[not quite up to the capability of my Passport yet but then again the Rubi is stock] [/quote]


can you go into a little more detail on the passport, on why that is...

Exactly, Hooah! The "R" in the R & D. I'm actually surprised that of all the places that I have posted it I received not one bad comment. I don't know if folks are holding back or it's a good thing.

Hell! Anybody that COULD make their own could do it from the photo you have already published anyway! Something that simple don't need plans, just a willing hart and mind.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

can you go into a little more detail on the passport, on why that is... [/quote]

Sure, 95 Passport, Custom front winch bumper, custom rear bumper with swing away that is also plumbed for 7.5 gallons of air, custom rock rails, on board air system, snorkel (fully hooked up I might add), 4 inches of suspension lift, 3 inch body lift, 4 inch gas tank lift, custom extremely heavy duty skid plates, Russel sttel braided brake lines, Russell speed bleeders, custom crossmember flip, one piece Tom Woods custom rear drive shaft, 8,000 lb winch, custom 1 1 1/4' DOM tie rods (The once achilles heel), front lockright locker, stock Dana 44 limited slip rear (I've never needed a locker back there, Tuffy storage box, Running Goodyear MT/R's 33", Tera Low 3.75 to 1 transfer case reduction gears, Grant steering wheel w/security hub, Garvin Industries Wilderness Roof rack, Warn Premium Manual Hubs, Custom Half doors built by me (not shown), Heck I can keep going and going, here's a few photos;
China Gultch, Bueno Vista, Colorado




Kanes Creek, Moab, Ut


However my rig is extremely modest compared to other club members and/or friends
How about a solid axle swapped trooper on hells gate on Hells Revenge, Moab, Utah

Maybe a friend in a SAS Rodeo climbing Escalator on Hell's Revenge

A friend in a SAS Amigo on Upper Proofing grounds, Moab, Utah
[img]http://www.trailseeker.com/4x4/Crawloween/2003/ProvingGrounds/images/Proving%20Grounds%[/img]
Club member felxing it out on Poisen Spider

A super sweet club member SAS Amigo flexing it out on Rattlesnake, A local trail


one last club member, how about a Rodeo running 38" YIKES!


Bottom line there is a lot of folks out there who have no lcue just how many different vehicles that you can build off of to make some absolutely killer rigs. To much biased and prejudice in the wheeling world.

nice rigs...not trying to sound bias or prejudice. i was just courius about the passport.

You wheel what you like.
nice picts too.

Thanks. No I didn't think you were being biased or prejudice I just through that out there as a general comment because we, the club, run into it constantly. That is until they can't make the pbstacles and we walk right up them then their jaws normally hit the ground. In all fairness if I put the same amount of money in my Rubi/Unlimited that I have in the Passport I don't think that there would be any comparision, but you take a bone stock TJ (non rubicon model) and a bone stock Passport you would be surprised how alike they are. I've seen each one out do the other in certain situations.

I would have to completely disagree. First the vast majority of wheelers don't weld, secondly those that do don't necessarily have any fab skills. My boy is a perfect example, two years formal education in welding, certified, couldn't design nothing to save his life. Lay it out for him and say "weld this by utilizing a drag method so I get a skinny bead with mucho penetration" and he's golden and hard to beat. I've seen plenty of folks as well with design and fab skills that couldn't weld worth a crap. Now that being said, if you do have design, fab , welding skills, a bender or the old fashion way a jig with a torch, yes you can make one as well, but even then there are those that rather buy it as opposed to going through all the R & D and countless hours of work to get it to come out nice and clean as opposed to Redneck looking. I myself used to wonder why businesses charged so much for something that looked so simple. Try to build one and after you're done paying for eletricity, wire, the welder, flappy disks, grinding disks, chop saws, benders, drill presses, drill bits, bolts, and a WHOLE LOT of your time then you'll begin to understand.

Zubi, I suspect folks are holding back! Indeed, NOT to be rude in any manner, but as a buyer of bolt-on aftermarket Jeep parts, I think your fabricated bumper is too big, too heavy, too wide, and is made from too many pieces! Keep in mind, however, I know nothing about welding and fabricating, just years of looking, and, a few purchases over the years. If part of your business plan is to compete with ARB/OME, you may have a niche. However, after recently thumbing through 4x4 magazines and catalogs, my guess is that this bumper business is already saturated with want-a-bees!
I was surprised that you used two seperate pieces to fab the winch and fairlead anchor plate; wouldn't it be easier and less expensive to have used a c-channel?
I suspect to keep costs reasonable, the fewer pieces involved and less welding required would be important in the design. Personally, I like a "rock" type bumper, fabbed from one piece of rectangular steel.
As a buyer, and occassional four wheeler, I also suspect it's better to have more of a compact bumper design that doesn't extend much beyound the Jeep frame and allows an un-obstructed approach for the tires to grab and climb obstacles.
I do like the little hoop in your design; gives the assembly a little bit of flare!
As a buyer, I find it to be an added benefit if the 2" receiver in the bumper is rated for a certain load.
Zubi, your creation is okay, looks good! I just wanted to throw out these thoughts I had about your bumper, and get your response. Just keep in mind I know nothing about business or making more bolt-on stuff for 4x4's. I am in awe of your ability to weld and fab stuff; I couldn't begin to create what you have done. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Very clean looking bumper. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Just out of curiosity, how much does it weigh; and what is the approach angle compared to the factory bumper? Kudos and good luck with the business. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

You made my point for me! Anybody that "could" build that bumper from a blueprint could also prolly build it from your photos.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />