WAY too much free time (New Bumpers)

[buttsy]

Well, I've been rocking out the pixlr all night, and come up with these:





The Swing away bar is a two piece with the latch in the middle (got the idea from one I saw in an archive on some website somewhere). The box behind the License Plate to hold a couple Jerry Cans or something, and of course I'll be adding a CB Antenna rig of some description. I was toying with a flip up step on the side, but I usually just stand on the tire, so I don't know if I'll need it...

I'm figuring 3/16" plate, is that enough? Isn't that what Shrock/ARB is?

I'm open to input, seeing at this is my first kick at this particular can.

Opinions?

For the front I'm seriously considering a Shrock as I'm putting a 2" BL and I'll need it to match the skids I'm thinking about...

As for the Bumper Wing I'm thinking of attaching it the bumper, leaving a significant gap (2"?) and than adding some sort of rubber to fill the gap.

[Adam]

I like the idea of the metal side wings, should protect your 1/4 panels well.

@ yours to get stuck in.

[Morpheus]

my 2 cents

1) the bumper ends (plastic) are only $50 each (I checked today for you)

It will take a lot of good fabrication skill to make it look right using steel (and to match left and right)

It's easier to simply build a bumper that fits between the frame rails, and keep the stock bumper corners.

2) if you're doing a body lift, do it now, before you do the front and rear bumpers.

Putting a gap guard (rubber, etc..) I don't think would look right, and if you stick with option #1 I suggest, the bumper corners raise with the body and stay properly attached, you don't have to worry about gaps then, simply build the front and rear bumpers to fit with the 2" gap.

a 2" body lift is pretty simple to install, a lot of guys here have done it in their driveway. I did mine on the hoist with the help of some of those guys (and girl ) and we decided that it was actually easer to do on the driveway than the hoist.

[buttsy]

Yeah, I was tossing the plastic replace around quite a bit, and thanks for pricing for me man! That's awesome! I like the fact the the metal will afford some extra protection, but I agree it'll be tough. The BL is first up regardless, already thought that one out. My cousin is a body guy, he's chomping at the bit to fix this, and I never even asked him! Best part? He has a full heated shop, with a level concrete floor. Bring on Winter!

[steelcityslicker]

My 2 cents...

Some say that if you locate the plate under the tire carrier the 407 cameras may not be able to see it but will still be visible whilst driving behind the truck.

The bumper corners near the wheel well may interfere with the tire when you stuff it with 33s or larger. But i really like the idea of making them out of metal. It would be great to see someone do those wings properly and aesthetically pleasing...
I say try it!

[inblack]

My 2 cents...

Some say that if you locate the plate under the tire carrier the 407 cameras may not be able to see it but will still be visible whilst driving behind the truck.

This is true - 6 years driving my Chevy ZR2 with the tire out there and the plate in the stock location centered on the rear bumper i would only get photographed <> 20% of the time by the 407 overhead raping cameras

[buttsy]

Other thing, I drive the 407 maybe once a year. Although it's a consideration I liked getting the plate up higher so it stays a little more snow free. The MPs here have been known to ticket vehicles with snow on their license plates...

[buttsy]

The bumper corners near the wheel well may interfere with the tire when you stuff it with 33s or larger. But i really like the idea of making them out of metal. It would be great to see someone do those wings properly and aesthetically pleasing...
I say try it!

I've got a buddy in a CNC shop up here, and I'm fairly handy with CAD programs. I'm going to slap a CAD drawing together, use it to build up a mock up from heavy cardboard, tweak and see what comes of it. I'll keep you posted

[buttsy]

In fact, it seems to me I still have a 3D scanner I built for electronics class somewhere... I'll have to dig that up. Maybe I'll have to hit Mike up for those plastic wings after all... I don't think there's enough stength in those body panels to attach metal wings to the body, probably do more harm than good. I'm not in a rush, got several months to put this together...

[Morpheus]

You wouldn't want to attach the wings to the body if they were attached to the bumper too.

you would be basically attaching the frame and the body of the truck together.

The mounts certainly give and move when you flex the truck, if the wings, if attached to the body would tear the sheetmetal

[Simon]

You wouldn't want to attach the wings to the body if they were attached to the bumper too.

you would be basically attaching the frame and the body of the truck together.

The mounts certainly give and move when you flex the truck, if the wings, if attached to the body would tear the sheetmetal

X2. Bad idea. If anything you'd have to cut away the bottom if the quarters, and build wings.

[buttsy]

No no, I mean attach the wings to JUST the body, not the bumper... Or vice versa... The gap was FOR body flex...

[buttsy]

Uh oh... A National 4WD just opened here...

[Nd4SpdSe]

OMG, I'd love those side pieces. I've always wanted to have them in steel! Not sure what those would cost by themselves, but I would love a set too! With that, I've love to have them incorporate a step like the 2nd gens....

[buttsy]

I was looking at a fold down step. You can't build one in, that vent thing on the passenger side is in the way.

[Adam]

Uh oh... A National 4WD just opened here...

Watch out, they're pretty pricey, at least the one here is.

[steelcityslicker]

OMG, I'd love those side pieces. I've always wanted to have them in steel! Not sure what those would cost by themselves, but I would love a set too! With that, I've love to have them incorporate a step like the 2nd gens....

That's a whole lotta love right there Michel....

[the x kid]

OMG, I'd love those side pieces. I've always wanted to have them in steel! Not sure what those would cost by themselves, but I would love a set too! With that, I've love to have them incorporate a step like the 2nd gens....

Good idea about the steps.

[Nd4SpdSe]

OMG, I'd love those side pieces. I've always wanted to have them in steel! Not sure what those would cost by themselves, but I would love a set too! With that, I've love to have them incorporate a step like the 2nd gens....

That's a whole lotta love right there Michel....

Damn straight, that's something that's been in my mind for a few years! I just didn't think it was possible because of the style and the way they are mounted to make it feasible...

[Nd4SpdSe]

Hey Brad, you make any progress on the design of these?