Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Build Ups => Topic started by: specialk on June 06, 2010, 07:44:28 PM

Title: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 06, 2010, 07:44:28 PM
To start - a big thanks to Pook for all the work he has done on this bumper.   The initial designs took some time and the final drawings came out really nice.

I got the ideas for the bumper from a number of different models I've seen out there.  I really like the JK bumpers with the integrated driving lights.  I picked up some 4" PIAA driving lights for that.  I also got a couple VisionX dual LED spots to really light up the night.  

The goal was to integrate the lights into bumper.

Here are a couple images from the final CAD drawings.

Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 06, 2010, 07:50:40 PM
We are building the bumper out of 1/4" flat stock.  I had picked up a plasma cutter from Brink the spring and it is making the fabrication so much easier.

Dana and I ghetto'd a guide for the plasma so we could cut straight lines.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 06, 2010, 08:00:06 PM
The main part of the bumper is now together. We had to cut out the tube at the front of the frame for the lights and for the tow hooks.  The metal for the hooks extends along the outside of each frame rail.  We did some fancy tubing set a bit farther back to replace what we cut out at the front of the frame and to support the front body mount.

Next is to fab up the housing on the each side for the LED lights and add the stinger/bull bar.  It's not a full stinger but it's not a little bull bar either.  Maybe a binger?

Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: slimbeam on June 06, 2010, 08:34:23 PM
looking good Kevin
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: dunl on June 06, 2010, 08:51:54 PM
Looks good...I like the design.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rich99 on June 06, 2010, 09:21:10 PM
wow guys, that is awesome... you should have made a couple while you were at it. Are you planning on making any more?
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Immortal on June 06, 2010, 09:27:06 PM
  It's not a full stinger but it's not a little bull bar either.  Maybe a binger?

or is it a Bunger?
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Pookapotamus on June 06, 2010, 09:31:59 PM
wow it looks good now that its all welded and ground!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: SwampSinger on June 06, 2010, 09:36:05 PM
Nice craftmanship fellas... looking forward to seeing the rest of the built... keep on the good work!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: WhiteOut on June 06, 2010, 10:45:44 PM
Consider your design stolen, should look better than a new ARB.

Looks sick Kev, it better be done for the S&S.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 07, 2010, 07:41:01 AM
Thanks - I'm pretty pumped about it.  And it will be ready for the S&S. 
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Pookapotamus on June 07, 2010, 09:12:10 AM
here is a 3d image of what it will look like, well before we changed it in fabrication.  8)

(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii191/pookapotamus/posts/K-001-ASSEMBLY.jpg)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: apex on June 07, 2010, 11:22:07 AM
Would you share your .dwg files? I'd love to see how you built that in my CAD software. oa*vc@tel*us.net (delete the stars)

Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Pookapotamus on June 07, 2010, 11:31:42 AM
it was designed in inventor the only dwg files are the actual fabrication drawings but they are not my property to give away, you will have to ask kevin.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubi03 jef on June 07, 2010, 05:02:54 PM
is it done yet i wanna see it on your jeep already
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: X-Treme on June 07, 2010, 06:22:52 PM
Alright boys..... I LOVE it. I want one. What's it gonna take to get one done for ME? I would make a couple minor changes for me tho......
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 09, 2010, 08:53:40 PM
I'm not sure if I'm building more yet.  Let me finish this one first!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rich99 on June 09, 2010, 09:21:08 PM
Put me on the list too!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Knox on June 09, 2010, 11:02:16 PM
what's the little loop coming down off the bar for? also what are you looking at for a finish Kevin? Powdercoat or something else?
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: XJHERO on June 09, 2010, 11:10:33 PM
Kevin, one offs are cooler and it's never realy worth your time and money to try and make this stuff for other people.

Looks killer though good job boys
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Pookapotamus on June 10, 2010, 05:38:39 AM
knox that hoop is a spot to hook your winch cable when not in use.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: BlackAura on June 10, 2010, 12:13:43 PM
Kevin, one offs are cooler and it's never realy worth your time and money to try and make this stuff for other people.

