I am wondering what people think of using sch 40 or 80 pipe to make bumpers and sliders with? I am just thinking of using pipe as I have the harbor freight bender, and it does not do so well with tubing for obvious reasons.

 

i think u will find that the rocks are stronger than ur harbor freight bender

 

I've heard of it being done, but don't have any first-hand experience. I'll be attempting an exo-cage build on a 1988 Grand wagoneer with .120 wall 2" HREW tube if possible.

I'm just not sure if SCH 40 or 80 will be worth the weight after it's been introduced to few rocks.

Andy

 

I am no expert.. but the way pipe is constructed ultimately makes it weaker than DOM.

That said, sliders and fender hoops generally are not involved in extremely high impact or velocity.

Plenty of people have used pipe for full on Exo cages.

Do they get made fun off... absolutely. But pipe will work as long as your design is solid. DOM or pipe will perform poorly if triangulation is lacking. DOM will save weight as well, which is important for a lot of tube work.

My guess is that if your built your armor with pipe that 75% of the people out there would probably never notice unless you told them... myself included.

 

Just use HREW, at least .120 wall if not thicker. Should be fine, and you'll save a lot of money over DOM. I would only use DOM if I was going to be racing and the sanctioning body required it.

 

I use the "cap and fill with sand" method when I bend tube with my pipe bender. I also use a 1/4" smaller die for the tube that I work with. It works well for an inexpensive method. It does take some extra planning and time, but is viable considering the exponential strength increase that you'll get with tube over pipe (depending on your tube selection). Best of luck in your design, as it will be time and math-intensive due to the bender that you are using.

 

Many of the questions you propose as of late are easily found answers for with a simple

Pipe is for poop.

Read this thread in its entirety:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459180

Then if you have questions, ask away.