My winter project .... winch bumper <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

I wanted maximum clearance and resonable protection. I couldn't decide tube or plate, so a little of both 1/4" plate and 1 1/2" & 2" square tube (square because it's a 1st gen Trooper). Not really finished, I may add a support across the back and box in the front of the winch area. The plan is to use receiver hitch tubes for a removeable grill guard yet to be built. I hate leaning over grill guards. I also trimmed off the front fender "fangs".

It is ok if you all don't like it .... not sure I do. Very big change in appearance ..... but it is growing on me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />






About the winch it is slow and cheap, like me. Harbor Freight 8000# on sale for $289 with winch tray. I bought the 3 year extended warranty, just in case

i dig it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Second pic is kinda dark to see it up close, but the snow pic looks good. It seems to fit with the overall shape of the Trooper. Good job!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Four more pictures.





If I only knew a 7" skillsaw with a cutoff wheel worked so good on 1/4" steel. Who knows how I'd build the next one. I love Hammerite paint, looks good <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Your truck looks really good! I can't wait to start customizing mine. Keep up the good work!

i like the bumper, very practical. and a winch for only $289!!!! did you steal it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/bird.gif" alt="" /> does it really work?

minimal and fully functional - I dig it!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Like it Alllott. Help me understand though... Did you fab it from scratch or modify a purchased bumper? Nice either way, but if you made it, I would like to know your procedures and tools needed. I have a pretty good stable of tools, but am not sure if I am good to go for metal working. Thanks!

JD

Yup ... It works <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. But it is slow. My local Harbor Freight had them on sale, just before TG.

jdobbsj .... Yup I built it myself from scratch, except for the winch tray. For tool I have a cheap HF 14" chop saw, 4 1/4" angle grinder (handiest tool ever), HF 14volt sawzall. My 7" skillsaw was very handy for long cuts on 1/4" steel, it leaves really cool molten sawdust <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Lincoln Pro core 100 mig, slow going on the thick stuff, buy a 220volt if you can.

Procedures... Surf the web for days on end looking at bumper pictures and forum threads for ideas to rip off <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />. Wander around the metal yard, looking for material in useable shapes. Design work .... well, I played with cardboard, plywood and scrap metal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. And my plan changed 2 or 3 times.

Ahhh....I remember that. When I was designing mine I had probably around twenty pictures of bumpers that I liked some part of. Then tried to meld the ideas into one that I thought was the best of everything that I wanted. But I gotta say now that I've seen the Rockware site mentioned on another thread, I'd like to modify my rear bumper. Something always comes along when you think you're done.

But good job on the bumper, I like it.