Pro Guard

[Dennis Reinhart]

We have a new shipment of Pro Guard, Dan Mercman took his Marauder to Proguard and they custom fit one to his car and they now have cut all the new orders to this spec I have ten in stock. All the group buy orders were 35.00 PS these are now 50.00 PS, so give Debbie a call she will ship them out today:beer:

[the_pack_rat]

Dennis,

What's the difference in the cut ?.

I never did get around to installing the other one.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Dennis,

What's the difference in the cut ?.

I never did get around to installing the other one. some are saying its 1" to long on one side I have not had this problem but we asked Proguard to corect this

[jstevens]

Dennis,

Just to let you and everyone else know, I installed mine and didn't have to modify it at all.

Maybe just the luck of the draw.

[Black Terror]

So far, three of us in Marietta, GA area with 300A's had to modify. All were hitting right hand tailpipe.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Dennis,

Just to let you and everyone else know, I installed mine and didn't have to modify it at all.

Maybe just the luck of the draw.
thanks for the post

[mpearce]

I took a saw and cut 1" off the pax side of mine. If I wouldn't have done this I wouldn't have been able to get my hands back there to clean and polish my tips because the original cut of the product was right up against my tip.

-Mat

[RF Overlord]

^^^what Mat said^^^

[gonzo50]

We have a new shipment of Pro Guard, Dan Mercman took his Marauder to Proguard and they custom fit one to his car and they now have cut all the new orders to this spec I have ten in stock. All the group buy orders were 35.00 PS these are now 50.00 PS, so give Debbie a call she will ship them out today:beer:


I took a saw and cut 1" off the pax side of mine. If I wouldn't have done this I wouldn't have been able to get my hands back there to clean and polish my tips because the original cut of the product was right up against my tip.

-Mat
Thanks Dennis for the time and effort you put into these fine products, already called Debbie and mine is on the way, now I wont have to cut mine if needed, it's already done. :bows: :2thumbs:

[1stMerc]

I had to cut an inch off the passenger side of mine as well. Plus the front mounting holes didn't exactly match up, but i got it to work.

[Ricka11]

Dennis"

I installed my Pro-Guard two weeks ago. Fit fine with no problem. 1/2 inch gap clearence on the right tail pipe and a 1 3/8 inch gap from the left tail pipe to the end of the Pro Guard unit.
Also, nice little article in the August Hot Rod Magazine on page 40, Wow! 27 Marauders transformed into Florida Highway Patrol vehicles. Way to go!!!

[Shora]

The holes did not line up for me but as was stated above "I got it to work." Thank you for providing us with your great products and services.

[gonzo50]

We have a new shipment of Pro Guard, Dan Mercman took his Marauder to Proguard and they custom fit one to his car and they now have cut all the new orders to this spec....:beer:

I had to cut an inch off the passenger side of mine as well. Plus the front mounting holes didn't exactly match up, but i got it to work.

The holes did not line up for me but as was stated above "I got it to work."......
I'm trying to understand how ProGuard custom fit one to a Marauder,(Dan Mercman) :confused: and the one I received, the holes for the bumper attachment didn't line up.....the holes on the fuel vapor separator side matched perfectly....the skid plate was even on both sides perfectly....I have the rough side facing down as the instructions state.....the only problem is the holes don't line up on the bumper side, :shake: they're off about an inch and a half on both holes. What gives ? :dunno: :bandit:

[Dennis Reinhart]

I'm trying to understand how ProGuard custom fit one to a Marauder,(Dan Mercman) :confused: and the one I received, the holes for the bumper attachment didn't line up.....the holes on the fuel vapor separator side matched perfectly....the skid plate was even on both sides perfectly....I have the rough side facing down as the instructions state.....the only problem is the holes don't line up on the bumper side, :shake: they're off about an inch and a half on both holes. What gives ? :dunno: :bandit:
Yes Gonzo I found this out Friday and called them just drill the hole, someone there screwed this up, but there fixing it.

