Another satisfied Dieselgeek Panzer customer...

[Dieselgeek]

Thanks for that, Paramedick!

 

[TDI'watcher]

The Panzer took some blows this weekend. Constant freezing rain, sleet and snow. The highways were full of ice chunks off semi trucks and I must have 'ping'ed three of them off the plate just yesterday.

Fine product and some peace of mind.

 

[40X40]

Re: Panzer Plate for A5s,

Thank you Jim for a fine product. It went on easy and stays put. I've
been bustin' slush balls for the last few weeks here in MO.
The peace of mind is most welcome! Great directions too. GT in Sedalia
MO put it on during my 20,000 service.

Bill

 

[Dieselgeek]

Very good stuff! I appreciate the good words...

 

[MWVDUB]

I received mine in the mail three days after I ordered it. Haven't had the weather to install it yet but it will be installed on Saturday come rain snow or wind (I love Wyoming). Just got the Kerma modiifed front mount to fit around the Eurojet FMIC so I hope for an easy install. Looks like a great product to go along with great customer service.

 

[mel72349]

I bought a Panzer Skid Plate for my 2K6 NB TDI, but hadn't installed it for several weeks because of our recent nasty weather.

Last Sunday I resolved to get the job done. It started out a balmy 38 degrees with gusting wind. That was the high-the temp dropped to around 33 by the time I finished. At least it wasn't raining or snowing.

I didn't run into any major problems, just a couple minor grinder mods to address a bracket mounting interference. I had to make about a 1/4 inch relief in the driver-side post flanged foot, and also notched the riv nut. There is a conduit mounting bracket up against the frame rail where the post foot must mount flush. A quick grind, then a shot of black paint-not a big deal. It may only apply to the New New Beetle (2K6) since it wasn't addressed in the instructions, which were very complete.

I added some Dynamat sound-deadening material to the top of the plate to help dampen any vibrations. The installation went well, although what should have taken an hour and a half were it warm outside, ended up about three and a half bone-cold hours laying under the car.

But now it's done, and I'm quite satisfied with the product and feel much more confident with the protection the plate affords during our daily commute through the mean streets of Dee Cee. I feel the money and time was well-spent.

 

[pghPAtdi]

I feel the money and time was well-spent.

I feel the same way. It's rare that you actually feel like that after shelling out a few hundred dollars for something you can't even look at or see once it's installed.

Dave

 

[jasonTDI]

I hear that a few times a week as I sell at least that many plates. Yes, I stock them.

 

[djnelsontdi]

I installed a Panzer plate from DieselGeek this weekend. My Jetta came with the Auto Trans cover missing and after the last two snowstorms the plastic one took a beating. I also replaced the side skirts because the right one was in poor shape. If left alone and replaced with a stock one, it would have been OK. Because I choose to replace the stock one with a metal one, I ordered the skirts. I installed the plate myself and because of how particular I am about what I do, I took longer than what most would to do the job.
Here are my observations:
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]I like the large rivnuts.
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Front posts are impressive, well designed.
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]From an engineering stand point, 3/16 thick plate may be a bit of an over kill here, but it may be a blessing if I hit something. .125, 1/8 inch thick may do here.
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]All holes in plate aligned-up as they should.
The only thing disappointing was the gap between the skirts at the front and the radius of the metal plate. At this location you have to use long sheet metal screw to secure the side skirts. I think it could have been better formed here. It wouldn’t be that hard to do.
Now that it is installed, I have found out I have to be extra careful how I enter and exit my driveway. I have always had to careful, but now more-so. We have a relatively steep driveway. The plate will hit the driveway and let me know if I didn’t approach or exit it right. I may have to install a lift kit.

 

[J double R]

ahh... no more pucker effect when i see a pothole or unavoidable object in the road!

 

[robbinsresort]

Outstanding product!

I installed my panzer plate yesterday and was very impressed with the entire process. I could tell Jim had spent a great deal of time on the design, fit, and finish of the plate. The instructions were to the letter and the pictures helped immensely. I haven't seen an aftermarket product that links up so well with the oem items around it in a very long time.

I have a feeling it'll be worth every penny. Not to mention the fact that I'm helping a small business owner and fellow Texan.

Chris Robbins
Fort Worth, TX

edit: I also purchased a Pela 6000, which came directly from Pela. Jim's price is competitive with every major distributor I checked, including my favorite - Cabela's. Shipping on both items was lightning fast and I received tracking info on both items.

 

[arvina]

any way we can pick it up to save on shipping?

 

[jasonTDI]

I have found out I have to be extra careful how I enter and exit my driveway. I have always had to careful, but now more-so. We have a relatively steep driveway. The plate will hit the driveway and let me know if I didn’t approach or exit it right. I may have to install a lift kit.

You just need new struts.

 

[djnelsontdi]

If it was just the stuts, I would have replace them long ago. If you seen the driveway entrance at the curb you'ld understand. The Focus we had and now the HHR we have will scrape the airdam if you are to aggressive entering or leaving the driveway at the wrong angle. I would not be surprised if the Evo plate did the same.

 

[Dieselgeek]

any way we can pick it up to save on shipping?

Sorry, no since shipping to Texans is so cheap and I can't have my mad scientist brainstorming sessions interrupted! Seriously, if you are in Brazoria county it is much more cost effective and time-effective to have the Panzer shipped.

