Hey guys,

I've been looking and watching builds for awhile and thought it was time to get rid of this monstrosity....



It was on my rig when I bought it a few months back. It consists of bumper mounting brackets with a 1 1/2" trailer hitch mounted to the brackets and then the rusted out Smittybuilt bumper mounted to the hitch. It's a scary, worthless combination.

I can't garuntee that the new one that I am attempting to build will be much better, but I figured I'd try. Here is the simple plan.... I'd like to add some tow points of some type, but I'm new to drawing and didn't know how to draw them...


And the start of my project...




Any pointers, as I build, would be appreciated...

 

pointers (in my opinion):

1) take pictures. we all love pictures
2) if you don't feel comfortable hitting it with a sledge-hammer, it ain't strong enough
3) take pictures.
4)look up your state laws to make sure it's legal (probably is, good to be sure)
5) take pictures.

and what metal are you using, tools, welder, etc? i want to make a bumper very similar to this one

good luck

 

Sorry forgot to mention specs on metal. I don't know what type of Steel it is, just some scrap we had kicking around the factory. It is 2" x 4" square tubing that is 1/4" thick. I don't know what welder I am going to use. I have access to a Mig and/or a Stick. I am by no means a metal worker, so I don't know which would be better for this type of project. I will be accessing one of my colleagues for help with fitting and welding...

 

ah, ok. well, in my opinion, mig is a lot easier to learn on; pull the trigger and weld. if you find some scrap pieces of steel, i suggest practicing before actually starting on the final product. need to make those welds nice and strong

 

I have been welding for a few years, but not for my profession. Just for fun. I have built some small projects, but nothing this big. Thanks for the heads up.

 

you should be fine then. as long as you know how to get good penetration and a good pattern, it'll be strong.

are you planning on putting d-rings on the back?

 

Ya, was thinking that. What type of tow point is best? D-rings? like this?

or these?

or like the Welded on tabs with clevis like this?

 

Good work so far! Personally I like the welded on tabs the best. They look better imo. I think they work the same granted they are welded on good.

By the way I was born in Springville. Cool stuff.

 

well, shackles you can remove, but no one can steal d-rings. i'm putting something like this on



but i have seen people, with great success, use the tabs and shackles

 

Irab do you just weld those straight on to the bumper? Where do you get those?

 

Ya, Springville is a cool town. Nice and small, but close enough to the bigger cities.

Ya, I figure as long as they are welded on good, either way should work.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufactu...973741&sr=8-12

it comes in 2 pieces: the "d" ring and the "base". the base looks like half of a small pipe. you position the ring on the bumper with the base where you want it, and just weld the top and bottom of the base. extremely strong and not easily stolen

edit: here's some more stuff:
http://boxertiedown.com/wholesale/-c-3_21


http://www.tacticalarmorgroup.com/Wincher.aspx

 

Ooh I have a new favorite...

 

I'm thinking I like the D-ring idea better than the Clevis. I think they look better. IMO.

 

i need a welder. and time. and money. then i can do stuff like this. i have all the parts, but until i get the stuff i need, i'll live vicariously through you all

 

Got some parts in. Here is the plan. I decided to go with the D-rings... So, this is what I have....



And the Plan....


Of Course the Hitch mount will be cut through and welded into place with the flange flush with the bumper.

So, Do I center the D-rings, top to bottom, on the bumper? or drop them a little lower?

 

The only draw back I can think of with using the D-rings is every little bump, they will be bouncing off the bumper clanging and ringing away. You could source some small rubber pads for it to rest against once the bumper is finished....

 

bunjee cords to under the truck (one end on the d-ring, other end on a point under the bed)

edit: i'd say center the d-rings top to bottom, imho. other than that, looks beefy!

 

I was wondering the same thing, about making noise with every bump. I like Irab's idea with bungie cords. We'll just have to see how much noise they make. Who knows.... They may not be that free flying?

Next will be some Welding!!!!

 

Thank for the links Irab88! ordered 2 D rings and a 2x2x6 receiver tube off of Amazon.com. Great prices! Plan on getting 2x4 boxed steel and making a bumper in the next few weeks for my 94 P/U. also thinking about getting some 1.75" .120 wall steel tubing to make armor/jacking point for the sides of my box that would extend off of the bumper