Our New Smart Shield For MK4 Golf, Jetta & Beetle

[EVONELLY]

What's crazy is it can still handle this abuse right down to -90C.

We have done a lot more testing and filmed it all. I can't wait to post the next video.

 

[gforce1108]

This seems to be my best bet... I can not fit a 'traditional' skid plate due to my intercooler tubing interfering with the new side mounts they come with. I have stock side covers that have been modified but the OE plastic belly pan still fits.

Perhaps this along with the mini skid plate that bolts to the pan from another vendor?

UPDATE - order placed....

 

[kiwibru]

Hit something with mine. Did not even know it until I removed it for an engine work session. Saw a minor scratch or two but I was so blown away by how flexible and tough this unit is! Runs circles around anything else I have used! Thanks for a great product Neil!

 

[EVONELLY]

No problem at all.

 

[Enabled]

Nice product! What happened to the one that was driven over with the Duramax and the big rig?

Interested in selling that one?

 

[EVONELLY]

It still has a job to do.

Were taking some more video of this Smart Shield so it won't be for sale.

At $190 it is a really good price though.

 

[gforce1108]

I installed mine last weekend (04 Jetta). Very nice! It took me just a little more time than it should have but that's because I have an aftermarket side cover and my old shield was so beat I had moved the mounting locations. Installed the included clips where they were missing (had to drill some holes in the ECS side cover) and it's mounted solid! I gained about an inch of clearance because the old one was sagging.

FYI - the front mount is a little different than my old one. I have an 03 and 04 side by side and there are extra mounting tabs at the front of the 04. There is a 'filler' piece between the bumper cover and the skid plate. Your plate did not have these mounting locations so I'll drill some holes (still have bumper off working on headlights).

Hopefully I don't get the chance to test it, but I can tell it's much stronger than the OEM piece. This was my only option with the FMIC plumbing.

 

[gforce1108]

Quick picture of mine installed - stock one was droopy and hung lower. This one fit perfectly other than the missing screw holes I mentioned in the previous post (easily remedied). This shows the additional transition piece my 04 has that bridges between the lower bumper and the underbelly pan:
Screws in the top of pic are in the lower bumper. 4 screws attach the transition piece to the lower shield (2 use existing holes in the side, 2 others screw in the middle, missing holes).


04 bumper cover and transition piece:

If these 2 additional mounting points were added, it'd be a direct fit on the 04+ cars.

 

[EVONELLY]

Awesome pics and feedback.

I will look into getting these holes added to the next run we do.

 

[GreenLantern_TDI]

I run a Panzer plate over the factory belly pan for splash and impact resistance. Had one of these been avalible for my MKV Jetta i woulda hands down got the Smart Sheild. Looks clean.

 

[panthers89fan90]

Does anyone know the screw size for the smart shield screws?

 

[kiwibru]

I swapped out the provided screws and used OEM T25 Torx (N-907-750-01) along with OEM Speed nuts (N-015-458-1). The T25 has a wider head and provides better coverage.

 

[panthers89fan90]

I swapped out the provided screws and used OEM T25 Torx (N-907-750-01) along with OEM Speed nuts (N-015-458-1). The T25 has a wider head and provides better coverage.

Thanks for the part numbers!

 

[EVONELLY]

Going with the T25 Torx is just fine. In fact they work with the Speed Clips that came in the kit as well.

They are the same thread and pitch.

Cheers.

 

[Enabled]

Nice product! What happened to the one that was driven over with the Duramax and the big rig?

Interested in selling that one?

It still has a job to do.

Were taking some more video of this Smart Shield so it won't be for sale.

At $190 it is a really good price though.

Well I bought one after being tired of having little pebbles in my engine bay, shredding my accessory belt.

I was afraid this thing would not be strong enough to withstand road debris or rock impact...

but I can honestly say it is thick and sturdy enough to protect the oil pan from a puncture. Can't wait to get it on the car.

 

[shakescreek]

Are these still available? Can't seem to find them on your website.

 

[kiwibru]

Have you tried emailing Neil (or calling...)

 

[shakescreek]

Thought I'd try asking here first, but since they haven't responded I just sent them an email. Will post back here what I find out.

 

[EVONELLY]

Hi all.

Bora Parts cleared us out of all our Smart Shields recently. Here is a link to them on there site:

http://shopping.boraparts.com/produ...cts_id=1623&osCsid=b4ek8tb9acm7ac8k7lcse8r282

We may be discontinuing this part but won't be making an official decision for 1-2 months.

Cheers.