well ive been wanting to make a new bumper for a while now, and now that i got a welder today i can build something simple with light mounts, and beefy enough to be able to pull my car with.

 

started with some 3X6 tube steel, and got some steel pipe thats 2.5inch OD and made a grill protector.

 

still have to add some light tabs for mounts, maybe some headlight protectors, finish weld the bumper brackets, and make up a skid plate.

 

so hopfully tomarrow if i get time after golfing i can bolt it into place to check everything then finish weld the mounts.

 

if you have any recomendation or ideas please feel free to toss them out. ill get some pictures uploaded in an hour or so.

 

 

also what minimum weight for a winch you would recomend.

 

found one locally for $100, 2,000 pound pull. i was thinking with a snatch block and a few pullies it would be fine to pull my car around right? or should i save up and get like a warn or ramsey 4-6Klbs winch?

 

Thanks,

Shean

As far as a winch goes the normal rule of thumb I've always heard is it's rating should be twice the weight of your vehicle.

My EA81 wagon with all my gear and me in it with half a tank is about 2,700 pounds. (weigh station right by the house)

 

I know Mike is using a 3,000 pounder he got from Harbor Freight for like $70 or something with a block and has pulled a bunch of times no problem on his EA82.

 

Bumper looks something like what I've thought of making.

Been eyeing the steel at the local Fastenal for weeks now.

I run a 3000 poud haror frieght wich ad I pulled on a toyota landcruiser twice with it and subies about 4 times its still going

ya i just checked harbor freight and they have the 3000lbs for like $100. ill have to go get that today so i can mock it up on my bumper before its done.

just finished about 1hour ago. ended up having to cut off the brackets and cut them shorter and reweld everything. then paint and such. its not done i just ran out of metal for the light and plate mounts as well as D-rings. once i get that ill mount that stuff on and paint it with truck bed liner.

 

^to dam hot here in seattle the last few weeks!!

^paint i used

^finished

Lookin' good so far.

 

I have that same welder.

Not the most powerful, but you can get some good penetration if you work it right and take your time.

yet good old harbor freight chicago electric flux welder for $100. once i got used to it i was running some good strong beads. and in the last picture it looks crooked but its not is how i took that picture.

 

hopefully today i can get around to mounting the lights (driving and turn signals) as well as the lisense plate.

Your bumper looks good. But. I don't get why you guys keep building the square part over the grill. Seems to me the most vulnerable spot is the corner markers. You'd do well to extend that out to the ends. The ARB on my Toy is very functional like that. Not only does it protect the corner lights, but you can see exactly where your bumper is and just what you're gonna hit and when.

 

 

example.

ya this was kinda first shot see what the new welder can do, and just toss it together. ill end up making this into the rear bumper later after i get some heavy'er steel for the front. then build it out to protect the headlights/corners.

Like this brush guard?

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/car/756123155.html

example.

 

Eric I have No bumpers what's so ever on my Wagon. Scott gave me one a few days ago but I have yet to put it on.

 

Jeff

Eric I have No bumpers what's so ever on my Wagon. Scott gave me one a few days ago but I have yet to put it on.

 

Jeff

 

Yeah, but your pic was the most recent that I could use to show my point. I've taken out several corner markers, and fenders. That would be how I know they need to be protected.

 

Looking forward to seeing the new bumper.

I don't get why you guys keep building the square part over the grill. Seems to me the most vulnerable spot is the corner markers.

I'd have to agree. I see so many bars that leave the most important thing to protect unprotected.