[Donny Carlson]

On Shakes_26's car.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC01895.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7702&size=big&cat=500&page=1)

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC01892.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7701&size=big&cat=500&page=1)

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC01896.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7703&size=big&cat=500&page=1)

[SideshowBob]

I'm still new here, so please educate me. What is it and what does it do?

[Eric91Z]

My understanding is that it helps with airflow under the rear of the car and helps to keep the air from catching the rear bumper and causing it to "balloon" out. Also help some with keeping the middle of the rear bumper from sagging down.

[Bluerauder]

I'm still new here, so please educate me. What is it and what does it do?
Clicky Here >>> Photos and words on Skid Plate (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=18547&highlight=plate)

[Tallboy]

The Pro-Gard is a wonderful mod and well worth the money. I have one on my car.

However, it is not a skid-plate. One shot from a rock and it's toast.

[StevenJ]

Dennis, where do I go on your website to order one? For $35-$50 it's definitely worth it.

[Dennis Reinhart]

They are working on the web site it may not be shown just give Debbie a call they are 50.00 the group but price was 35.00

[hbarrett]

Dennis,
I bought one from you from the first batch you received, but have not yet had the time to install it. Should I expect that it will need to be cut? Are there any measurements I can make prior to installing it to determine if I should need to cut one end, and/or redrill holes? Thanks
Yes Gonzo I found this out Friday and called them just drill the hole, someone there screwed this up, but there fixing it.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Call me Howard

[MarauderMark]

Call me Howard
Howard!? What happened to Dennis? :rofl:

[hbarrett]

Dennis,
I found that the plate will have to be cut on the right side to match the clearance on the left side. It has to be tucked up under the bumper for the bumper attachment holes to align.
Howard
Call me Howard

[hbarrett]

Mark,
Dennis wanted me to try fitting it to see how it aligns. It appears that it is having similar fit problems as others are experiencing.
Howard
Howard!? What happened to Dennis? :rofl:

[MENINBLK]

Mark,
Dennis wanted me to try fitting it to see how it aligns. It appears that it is having similar fit problems as others are experiencing.
Howard

What happens if you FLIP the board ?
If it isn't symmetrical., then flipping it
may give you equal distances on both sides...

[rayjay]

There is enough "play" space in the holes that you should be able to align it properly and not be hitting on either side.

[hbarrett]

I found that I had one of the earlier tooled plates, and when speaking with Pro Guard, I was told that they were fabricated by Pro Guard to fit the CV, GM, and PI. I trimmed both ends of the plate (~1" and ~ 2 1/2") to clear the pipes on both sides and leave plenty of room for cleaning the tips. Otherwise, the drilled holes aligned fine.
There is enough "play" space in the holes that you should be able to align it properly and not be hitting on either side.

[Dennis Reinhart]

I found that I had one of the earlier tooled plates, and when speaking with Pro Guard, I was told that they were fabricated by Pro Guard to fit the CV, GM, and PI. I trimmed both ends of the plate (~1" and ~ 2 1/2") to clear the pipes on both sides and leave plenty of room for cleaning the tips. Otherwise, the drilled holes aligned fine.Again we installed several here and they fit perfect but I asked Dan to take his car by Pro guard and he did, they did fit one on his car and this is supssidly what they sent here, but the holes were off I called Pro guard and the sent another plate Friday and they are off I am calling them Monday with the correct measurements, I cannot understand why they did not get this right when a Marauder was there but it really no big issue to drill two 3/16 holes to make it fit if you have one that the holes are off on and I am sure they will fix there pattern Monday

[SergntMac]

I turned mine upside down, cliped off two inches from the passenger side with tin snips, and it fits perfect.

[Black 04]

I installed my Proguard today. Dennis told me that it is from the new batch, It fits perfect and it really sopports the rear bumper. After I installed the Proguard the rear bumber feels solid.
Thanks Dennis :beer:

[Eric91Z]

I installed my Proguard today. Dennis told me that it is from the new batch, It fits perfect and it really sopports the rear bumper. After I installed the Proguard the rear bumber feels solid.
Thanks Dennis :beer:


Well, mine showed up yesterday and I hope to get it installed today. I hope mine fits as well as yours did.

