Removing tunnel Protectors

[newfie09xtx]

I found this year to be worse than normal for ice buildup. As a result of this I am looking to take off the tunnel protectors and add a block off plate to try and help with this.

1. What do I have to remove to take off the tunnel protectors?

2. Will I notice any difference with a block off plate or is the tunnel protecotrs removed enough?

 

[Mazz]

If you want the protectors off in a hurry you can cut the rear and middle brackets with a small cut off wheel or dremel tool then just grab the back of the protector with a visegrip and twist it and the rivets will break on the front bracket and out they come. Obviously this is the quick and dirty way that I did in the middle of the season so I didn't have to pull my skid, in the spring I pulled the skid and cleaned everything up. IMO I would try removing the protectors and you may find you don't need a block off plate, good luck.

 

[Apex2006]

If you add the block off plate, you can leave the protectors on. I had no ice build up once I riveted the plate in place. Then I went to a rear mount Turbo, had to remove the plate, then had ice build up again! I bought a thin rectangle piece of steel from Ace Hardware and perfectly shaped it with a tin-snip and riveted in place. Worked flawlessly.....