Looks killer though good job boys

Yeah, I was thinking that myself, XJHero.  I'd love one, and was debating asking, but I know that generally with most projects, making a second or third isn't as fun as designing/building the first :p

So in 6 months, specialk, can you tell us what you like / don't like, and I'll make a modified design for myself?  ::)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 10, 2010, 12:33:05 PM
You bet!  but I'm sure it will perfect the first time with no room for improvement  ;)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Sugarphreak on June 10, 2010, 07:03:53 PM
I have been following this thread since it went up, I have to say it really looks great so far!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: w squared on June 11, 2010, 05:18:04 PM
Custom bumpers a Kewl  :)

Great work, Kev and Pook!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rich99 on June 12, 2010, 11:21:26 AM
Kevin, is the bumper going to be ready by the time of the show and shine?
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: bbrown on June 13, 2010, 01:38:27 PM
thats a pretty sweet bumper keven will look good when its done
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on June 14, 2010, 08:07:49 AM
Kevin, is the bumper going to be ready by the time of the show and shine?

That's the plan. 
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: w squared on June 14, 2010, 08:19:11 AM
That's the plan. 

How you gonna wax that bedliner on the bumper?  ;)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rich99 on June 29, 2010, 06:02:29 AM
Kevin, can't wait to see it. I suppose you are working on it this weekend or next? Let me know if you are and I would love to come check it out. Even help if I can.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on July 27, 2010, 09:57:13 PM
I finished some welding and grinding recently.  Pook and I tacked the stinger in place tonight.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubibago on July 27, 2010, 10:47:52 PM
Looks cool! 
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: OffRoadNewbie on July 28, 2010, 01:47:35 PM
yeah thats a great looking bumper !!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Sugarphreak on July 30, 2010, 08:22:45 AM
I like the braced stinger, looks tough!

What kind of lights are going into the front?
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on July 30, 2010, 11:08:42 AM
I've got 4" euro Piaa's for the rounds and VisionX LEDs spots for the rectangle lights.  Should be a lot of light  8)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: esi on July 30, 2010, 05:34:36 PM
Have you tried flap disks for grinding and smoothing? They work great and won't leave any gouges, but wear a mask if you use them they throw alot of fine dust.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on July 30, 2010, 09:43:42 PM
Yep, I do use them. The plan is to bedline the bumper so minor imperfections don't matter much...
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Elsifer on August 04, 2010, 10:48:42 AM
Nice looking unit!

Uh, shackle tabs are supposed to have holes in them. Maybe get those done before the bumper is fully welded out? Cause drilling that by hand without a press "difficult" at best. Flame-cut would be easiest, but the temps will change the metallurgy of the tabs, making them more brittle.

If they are not part of the bumper (yet), I can have the holes punched vs flame-cut for you. The iron-worker press I have access to will do up the 3/4" thick. Due to variances in shackle manufacturers, shackle sizes are not the diameter of the pin, but the diameter of the loop. So a 7/8" (6.5ton) shackle will need about a 1" hole -/+ 1/32"
http://www.jhenryholland.com/shackles.htm
Or whatever shackle you plan on using.

Otherwise, dang-fine looking unit. I like how you matched the outside angle to match the fenders and flares.
I'll save the "Stock fender vs tube fender" argument for another day!

Nice bumper, how are you going to test it?  :D
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: JackstandJohnny on August 04, 2010, 11:29:50 AM


Nice bumper, how are you going to test it?  :D


oh i'm sure he'll dump it on its nose just to make sure the stinger works, right Kev?????   :o :o 8) 8) ??? ??? ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on August 04, 2010, 11:55:03 AM

oh i'm sure he'll dump it on its nose just to make sure the stinger works, right Kev?????   :o :o 8) 8) ??? ??? ;D ;D ;D
That's the plan.   If it works, I'll be building hydraulic side stingers that fly out to stop me from flopping  ::)

The holes are in the shackle mounts now.  Metal hole saw and cutting fluid did the trick pretty quick.  I ran into the differnce in pin sizes when I did my rear bumper.  The front will have 3/4" shackles to bang around!  Almost done... almost done
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Elsifer on August 04, 2010, 12:00:06 PM
That's the plan.   If it works, I'll be building hydraulic side stingers that fly out to stop me from flopping  ::)

I'd pay darn good money to see that!

