Anyone make bumpers?

[Joopin]

1065772

Among my many other pending projects, for some reason I decided to make my own bumpers. I already designed the front one on my computer and the question now is: What should I make it out of?? I work in a shop so I have access to steel, and aluminum tubing... My initial thoughts is that aluminum would be nice and light but if I hit anything the bumper is ruined... If I use steel it would be alot more durable than the aluminum but it would probably weigh a ton.
Has anyone made a bumer of their own? What did you use? The bumper is a double tube with a hoop slanted forward to accompany 2 6" llights or a winch. Thanks for any suggestions.[addsig]

 

[Tug-n-pull]

1065778

As for me the bumpers are what stands between my Jeep and what ever intends to do it harm. Bumpers are what i plan to hook to when I need to be pulled or need to pull some one else. This is one place I will carry the extra weight needed to get the job done. My bumpers are being made at least the front one is out of Steel. Real steel 2"x4"x1/4" tubeing. 44" long with tappered and caped ends and Shackles and D rings on each side. Useing 3/16" U chanel cut in short 45 degree angles welded to mount bumper lights, Trailer hitch reciver weled up and braced underneath for many appalactions, and 1/4" straps to bolt it up with. Rear will be out of a little lighter say 3/16" tubleing but with a tire carrier when I get it all done up I will send you some pics. Weight will be heavy but I like it. Tug[addsig]

 

[Joopin]

1065843

Well I was thinking of mounting the tow hooks and lights on the pertruding frame underneath the plastic cover, which by the way is being replaced with diamond plate... I just cut it on the router table at work today, it looks sweeet! Either steel or aluminum I first have to take the old bumper off... which I tried to do today, and I broke the Torx bit!! I got only one bolt out and the second one broke. I should have bought craftsman. I too will be taking pics of this as usuall but I would like to see yours as well. Thanks for the advice.[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1065854

yeah 2x4 rectangular tubing is my choice[addsig]

 

[Joopin]

1065868

Well I don't have access to rectangular tubing... But tons 3" round tubing, both steel and aluminum.[addsig]

 

[Tug-n-pull]

1065878

Just a thought but do you all think that the area inside the tubing would be large enough to work as an on board air tank? I am pretty sure it would be strong enough hehehe Tug[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1065894

certainly... as i was reading that post, i was thinking the same thing... that would work quite well... also could be good storage for chain or straps[addsig]

 

[bluebelle]

1065903

joop,

making your own bumpers is the way to go. wish i still worked as a welder - i could have made mine free just with the scrap.

the tubing will be amply strong if you use the steel and the weight will also help out steady your ride. it's a little harder for inertia to jerk that frame around with the extra weight on the ends. both on and off the dirt.

i was going along with tug with the rectangular. a local shop can sell me a 4 foot piece for 10 bucks and i'll taper the ends, weld all my do-dads on (2" receiver, d ring mounts, light mounts, winch, etc.)

tug's got the idea. that front bumper is your 'point' - the first thing you'll contact something else with. make it strong and make it heavy. al's ok, but one tap and all your work will be dented, or bent. you'll cry. :-(

your rig is over-made every where else, that's why we like these little things. built tough with more than you need.

go for the tubing, or the channel, just keep it iron.

put the al on your honda (hee hee)

you don't have a honda, do you? :-O

blue[addsig]

 

[Joopin]

1065925

Yeah you make a good point there bluebelle, I don't have any d rings or hooks now but when I do get them at least I will be able to trust the bumper to hold up if it is steel, oh and no I don't have a honda... and probably never will.
As for the area inside the tubing used for a holding tank, you mean inside the bumper? Thats a cool idea but I have no idea how to go about it. Of course it would have to be air tight and who knows how much psi it would hold.[addsig]

 

[Shane]

1065935

well 1/4 thick 3''diameter steel tubing will hold quite a bit of PSI, i mean lets all be realistic, how thick do you think the metal is on those tanks, the acetaline (god knows i can't spell) and oxygen tanks your going to use to make it ;-) I bet it will hold a lot more than you think, i'm sure you can even mount a pressure gague on the side with a nice little nozzel on either end ;-) hell you'll be set! I want to make my own bumpers now, lol.[addsig]

 

[ows]

1065936

Made mine steel is the way to go.
i used 3in round 1/2 in wall and 1/2 in x 3in flat uprights
got hit by a honda at a 45 deg angle and that vehicle didn't even touch the body of the jeep. they hit the front right cornerwere i formed 1/4 in diamond plate in the front .
so bluebelle is right i have the proof good luck and see ya[addsig]