AK Sump Guard

[JON1D]

I have measured a few chassis rails distance and they are all very similar. AK Charlies will fit a Dax ladder (Cleveland engine easy oil filter access from the top and horizontal mount) and a Crendon ( Remote oil filter so no problem is access). The the rail distance will accommodate the same sump guard. The bolts are well clear of any ground clearance so bolts are fine m10 . I know speaking to Charlie in the past he did suggest drilling through the top and bottom of the chassis rail make the fixing a lot stronger. If you hit it a speed it would be more solid.

[chris27_blue]

Anyone tried fabricating and fixing a sump guard to a DAX De Dion chassis?

One of my summer projects methinks.

Its not the sump so much for mine, but for some reason the oil filter, which seems relatively well tucked away, seems to get absolutely battered and bashed. Can only think it must be flying stones, as it is recessed to a degree.

But would also like to protect the sump and other area from flying stones.

My main consideration would be method of fixing any protective plate, as would rather not drill the chassis frame. Apparently there are some sort of "Top Hat" fixings?? Or where else to fix too. Cant weld as may need access in future.

[sinbry]

Hi Barry,

Yes I had the same problem, had the sump off 3 times to get it repaired.
First tried some steel plate running from chassis member in front of engine to gearbox mount, shaped to follow sump contours, this failed as when I grounded the steel plate flexed and hit the sump, another leak.
Finally I made a frame from 30mm square section steel tube, again front cross member to gearbox mount (looks like something from the Forth bridge), left the 8mm steel plate directly under the sump. Has to be removed to change oil. Did loose some ground clearence but at least no more sump repairs. Covers the bottom of the bell housing as well.

Brian

[howardbr]

Many Thanks Mike, that's a great help. I remember Charlie's discussions regarding his sump guard fabrication in the old forum but I was a bit late to the party. A good evening spent in the garage tonight with a cup of T and much measuring. I take your point regarding the oil filter but think I will have clearance with what I have in mind. I don't intend to go with a single piece, the thinking thus far is three bars connecting the chassis rails in steel which I will have powder coated to match the chassis rails so shouldn't need to remove them once fitted and then a removeable stainless steel plate to allow me 1. additional access to the filter and 2. the ability to swap the plate should it be required.

Early days and best laid plans but lets see how the winter project goes. Looks like a 5mm bar and 2mm plate will give the best strength vs clearance compromise

Thanks again

Barry

[Mike Hamblin]

Here you go AK Gen II with LS3 and Tremec gearbox.
Sump guard in stainless steel Designed by AK Charlie.
Chassis drilled and rivinuts fitted then bolted in position, Only down side, I need to remove it, 6 bolts to change the oil filter. Small price to pay to prevent sump damage, and give me peace of mind going over speed humps etc.

[Mike Hamblin]

Hi All,

So my AK with a Chevy 350 lump has been on the road 10 years now since I built it and probably more by luck than judgement my sump has escaped with the odd scrape and odd dent  . I think its time for me to source/fabricate/adapt a sump guard of some description. Would be interested if anyone has done the same. Dimensions would be good, photos would be better.

Interested in what pick up points you used for anchorage and the thickness, type of metal used. Concerned that too thick will just reduce the ground clearance even more two thin and it will be like a chocolate fireguard

Many thanks in advance any info appreciated

Thanks

Barry
[/quote

I will try and post some photos of my sump guard, on my AK gen II With an LS3. I can't take the credit for the design, it was designed by AK Charlie, their use to be a write up on the old forum. Maybe Charlie still has the info. Would be worth asking.

[howardbr]

Thanks Tommy, yep if memory serves we were in build about the same time so Getrag gearbox and indeed the bottom of the bellhousing is just below the sump. I think you are right a skid plate with one bar at the front flat and one or maybe two bars angled from each chassis rail to drop below the larger part of the sump - would be good to see some photos if anyone has done this I am thinking 5mm bar thickness but not sure

[Tommy-boy]

Depending on gearbox the issue i always found was the lip of the bellhousing hanging marginally lower than the sump, thus creating a catch point potentially destroying the gearbox etc...

I would be swinging more towards a skid plate as opposed to a guard as such. Its something Ive been wanting to sort also for many years. I was thinking more of a flat bar between the chassis rails towards the front of the sump (to take the initial hit) then 2mm sheet steel to create a skid plate back past the lowest point so if damage was to happen you would impact the bar and slid past any serious serious issues.

[johnnycobra]

I wrecked my sump Ford 351 Windsor. I'm interested in seeing what about too .

[howardbr]

Hi All,

So my AK with a Chevy 350 lump has been on the road 10 years now since I built it and probably more by luck than judgement my sump has escaped with the odd scrape and odd dent  . I think its time for me to source/fabricate/adapt a sump guard of some description. Would be interested if anyone has done the same. Dimensions would be good, photos would be better.

Interested in what pick up points you used for anchorage and the thickness, type of metal used. Concerned that too thick will just reduce the ground clearance even more two thin and it will be like a chocolate fireguard

Many thanks in advance any info appreciated

Thanks

Barry