[hbarrett]

I guess that mine supports the rear bumper as well, but I have noticed that it makes noise at times as if it may be rattling a bit. Perhaps, the fact that it was from the early tooling and needs to be tucked up under the bumper cover may have something to do with it.
I installed my Proguard today. Dennis told me that it is from the new batch, It fits perfect and it really sopports the rear bumper. After I installed the Proguard the rear bumber feels solid.
Thanks Dennis :beer:

[MarauderMark]

so give Debbie a call she will ship them out today:beer:
Hi Debb :D
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75 80

[stevengerard]

Did mine today in 10 minutes - fit perfect, right before an hour long expressway trip for my daughter's soccer game - perfect timing. From under neath seems to do a great job. Unfortunately I had no chance to see what the effects of it are as I was driving 75 and had a hard time seeing the rear bumper from the driver seat.

[hbarrett]

Just as an update. The alignment of the holes for attaching at the bumper are really not a very good fit. I had to kind of force mine to fit, now after a couple of months on the car I notice that the bumper cover is a little distorted in the middle and may be making a little noise at times. I will probably have to remove it, make the holes into slots for play in realigning it on install. When I spoke with ProGuard about the fit, they suggested I buy another one with the new configuration! I don't see why I should buy two of these plastic sheets, just to get a fit that should have been correct the first time.

I found that I had one of the earlier tooled plates, and when speaking with Pro Guard, I was told that they were fabricated by Pro Guard to fit the CV, GM, and PI. I trimmed both ends of the plate (~1" and ~ 2 1/2") to clear the pipes on both sides and leave plenty of room for cleaning the tips. Otherwise, the drilled holes aligned fine.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Just as an update. The alignment of the holes for attaching at the bumper are really not a very good fit. I had to kind of force mine to fit, now after a couple of months on the car I notice that the bumper cover is a little distorted in the middle and may be making a little noise at times. I will probably have to remove it, make the holes into slots for play in realigning it on install. When I spoke with ProGuard about the fit, they suggested I buy another one with the new configuration! I don't see why I should buy two of these plastic sheets, just to get a fit that should have been correct the first time.
Well Howard you bought this from me not Proguard as far as I know you have not tried to contact me over this matter, if you had I would have simply said take it off send it back for another at No cost.

Debbie sent you a new one out with a UPS return label for the old one.

[Tallboy]

The brackets on the bumper that the Pro-Gard bolts to are slotted and adjustable and move around as needed to fit. Just line 'em up with holes in the Pro-gard. I used the butt of my hammer to push the cover towards the end of the "slots" to completely eliminate my bumper sag. The hardware that comes with the Pro-Gard is much stronger than the factory stuff. No fitment problems whatsoever, no tailpipe interference.

[Hotrauder]

Well Howard you bought this from me not Proguard as far as I know you have not tried to contact me over this matter, if you had I would have simply said take it off send it back for another at No cost.

Debbie sent you a new one out with a UPS return label for the old one.

How the heck do you beat this kind of service?? 2 Thumbs up:beer: Good show Dennis R.

[hbarrett]

Well Howard you bought this from me not Proguard as far as I know you have not tried to contact me over this matter, if you had I would have simply said take it off send it back for another at No cost.

Debbie sent you a new one out with a UPS return label for the old one.Dennis,
I did not contact you because I had spoken to the ProGuard technical rep about the fit. My comments in the thread were not in any way directed at dissatisfaction with you, as I am always satisfied with the service you provide. I was not dissatisfied with the purchase from you, however, I was highlighting the response from the ProGuard engineer in my message. You sold it to me in good faith, and I believe that you did not know that ProGuard was re-tooling these due to fit problems with the early version. Also, at the time of my install I was beginning a recovery from some very serious surgery and did not have the interest to pursue this. Rather than asking you to incur the cost of taking this one back, I felt that it would be fair to make the adjustments to the holes myself when I was up to it. Since you have sent another one, I will install it, and return the original to you, but I would like to reimburse you for the shipping charges. As always, thank you for the great service.
Howard

