jim65wagon

Exactly what I was thinking! Major cool factor on the bumper build! Can't wait ti see the finished project!


....and if that bumper kit ever comes out, how difficult would it be to widen/modify it to fit an access cab Tundra?

prorunner

I want one!
If you want to send me the pre-cut metal with no hoops that would be wonderful, thanks. JK, but really I wouldn't mind.

yotaman85

that sir, is simply impressive.

1979Hand-me-down

I'd buy one!

Bandit Runner

Yeah, maybe when I'm done using it as reference for building the real one, I'll sell it to you.

Thanks for all the other compliments, but I still have a long way to go on this thing. Sorry guys, no current plans on selling the design or kits. We'll see how it turns out in the end, and maybe I'll change my mind.

Unfortunately I didn't have any time to work on it this past weekend. This is going to be a long slow (but fun) project.

92 TOY

wow.

very nice.

much more satisfaction in doing it yourself.

wormhole

Bumper looks good. Very nice.

graduatedpine

I drive a second gen, but IMO you have captured the entire idea of the third gen and incorporated it into that magnificent bumper you got going!

Bandit Runner

Well, my wife had to work all weekend, but I had off, so I got to spend some quality time with my new welder. I really like this little Hobart Handler 140welder. I never welded before, but this thing is really easy to use, and I really enjoyed it.

Anyway, here are some pics of the progress. I mounted several pieces including the top, front, front-bottom, and top-chamfer pieces.







And how it sits now:



Everything has come out really good so far, no major issues. I did have some minor warpage on the top, but I think I can fix that with some internal supports later.

I probably won't have much time to work on it this week, but the next parts to complete are the main front-side pieces. This will take some time, as I need to put the openings for the fog lights and turn signals in them.

Bandit Runner

Also, here is what I'll be using for the turn signals:



I bought the lenses off etrailer.com, and I made the mounting pieces, which will house the existing OEM turn signal bulbs. The mounting pieces will be painted black on the outside, and chrome colored on the inside to reflect as much light as possible.

I think someone mentioned access for the winch earlier. Well, I have a unique solution. The 2 large openings in the front piece will have snap-in inserts that can be easily popped out to provide complete access to the winch controls. These are mostly complete, but still need to be painted black.



Oh yeah, and my fog lights came in the other day. These are KC Hilights 50 series 4 3/4" diameter fog lights. They will be set back inside the bumper behind a grill insert that I am still working on.

92 TOY

very nice.
excellent use of the wagon too by the way.

Bandit Runner

Well, I've really been cranking on this thing the last couple of weeks. I have mounted all of the external pieces and some of the internal supports. I also ground down the welds on the outside. Its really starting to look like a bumper now!

A few pics:









I still have to:

1. Add side supports that tie into the frame.
2. Add some more internal supports.
3. Add hoops to top.
4. Make fog light mounting features.
5. Sand everything smooth.
6. Clean and paint.

Thanks for looking.

1979Hand-me-down

I gotta say for someone who's never welded before you sure impressed me. I've been welding for about a year now and my first project didn't look anything like that. Good job.

Bandit Runner

Worked on the bumper a little more this weekend. Nothing major, just little stuff. Added some internal supports, some weld clean-up, forced a few warped pieces back into shape, etc.

A few more pics:






The plan is to get the side supports completed next weekend, and maybe get started on the fog light mounts and/or the top hoops.

Also, look what arrived at the house this past week:

Sonoran Steel 1.2 Lift Kit



SpiderTrax 1.25" wheel spacers



I've got a lot of work to do this summer, but once completed I should be ready for 35" tires next spring when my current ones wear out.

Thanks,

graduatedpine

Nice!!!

zwhiz

wow looks pro! i guess thats what happens when you spend the right amount of time on it. good work

RMP8080

Great job, best bumper I have seen.........wish I could weld that good.............

harbor_bomber350

simple???? hmmmmm...???? that makes me feel like a retard, but that is one dedicated path for simple, ( you cant hear but im clapping)

great job

Bandit Runner

Thanks for the compliments guys. This project is a lot more time consuming than I originally thought, but I am really enjoying it.

I only had a short time to work on it this past weekend, but I did get a little done. I was able to get the side supports completely finished. And I also got the mounting features for the fog lights completed.

A few pics:

From the back side of the bumper you can see the side supports pretty well:



And a shot from the front with the fog lights mounted:



So what's left?
1. I need to add the hoops to the top.
2. I plan on putting a strip of rubber between the top of the bumper and the truck's body/grille, so I need some sort of mounting features for that.
3. I still need to reinforce the frame ends on the truck.
4. Lots of sanding, clean-up, and painting.

Thanks,

Bandit Runner

Well, nothing too exciting to report. Still haven't gotton the hoops on the top yet. I did get some brackets made to reinforce the frame end plate, but haven't gotten those welded on yet. Did get the outside ground and sanded smooth, and started cleaning up weld splatter on the inside. Sorry, no pics, didn't do anything pic worthy.