Bumper Project

[bartonmd]

Yeah, my standard bumpers with shackle mounts and 2" receiver in front are just over 100#.

I also don't see the need for the HUGE, HEAVY bumpers that the aftermarket companies make for trucks.

Mike

[Trail X]

Nothing we really do to these pigs really lightens them up (apart from maybe removing the rear seats, but that's just so we can stuff more heavy stuff in there!). It's just a part of the game... you add weight, you increase the rolling resistance, decrease your torque (by making tires bigger), you decrease it's aerodynamics... all in the name of clearance, traction, storage, and protection. In the grand scheme of things, weight savings is very low on our general list of priorities.

[navigator]

I think too, part of it with our bumper is that you are covering a pretty big area. I know everyone wants something functional but you also want something that looks good as well. I imagine having to make all that work and look good adds a little size/weight to the end result.

[M George73]

I like the looks of Road Armor bumpers, do they or any other company make bumpers for tbs?

[v7guy]

barton does, otherwise, not really. there are a few that claim to, but it's up to you too make them fit. We have had a difficult relationship with the other companies.

[swampdonkey90]

I need to finda bumper for my 06 tb.

[jonbo2002]

You need to looka little harder

[HARDTRAILZ]

Read the info on the site, but you wont find a fully built bumper for awhile. Kits are available, but that is about it right now.

[bartonmd]

He PM'd me asking for pictures. I sent him to the appropriate vendor section and individual threads.

Mike

[mikekey]

I wish you'd sell rear bumper kits, but I get why you can't.

[dvanbramer88]

I wish you'd sell rear bumper kits, but I get why you can't.

Jason made a rear bumper in about 3 days after he had the template made. Most of the work was done 2 days before TECORE.

You can do it

[bartonmd]

I wish you'd sell rear bumper kits, but I get why you can't.

Jason made a rear bumper in about 3 days after he had the template made. Most of the work was done 2 days before TECORE.

You can do it

Yeah, a rear bumper isn't bad at all if you start with the structure of the stock hitch (which I don't. I start from scratch and make a hitch), and don't want tire-swings and stuff on it. That's the stuff that takes the time (and money).

(Jason also has a degree in Industrial Art, IIRC)

Mike

[mikekey]

Yeah I've never even used a welder yet. So 3 days maybe but it isn't going to look like anything any of you guys have produced, that is for sure. Anyhow, we'll see. I plan on knocking some things out before the next TECORE. Just going down the list of whats a real priority now vs a want.

I've been wanting to do something similar to what Mike B. has on the back of his truck or something like Karo did. KISS for me (Keep it simple stupid)

[v7guy]

In all honesty the three days was pretty extreme. I really shouldn't have even attempted to tackle it in that time period. If I hadn't had James02 helping to align pieces and help take the bumper on and off it wouldn't have been done. I only slept around 6 hours during that time period and was pretty exhausted. I don't recommend trying it.
For the record, I never got a degree, I quit college. I was a fine arts major with an emphasis on sculpture and drawing/painting. I should have gone for mech eng, but I didn't really realize that's the type of thing I would enjoy until many many years later. Such is life.

I encourage anyone to pick up a welder and start practicing. It's one of those things you learn by doing. Watch videos, read about it, ask questions and practice. Do some destructive testing... Using hammer and clamps, cut your welds and check the penetration and then practice more. I believe anyone that has the motivation and desire can learn.

Just be prepared, because the more you can do, the more you'll want to do. You'll get some crazy ideas in your head before you know it.