[hbarrett]

If yours fit so well that no cutting was needed at the pipes, then you received a later version of the skid plate with the corrections. There was no way to force mine to fit as you suggest. I had one of the very early ones, and had to force it to get any fit at all. When having to tuck the skid plate up under the bumper, it becomes very difficult, or impossible to line up and manipulate brackets that can't be seen or reached. I felt fortunate enough that I could get the screws through the bumper and the skid plate on an angle to grab onto the bracket holes. Maybe I've missed something? Thanks, Howard
The brackets on the bumper that the Pro-Gard bolts to are slotted and adjustable and move around as needed to fit. Just line 'em up with holes in the Pro-gard. I used the butt of my hammer to push the cover towards the end of the "slots" to completely eliminate my bumper sag. The hardware that comes with the Pro-Gard is much stronger than the factory stuff. No fitment problems whatsoever, no tailpipe interference.

[FordNut]

If yours fit so well that no cutting was needed at the pipes, then you received a later version of the skid plate with the corrections. There was no way to force mine to fit as you suggest. I had one of the very early ones, and had to force it to get any fit at all. When having to tuck the skid plate up under the bumper, it becomes very difficult, or impossible to line up and manipulate brackets that can't be seen or reached. I felt fortunate enough that I could get the screws through the bumper and the skid plate on an angle to grab onto the bracket holes. Maybe I've missed something? Thanks, Howard
There are actually 3 versions. The original, which is touching or almost touching the passenger side exhaust tip (trim about 1"). The first fix, which clears the pipes when mounted with the front holes but the rear holes don't line up (drill new rear mtg holes). And the final, correct one which bolts right up and clears the exhaust tips.

[hbarrett]

Well, that seems to clear things up. Great info. Thanks
There are actually 3 versions. The original, which is touching or almost touching the passenger side exhaust tip (trim about 1"). The first fix, which clears the pipes when mounted with the front holes but the rear holes don't line up (drill new rear mtg holes). And the final, correct one which bolts right up and clears the exhaust tips.

[FordNut]

Well, that seems to clear things up. Great info. Thanks
You're welcome... Apparently they tried to fix it and the baseline for the CAD drawing was on the side that got trimmed off. OOPS.

[Shora]

There are actually 3 versions. The original, which is touching or almost touching the passenger side exhaust tip (trim about 1"). The first fix, which clears the pipes when mounted with the front holes but the rear holes don't line up (drill new rear mtg holes). And the final, correct one which bolts right up and clears the exhaust tips.Yup, I got one of the second versions. It took me a little while to figure out that there was something wrong with the Proguard and not of my install. I did it in the dark at 1 A.M after work. When I figured out that there was indeed something wrong with the PG then I simply made two new holes for the bumper and that is all she wrote. I never called Dennis because it was no big deal to make two new holes. I was just thankful that he provided us with this great product.

By the way, I believe that Dennis called PG as soon as he figured out that they goofed up the second batch of PGs.

Anyway, just my 2 cents. Thanks again Dennis.

[Rollin'Thunder]

I received the third version. Fit-up was good. The sag in the center of the bumper is gone. I did have to use the OEM bumper screws, however. The new ones That Pro Gard sent in the hardware package were too large. The OEM screws worked fine for me. I assume that there will be no problems. Thanks Dennis, for another great deal!
Bill

[Dennis Reinhart]

Thank all of you for being good cutomers

[hbarrett]

Dennis, I fitted the replacement skid plate yesterday and it went on easily. The original will be returning to you today by UPS. Thank you for the great support.
Howard
Thank all of you for being good cutomers

[Dennis Reinhart]

UPS just left here we have a new shipment of Proguards and Addco front sway bars, those customers that have orders, they will be shipped today, thanks for the orders and patients

[2ndMDRebel]

Thanks for the update!! Can't wait to get mine, think the Pro-Guard will get me at least 83/1000ths in the 1/4 so I can get into the 14's?

:D

[Svashtar]

Mine has been sitting in my garage since I bought it from Dennis sometime in early July I think. (I know, always something to do.)

