Freelander 1 Engine Sump Cover

A few threads on this one, having got fed up with dropping the existing lump of ally on my chest every time I want to 'play' or do maintenance on my Freelander fleet - I made up some of these.

Checkerplate 2mm x 880mm x 600mm

4 off No 14 10mm head self tappers and clips

Follow photos for build. Took about 1.5 hours each.
Now plate comes off with 6 off 10mm head screws.
You could upgrade the plastic retaining brackets - but I left them to reduce resonance. I have since added a soundproof pad on the inside to reduce reflected noise.

Plate ready for cutting.
Drill out old rivets to remove fibre-board.
Remove and keep rear brackets.
Remove fibre-board
Cut checker plate as marked from original.
Bend front edge - as original.
Mount old brackets to rear edge.
Fit self tapper clippy things to brackets.
Screw new plate onto clips and job done.
Refit frame to car and one tool and 2 mins and you are in !!!

Cost around £25 each to buy materials.

I nice job

Looks nice, although I still think the chequer plate needs to be smooth side down. It's designed to grip, which isn't helpful if it's sliding on its belly over mud.

I don't think that Andy had sliding over mud holes in mind with this modification? As you say, the chequer plate might grip the mud, and with plastic brackets, it would likely be pulled off (which happened to my car's under tray).

As I want to do some green-laning and light off road work, my under tray/ sump guard is smooth, and uses the same alloy as its own brackets. It also removes the rear brackets and bolts directly to the car.

As a method of making servicing easier it isn't - but I don't find dropping the under tray that difficult. But then my other cars are MGFs, and to get to the engine involves unbolting a large inspection plate, so really the Freelander is a doodle in comparison! LOL

Can't remember the last time I slid on my belly in mud - think it was an odd party a few years back !!!