therefore this was a strong negative for me.

5. The AutoMods package includes three separate plates. Each plate attaches via a 3M tape product. I had concerns about the strength and durability of the tape. I don't drive in the snow or hard rains so I was not too concerned about the weather impact. My sense is that once this tape is on, it is on. In fact AutoMods told me that the only way to remove the plates is to cut through the tape with wire. Evidently they are coming out with a removal kit - essentially wire with handles on each end. Once the plates are removed, there will be tape residue that also must be removed.

6. The AutoMods plates being separate plates and only 1/4 inch thick should ease with the installation and the ability of the plate to "follow" the underside of my vehicle.

7. The AutoMods website lists the package weight at 46 lbs. Not even close. I would guess that the plates may add under 3 pounds. This must be a typo. Perhaps total package weight is 4 - 6 pounds with the other items included. Definitely not 46 lbs. The plates are made out of some type of plastic/polymer. They appear to be durable, but they are VERY light in weight.

8. Along with the plates, AutoMods includes a ceramic cleaner, gloves, and a general cleaner/surface prep solution.

9. My car is fully wrapped. As such, I will need to cut back part of the wrap under the bumper. The 3M tape should not be adhered to the PPF.

I ordered the product via AutoMods website and received the package within four (4) days of my order via "free" shipping.

I am posting some photos of the products and will post photos of the install and final result once I complete the project.

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So I agree with you on the 3M tape sticking to the PPF - the tape will stick to almost anything. I have about a 1 inch return of the PPF under my front bumper. I spoke to Becky at AutoMods - she is the wife of the owner - and told her that my car was fully wrapped. She recommended "cutting back" the PPF under the bumper so that the tape would adhere to the bumper and not the PPF. I think the concern was the skid plate pulling on the PPF. I am taking my car to a PPF installer in two weeks - to use their lift and will ask them as well. I will report back with complete photos of the install, etc. Stand by. Thanks for your feedback!

 

I am posting the installation instructions in case any one is interested. I will post installation photos later this week.

 

I finally had my skid plates installed. I went to my detailer - Motorcar Paint Protection. Step one was to slightly cut back the PPF that was wrapped around and under the front and side lower bumper areas. Step two was to clean the underside with the supplied solutions. Step three was to install the skid plates - which come as three separate pieces. The entire installation process took no more than 40 minutes. My detailer was very impressed with the double stick tape cuts and the strength of the double stick tape. He slightly got one portion of a finger on the tape and had to pull more than he thought to release his finger tip.

After installation and looking down you cannot see any portion of the skid plates. To actually see them, you need to get on the ground and to look up from the underside of the car or you must look straight at the bumper profile.

For anyone looking for an easy install and no bumper modifications, AutoMods is definitely a product worth considering.


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I had mine installed by a company that does PPF, ceramic, etc.

My F8 was fully PPF, so some of it had to be cut back a bit as it wrapped around and under the bumper. You do not want to adhere the double stick tape to the PPF.

The install challenge is to be able to get under the car. In my opinion you really need a lift for easy access, alignment of the plates, etc. Also to really ensure that the plate double stick tape is properly adhered to, the bumper surface needs to be very clean.

With the lift and not rushing the entire process was not more than 20 minutes.

My car was recently in for state inspection and one year maintenance. No issues from my dealer.

 

Interesting.

This is from my prior post #7 above:

"So I agree with you on the 3M tape sticking to the PPF - the tape will stick to almost anything. I have about a 1 inch return of the PPF under my front bumper. I spoke to Becky at AutoMods - she is the wife of the owner - and told her that my car was fully wrapped. She recommended "cutting back" the PPF under the bumper so that the tape would adhere to the bumper and not the PPF. I think the concern was the skid plate pulling on the PPF. I am taking my car to a PPF installer in two weeks - to use their lift and will ask them as well. I will report back with complete photos of the install, etc. Stand by. Thanks for your feedback!"

The team that installed my PPF also recommended cutting back the PPF - 1. If I ever want/need to remove the PPF this will make it easier if the skid plates are adhered directly to the bumper and 2. I did not want to take a chance of the skid plate "pulling" on the PPF. Another reason why I went back to the PPF installer. They quickly and easily cut back the PPF and then followed the AutoMods instructions to install the skid plates.

My sense is that there is enough of the double stick tape on the skid plates in areas other than the portion that is on the PPF, so the chances of an issue are probably slim. I just wanted zero chance of an issue.

 

I paid $125.00 for the installation.