I was afraid I would have one of the problem ones, but it seemed to install fine last weekend when I finally got to it. I was not going to install it smooth side down or redrill holes to get it to fit, and anticipated having to call Dennis and send it back, but didn't have to. Mine lines up fine on the gas tank and very well on the bumper. It is closer to the passenger side tailpipe that it is to the driver's side, but it doesn't touch and leaves me room to get to the pipe OK. It does hang out there a bit but that doesn't hurt anything and isn't visible.

Now the sides of the bumber are pulled up at the bottom, and only the very middle has a slight lip of plastic bumber hanging down, but obviously there is no way that is going to pull as much air as the OEM bumper.

I used the new bumper screws, but in retrospect I'm not sure why they even supplied them. I can't picture them now, but I'll bet the OEM ones would have been long enough... (?)

When I was installing it I hadn't read some of these threads and couldn't decide whether I should tuck it up under the bumber or leave it on the outside to kind of push up and support the middle as well. I called Pro-guard, but the lady I spoke to didn't know and all the tech guys were gone.

So I called Dennis at work and he explained to me that it slips in above the bumper flanges. I know he was busy but didn't even think about bothering him with something I probably could have figured out on my own.

Neat product at a good price, easy install and great customer service!

Now I just have to call him and get some questions about my rear engine cooling mod (also sitting in my garage!) installed, and I'll be set. :D

Thanks,

Norm

[Dennis Reinhart]

I have nine in stock give Debbie a call any time.

[Badger]

Just received mine today. Thanks Dennis. It took me longer to read about how to install it then it actually took just getting under there and doing it. :D
The balmy 60 degree weather helped....sheesh it's the end of November for crying out loud!
Going to take a road trip to Norfolk tomorrow. Curious to see if there might be an impact on the mpg.

[Kennyrauder]

Hi Dennis, Kenny from Canada will order this tomorrow. Just to let you know I have an original Marauder ball cap from the St Thomas assembly plant promised to me by the Ford Store in Timmins. It will be in my hands tomorrow! Can't wait to bring it down next summer.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Well we have about six of these in stock they make great stocking stuffers

[Ozz]

Are they still ('group buy' priced at) $35 or are they $50 now?

[Dennis Reinhart]

Are they still ('group buy' priced at) $35 or are they $50 now?

The group buy has been several months back now so they are 50.00

[TripleTransAm]

On a rear end impact, are they absolutely positively guaranteed to 'give' or break? I'm nervous about having the bumper directly connected to something that holds a lot of fuel.

[Ozz]

Dennis,
Thanks for the reply (I also just saw your email). I was a little late to the MM party (just got mine recently) so I missed the special.

Any chance of doing another group buy in the future?

I really appreciate all the Suporting Vendors of the MM... I replaced a Dodge Dakota 5.9 R/T when I got my MM and I must say that all the R/T vendors kind of 'fell off the face of the earth' in recent years. It's nice to see some are sticking with the MM even though it is out of production.

Thanks!

[SergntMac]

On a rear end impact, are they absolutely positively guaranteed to 'give' or break? I'm nervous about having the bumper directly connected to something that holds a lot of fuel. I have personally tested the 5-7 MPH impact, and the ProGuard came through with flying colors. Probably saved me from additional damage to the bumper cover. All that was necessary, was to snug up the screws where it meets the cover.

[Petrograde]

I guess it's just a matter of time before I break down and buy this.

[TripleTransAm]

I spend a LOT of time at 70 mph. If there is indeed a fuel mileage benefit, I'm all over it like... like... like a guy who's interested in good fuel mileage on a device that can deliver improved fuel mileage.

[GordonB]

Merry Christmas to me! (or should I say to my 2 MMs!),
Received the second Pro-Gard skid plate tonight (first one came Mon. eve)and they both get installed tomorrow! I'll let everyone know the mpg effects when we travel to SC from MD this week. Have been getting about 23 mpg in both MMs. I'd like to see it come up to 25 mpg.
GordonB