 

[treetopflyer]

[FONT=&quot]Geekster! Thanks for a well designed and executed product. After 2 moves I finally got to install my P-plate on my 01 NB. I'm in the desert now and the NB is woefully lacking clearance for the dirt roads I must travel now. I figure if something takes 1.5 hours to install, I'd better plan on 4, took just over an hour (had access to a lift)! Zero issues, did not have to remove/relocate any bracketry. Directions are thorough and I recommend that those contemplating this install view the "how to” video clips on this site. I will definitely recommend your products and excellent service to all in need....Doug[/FONT]

 

[arvina]

Sorry, Seriously, if you are in Brazoria county it is much more cost effective and time-effective to have the Panzer shipped.

how do you figure?
i drive a tdi?

 

[TDI'watcher]

You just need new struts.

The difference is definately there after changing my sagged 100,000 mile OEMs to some Bilsteins.

This plate is still a must. The non-cringe factor for roadkill and ice debris let alone the washed out railroad tracks.

This product is good enough that a geek like me can drop it in the middle of winter in an unheated garage and change the oil and get it back on before freezing myself. The initial install was a breeze too.

 

[jdjaustin]

Same here...

I didn't run into any major problems, just a couple minor grinder mods to address a bracket mounting interference. I had to make about a 1/4 inch relief in the driver-side post flanged foot, and also notched the riv nut. There is a conduit mounting bracket up against the frame rail where the post foot must mount flush. A quick grind, then a shot of black paint-not a big deal. It may only apply to the New New Beetle (2K6) since it wasn't addressed in the instructions, which were very complete.

I ran into that too on my 2k2 NB. I sat there for 10 minutes wondering what to do... then tugged on the bracket and it pulled right off; when I had finished mounting the post, the bracket fit right back on the screw(?) where it was mounted, so no mod to the post was necessary. The instructions suggested removing the horn assembly and all that, but that wasn't necessary for me either.

The whole install took a couple hours on ramps in near-freezing cold, although this time quote included several non-related distractions. The hardest part was torquing the rivnuts; I think I'm still sore from it. I don't want to know what the install would have been like without the rivnut tool...

It definitely was worth it. I had been driving without the OEM plate for several weeks, after it decided to finally lose it's last leg (er, flimsy torx screw connection). Funny how it happened: I stopped at a gas station, got out of the car, and noticed the OEM plate was sitting in front of my car thanks to inertia. Now, I have a nice aluminum insurance policy; quite an upgrade from the expensive plastic excuse for a "skid plate". I've hit several bumps/humps since then, and the plate takes the hits very well.

 

[B100]

I installed my Panzer today. It fits great, and DG's instructions made the job very straightforward. I need to get one of those socket extensions that can "wobble" on the socket, to secure the one bolt behind the stud on the passenger side.

Oh! I didn't expect the SPROING when the plate snapped into place against the rear frame as I torqued the bolts, but I should have seen it coming. My only complaint is I wish I had a proper lift to work on the car, it definitely sucks working without much clearance for my body.

 

[jhas50]

Love my Panzer, makes me smile every time I hear it working.

Thanks Jim!

 

[jainsaab]

need a part

hey....my mechanic took off my plate too do some cleaning and other stuff and lost a part..

he lost the main center tubebolt thing with the spring in it...

baaahhhhhhhh

any idea on what can be used or about replacements

thanks

 

[Dieselgeek]

hey....my mechanic took off my plate too do some cleaning and other stuff and lost a part..

he lost the main center tubebolt thing with the spring in it...

baaahhhhhhhh

any idea on what can be used or about replacements

thanks

Not sure what part you are referring to but gimme a ring on Monday at 210 852 4819 and we'll figure it out. Also send me an email today to jim@dieselgeek.com.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[JSWTDI09]

Not sure what part you are referring to but gimme a ring on Monday at 210 852 4819 and we'll figure it out. Also send me an email today to jim@dieselgeek.com.

Thanks,
Jim

Dieselgeek's products are excellent, but THIS is the best thing about the company. The support is nothing short of outstanding! Jim even answers emails on weekends, and he is always willing to help. I know this from personal experience. KUDOS!

Don

 

[adamant628]

Been driving over a lot of snow and ice that I'm sure were itching to take off my oil pan. I felt fine having my DG panzer plate under me though.

Thanks!

 

[Dee-Bug]

Just received my Panzer plate and side shields this week. Can't wait to get it installed...Looks like a nice substantial unit. It's going to give me a good peace of mind..

 

[hevster1]

Quite a while back, I hit something on 31 north coming out of Washington NJ. Whatever it was it sent my NB up in the air and scared the crap out of me. It bent the plate up about 4 inches to where it was touching my trans. Unquestionably it saved my trans. It is an excellent product.

 

[Dee-Bug]

Quite a while back, I hit something on 31 north coming out of Washington NJ. Whatever it was it sent my NB up in the air and scared the crap out of me. It bent the plate up about 4 inches to where it was touching my trans. Unquestionably it saved my trans. It is an excellent product.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Our roads are rural type roads and we have I-80 that we drive allot. I almost ran over a deer carcass on 80 once and that was enough. My wife will be the primary driver of the car so I just want to cover my butt if the unfortunate happens. Can't wait to get the timing job done then the install of the Panzer..

 

[B100]

I've rolled over all manner of rocks in the desert with the Panzer on my non-lifted Golf, and explored rutted jeep roads, with no damage. It's pretty reassuring to know my oil pan is protected.

 

[runonbeer]

Last week I ran straight into a median leaving a gas station in heavy rain. I was leaving a different way since the pump I normally use was being rained on. Didn't even see it coming. Just plowed right into the thing. Knocked a bumper insert out and killed the motor. Started back up and slowly backed off.

Drove it back to the shop and put it on the lift. About 3 new gouges in the panzer and that's it. I was so happy! I called Jim the next day to thank him.

Funny part is, I had just ordered 2 panzers and FMJ kits that day to re stock.

Awesome product!