Started the bumper build this weekend. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, but never had the funds or the tools.

Here is the cardboard practice run.

I started with the left side and then thought it looked too bulky when I fit it with the stock bumper still on. I then designed the right side and it looked good. I then took the stock bumper off and fit the cardboard bumper and the left side looked way better so I went with that design.
Here is the top and front pieces tacked up.


Here is the full bumper tacked up and in position




Now i just have to finish the main brackets to bolt it to the frame, I already made some side brackets. I am debating whether I want to cut out spots for turn signals in the bumper or just move them to the side markers. In the future I will build a bracket that will mount to the frame behind the bumper to mount a winch, but gotta save up for that. I am also thinking about getting a pipe bender to add some tube to the top of the bumper.

Let me know what you guys think, ill add some pics as soon as I get it all finished and painted.

 

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. bumpers like that is what makes pretty little animals roadkill. i like it. hwo heavy is it?

 

have you thought about a winch for it yet? Always plan ahead.

 

that thing looks great

 

WOW!!
That looks great! Nice work.

 

Its probably about 60 - 70 pounds based on how much the metal is supposed to weigh? I got a 4x8 sheet of 10gauge that is supposed to weigh 180lbs and I cut it in half before i laid out the pieces, so its less than 90lbs. The pictures really make the thing look more "Beeeeeffff" than it really is.

I have thought about a winch, but havnt got measurements yet. There is a ton of room behind the bumper and if i have to cut a spot out of the top that is fine. I tried to make enough room for the winch. When I make the mount I am going to use 1/4" steel so it is a strong point to pull on.

Now i just need some bigger tires to match the "beeeeefffffff" look!

 

The mockup was smiling

Nice job!

 

Beeeeeeef x 1274598

What thickness of steel did you use? EDIT: nvm, you posted before I finished my past

Is that a flux core welder ?

 

yeah its a cheap @$$ flux welder that a buddy of mine sold me for $40. It works great for 10gauge, but it takes a long time to weld with. The welding wire that came with it sucked so I got the expensive stuff and it works 10 times better.

 

Hehe. Yeah, I've got a LincolnElectric flux core. I think the smallest one they make. I have had no problem welding 3/16 mild steel though I've burned THROUGH 1/8 a few times while first learning. (Still in the learning process)

 

I thought cutting the steel with a grinder and cut off wheels was going to take a long time, but it actually went really quick compared to the welding. I'm just glad I work at fastenal and only spent $10 on 10 of the expensive cutting discs.

 

Wow thats absolutely amazing looks better than arbs lol in my opinion.

 

Nice work. You should be proud.

 

I like it. Nice work. Keep us posted...

 

Thanks for the coments guys, I'm really happy with how it turned out. I really couldn't just pay an arm and a leg for something i would have such a good time doing my self. Plus it will be the only one around. I have enough metal left to build a skid plate and another bumper to sell to my cousin too.

 

Maybe you should sell him the first ones, just in case you come up with any design improvements?

Side note. You still liking your duratracs? Any problems with them?

 

Love the duratracs, just wish they were bigger now that I have the lift.

 

I think you should have gone with the right side design you had in the mockup. Looked better IMO
Either way, nice job.

 

I was gonna go with the right side, but when I had it on without the stock bumper it left my front end too open. It looks cooler but it was way tiny. Maybe I'll redesign it to be a little bigger and make the next one that way.

 

Maybe some tubes?