- "Whats with all that hardware around Kevin's jeep?"
- "Oh, thats his on-demand-side-stinger-system"
- "Hmm, he kinda needs that, he is always on his side. At least the boners-in-sweatpants will be pointed away from him, for once"

On second thought, I *don't* want to see that!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on August 04, 2010, 12:32:31 PM
 :P
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubiclone on August 04, 2010, 01:21:43 PM
K that bumper is hawt...... ima come down to your place and drool on it  ;D
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Knox on August 04, 2010, 01:29:06 PM
Rubiclone, I take it you're done drooling on yours already? didn't I just see you yesterday :P

Kev it is looking good, I likes it.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubiclone on August 04, 2010, 01:31:05 PM
I take it you're done drooling on yours already? didn't I just see you yesterday :P



LOL.... that's just and excuse to go drink whiskey. Shhh
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubiclone on August 04, 2010, 01:31:40 PM
wow i just quoted myself.......... :-[ must be the whiskey talking
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: JackstandJohnny on August 04, 2010, 02:11:52 PM
wow i just quoted myself.......... :-[ must be the whiskey talking


isn't it a little early for whiskey? :o

beer i can understand, but whiskey??????????????????????    :P
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: jeepgrl on August 04, 2010, 05:20:37 PM
wow i just quoted myself.......... :-[ must be the whiskey talking

You hit the white whiskey that early??? You didn't call me????  Dammit, woman!! You better be bringing it this weekend :P
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: jeepgrl on August 04, 2010, 05:22:45 PM
I finished some welding and grinding recently.  Pook and I tacked the stinger in place tonight.



OHHHHHHHH... that's one incredibly sexy stinger you have there, Kev  ;)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on August 04, 2010, 05:32:44 PM

OHHHHHHHH... that's one incredibly sexy stinger you have there, Kev  ;)

That's what she said!   Actually, that IS what she said...
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Pookapotamus on August 05, 2010, 06:35:40 AM
*sigh*

Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubiclone on August 05, 2010, 10:02:56 AM
of course I am bringing the whiskey this weekend....

and its NEVER too early to drink whiskey..... 8)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: specialk on October 14, 2010, 07:56:44 PM
And it's done!   ;D   
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: BlackAura on October 14, 2010, 08:04:25 PM
And it's done!   ;D   

Nice!  Looks great!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: XJHERO on October 14, 2010, 08:08:19 PM
Nice bonner!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Knox on October 14, 2010, 09:16:29 PM
did you happen to weigh it before attaching everything? I'm a bit curious how much it weighs with that stinger.
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Rubi03 jef on October 14, 2010, 10:10:51 PM
damn thats sick
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Pookapotamus on October 15, 2010, 06:19:50 AM
@ Knox when i modled this it weighed in at 70 lbs, now that does not include lights or the thicker bull bar kevin installed.

looks great kev cant wait to see it in action!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Elsifer on October 15, 2010, 05:05:53 PM
Thats a might big boner in sweatpants!!

You need stingers of that magnitude on your rock-rails! That'll help keep you upright.  ;D
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: jeepgrl on October 15, 2010, 05:34:58 PM
Hey Kev... the Jeep looks like it sits a little lower now, that's one heavy bumper!!  I might be able to get in now!!  (Looks awesome  :-*)
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: Immortal on October 15, 2010, 09:27:12 PM
You need stingers of that magnitude on your rock-rails! That'll help keep you upright.  ;D

Just like water-wings. LOL!!!
Title: Re: Specalk's front bumper build
Post by: X-Treme on October 27, 2011, 11:30:40 PM
So..... Have you decided if you wanna build another one yet? ;)