Skid Plate

[AlexJet]

I was thinking of making custom made Skid Plate for my 4Runner. “Real” skid plate which should replace thin stock one (already bent in many places) and go over transfer case.
I’m a little bit confused in two things regarding skid plate:
1. Thickness. How thick Skid Plate should be 1/8”, 3/16”, ¼” or something else? What about weight? Is ¼” will be too heavy?
2. Material. What material should I use for the Skid Plate? I like original “steel” color for it. This means no painting it to anything; I also don't want it look rusty in a time.
Here is an image of IFS skid plate on BudBuilt website. I’m looking for something like that one.

http://www.budbuilt.com/new/images/ifs_front_skid.jpg

[bulldog]

Best to speak to a fabber on this.

A thinner plate with support brackes will probably be stronger adn save some weight. I will be much more effort to produce.

No_IP actually made interesting skid out of poly. He showed some pics.

Most people just seemto use mild steel as it is easier to work with and provide good strength. Cost should be OK too. Paint it and touch it up form time to time.

[AlexJet]

So, how thick should I go?

[Jared]

Budbuild uses 3/16's and from what I've heard, it definitely holds up.