First attempt at bumper fabrication...
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
First attempt at bumper fabrication...
So... my first attempt at bumper fabrication. I went drew this up some time ago:
I have very limited tools, so I had to design around that AND being my first time starting something from almost scratch I wanted to keep it simple. I started off with Trail-Gear's winch cradle-thing (tube bumpers are cool, but I'd rather have a plate bumper).
The 3D model shown above was just for fun. I actually drew the bumper orthographically, separated the major plates, and threw on a few dimensions (AutoCAD). Then I went to Blue Collar Supply in Sac (open on Saturdays and excellent service!) and had them shear the largest, most visible pieces ($1 per cut).
Having it drawn out was great, because I knew the pre-cut pieces would actually work (I inserted a front elevation picture of a 1st gen 'Runner and scaled it to be approximately 1:1 based off of several measurements from my real one.
I went to work with my 100-amp Lincoln (multiple passes for 3/16" steel, mind you) and really got to practice on my welding. Anyway, below are some pics. You'll see a few last minute changes were thrown in.
Overall, I have about $220 into it (not counting the winch). Its been installed for 20 minutes now and I'm already looking at what I could have done differently. The "endcaps" need some more work as I didn't really think that part of it through. Those look unfinished. And the corners should really be chamfered. Aside from that, performance is more important. It holds a winch and I reinforced it in case I need to pummel my way through something. Lemme know if y'all have any suggestions: I yearn for constructive criticism, but not big on insults.
I have very limited tools, so I had to design around that AND being my first time starting something from almost scratch I wanted to keep it simple. I started off with Trail-Gear's winch cradle-thing (tube bumpers are cool, but I'd rather have a plate bumper).
The 3D model shown above was just for fun. I actually drew the bumper orthographically, separated the major plates, and threw on a few dimensions (AutoCAD). Then I went to Blue Collar Supply in Sac (open on Saturdays and excellent service!) and had them shear the largest, most visible pieces ($1 per cut).
Having it drawn out was great, because I knew the pre-cut pieces would actually work (I inserted a front elevation picture of a 1st gen 'Runner and scaled it to be approximately 1:1 based off of several measurements from my real one.
I went to work with my 100-amp Lincoln (multiple passes for 3/16" steel, mind you) and really got to practice on my welding. Anyway, below are some pics. You'll see a few last minute changes were thrown in.
Overall, I have about $220 into it (not counting the winch). Its been installed for 20 minutes now and I'm already looking at what I could have done differently. The "endcaps" need some more work as I didn't really think that part of it through. Those look unfinished. And the corners should really be chamfered. Aside from that, performance is more important. It holds a winch and I reinforced it in case I need to pummel my way through something. Lemme know if y'all have any suggestions: I yearn for constructive criticism, but not big on insults.
#2
Registered User
iTrader: (-1)
Well done, can't really tell it's a first timer project from the pictures
Box the back side and it'll be super strong, and of course bevel the corners for a slicker look.
I don't like the downward facing tow hooks but thats just me, to much work to get freed up when you run over the poor miata
Box the back side and it'll be super strong, and of course bevel the corners for a slicker look.
I don't like the downward facing tow hooks but thats just me, to much work to get freed up when you run over the poor miata
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Well done, can't really tell it's a first timer project from the pictures
Box the back side and it'll be super strong, and of course bevel the corners for a slicker look.
I don't like the downward facing tow hooks but thats just me, to much work to get freed up when you run over the poor miata
Box the back side and it'll be super strong, and of course bevel the corners for a slicker look.
I don't like the downward facing tow hooks but thats just me, to much work to get freed up when you run over the poor miata
I definitely will plan on boxing it in down the road... I can fore see all kinds of crap making it's way into the cavity.
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