Ok Stu, now here is the trick with the skid plate. Notice that the center rear bolt location on the plate is not a hole - there is a slot. So what you say.
So what you do next time is remove the five other bolts but just loosen that one. The skid plate will slide out because of the 'slotted hole'. To put the plate back on, slip it under the loosened bolt. That will help support the plate, kinda like a 'third hand' then, while one hand positions the plate and the other starts a bolt.

dave and Xtoy - now it's real easy

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