Well my rig is going under the knife. I have been wanting some metal front and rear bumpers for a long time and I have really been wanting to build something lately and so here it goes. I am going to build a stout front bumper first and then take on the rear after this.

I spent a good half day just doodling on paper for the basic design and finally came up with one that I like. Then I spend about the same time down working with cardboard to get the general idea on the vehicle to make templates before I start in cutting steel.

Keep in mind this design is still evolving. I have not gotten to the center yet with design, but the center winch mount currently on there will be gone and it will now be integrated into the bumper.

I got the sides of the bumper done roughly cut into cardboard. I just now have to finalize them and get the exact dimensions so I can be precise with it.

Here are the pictures that I took today. Let me know your opinions on the design.







And here is both sides finished outside.






[img]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/icysyrup22/Front%20bumper%20build/GEDC0072.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/icysyrup22/Front%20bumper%20build/GEDC0076.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/icysyrup22/Front%20bumper%20build/GEDC0077.jpg[/img]

Design looks good. The only thing I'd personally change is how the ends are squared off above the tires. If I couldn't follow the curve of the wheel wells, I'd cut it off at an angle so it didn't look so abrupt/square off for the tire to make contact with when stuffed. Just my .02.

You have a GREAT looking truck. I love that color...

Thanks Oyaji I will do that and see how it looks. I appreciate the input. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

ditto what jon said. I like it. I want to try that method one day. Maybe after I get a plasma cutter.

Looking good dude, reminds me of when i did my bumper on the '99, card board and tape. I think i had close to 16 hours in mine start to finish, making bumpers out of plate takes a lot of time. When i made the tube bumper it only took 3 hours start to finish including the cardboard mockup build.
All this bumper building going on makes me wanna build the last four that i have to build.

This thread makes me want a genIII... Getting rid of the plasticky front really makes it look better.

Love the bumper so far. Really follows the lines well. Please keep us updated. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

nice aproach to the design
i have been thinking of useing 8th inch plywood to make templates for my next bumpers but i think i will use cardboard now
i will be watching this thread looks good <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Loooking awesome man. I havent heard from you on here in awhile. Been wondering about any up coming trips this year maybe getting up with you in the area and wheeling..

I like the cardboard idea, light, flexable, but close enough to the same thickness. I've been meaning to do the same t hing for my rear bumper, but havent had the time.

If I would consider ANYthing to change, I might make the outside of the bumper a little thicker so the angle isnt so extreme and more even. But then again, the way you did it allows for better appoarch and clearance, so up to you my friend. Keep up the good work.
Angelo

Thanks for the input. And the thought has crossed my mind on that idea with making the edges wider. i may do that and see what it looks like and then make my decision.

As for wheeling. I hope to get this fabrication all done in a month or two and then get things in order on the monty. I would love to go sometime to Uwharrie this year, its just finding the right time.

Thanks for the input.

Phil <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So, what gives with this bumper? Status update, man!