New bumper build

[RAT]

Just a quicky bumper project. This is going to be a knock off of a certain aftermarket bumper available from your local garden variety 4x4 center. Includes a 35" spare tire carrier. I'm doing this comshaw and this is what they want. And what I get in return should be pretty dang cool...

The beginning

20130402_190220 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130402_190034 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

What it will look like when completed

44177-md by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Waiting on some stuff from the fab supply shop. Should be done this weekend. More pics to come...

[Tumbleweed13]

I like the custom shape of the wheel on the end.

[RAT]

I like the custom shape of the wheel on the end.

I drive those wheels all over the place. Three of the four look like that. It amazes me they don't vibrate or anything. One of them looses air all the time but what the heck.

[RAT]

Some more pics of the bumper build. Going very smoothly and should be done early next week. I did the cut outs back assward. I normally make the inserts first then cut the hole to fit. I wanted to see if I have the ability to be patient and bend and fit the insert to a pre-cut hole. WHAT A PAIN IN THE ASS! But it sure taught me some new tricks. And it works quite well once you figure out the bend radius'.


20130404_161556 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130404_161604 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

The welds will be ground flush and it will look like one piece.


20130404_180915 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

I'll finish the ends of the rail tomorrow after work. Then install the spindle for the tire carrier.

[inVERt'D]

Nice work fitting the insert!

[RAT]

Some mo pics. At the rate this is going it will be done by Sunday. Fingers crossed...

Getting the welds ground flush

20130405_170013 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Spindle mounted

20130405_183739 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130405_183717 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Ready for a cross tube.


20130405_183838 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

More on the way...

[Jason]

Nice work Kurt. Btw, who does your lawn? No Jeeper I know has the time to mow their own lawn.:hide:

[daniel_buck]

Nobody I know in SOCAL does their own lawn. HAHA! (alot of folks don't even have a lawn, haha!)

[RAT]

Nice work Kurt. Btw, who does your lawn? No Jeeper I know has the time to mow their own lawn.:hide:

I have a lawn mower and a nice string trimmer. I HATE grass but since I make so much noise in my garage I like to keep my neighbors happy

[RAT]

Almost done. I had to order some special toggle type latches for the Gerry Can holders and they won't be here till midweek next. But here is where we got to today-

The spindle and hub

20130405_190725 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Bottom rail installed

20130406_122740 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Fitting the latch

20130406_101700 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Latch and stop assembly

20130406_122806 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Upper hoop installed

20130406_133805 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Spare tire extension and support

20130406_142623 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Lunch break

20130406_154905 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Almost done!

20130406_192211 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

[curtis]

Nice work Kurt. Really like the fancy welding.

[inVERt'D]

Nice work. The 2x4 tubing and the way you notched the receiver into the bumper reminds me of something I made for a friend a couple of years back. Don't know if this appeals to you, but I gusseted the receiver tubing with 2 pieces of 2x2x.250 square tubing and then welded a laminate/ fishplate over the front.

Here's a pic of the bumper ( in progress ) that shows what I'm talking about. He'd asked for a tow hitch for a small utility trailer, and this is what he got. I was sick of looking at his dorky bumperettes. Just an ide're.

[RAT]

Nice work. The 2x4 tubing and the way you notched the receiver into the bumper reminds me of something I made for a friend a couple of years back. Don't know if this appeals to you, but I gusseted the receiver tubing with 2 pieces of 2x2x.250 square tubing and then welded a laminate/ fishplate over the front.

Here's a pic of the bumper ( in progress ) that shows what I'm talking about. He'd asked for a tow hitch for a small utility trailer, and this is what he got. I was sick of looking at his dorky bumperettes. Just an ide're.

I appreciate the ideas. I am however trying to copy, without really copying an existing design that my customer wants. Adding anything else changes the look. And I have changed enough facets of the design so it is not a true knock off. But it will look damn close.

[RAT]

Nice work Kurt.

Thanks Curtis.

Really like the fancy welding.

That and $2.50 will get you a mocha at Starbucks...

[RAT]

Almost ready to paint. Almost...

I need to get a mill cuz I friggin HATE doin slots by hand. One down one to go


20130408_181736 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Can hold downs came together nicely


20130408_181638 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130408_181632 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130408_181624 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Soo close and yet...


20130408_180428 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

When I do paint the mfg uses textured paint. I hope this stuff works as advertised.

More on the way...