Fabrication & builders section. All fabrication posts go here.
XJ/MJ/ZJ/WJ Only projects go here. Questions belong in modified tech.

Oh my turn, front bumper build

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 20, 2013 | 07:48 PM
  #1  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default Oh my turn, front bumper build

So basically my stocker was smashed up by the PO so for a while I thought of just putti a different stocker on there. When I checked the price a local wrecking yard wanted I knew I had to build my own.

A little background, I am a finisher at my work, basically I do final finishing (grinding, grain, and/or polishing).

Like this, brass hand rail bracket.

Name:  IMAG1128_zps99503314.jpg
Views: 103
Size:  70.8 KB

Turned the machined finish on the right to mirror.

Name:  IMAG1129_zps2b51a7db.jpg
Views: 114
Size:  64.8 KB

So here is the start, 6x17x3/8ths thick material. I found the plans online which ended up being incorrect.
Name:  IMAG1147_zps54cdba6c.jpg
Views: 115
Size:  114.4 KB
Name:  IMAG1145_zpsefd2c3f1.jpg
Views: 114
Size:  35.4 KB

I got the brackets mocked up tonight after work and need to fill the front two wholes tomorrow then drill the new wholes a half inch back. Oh well so I cut the fenders in prep as well.


Name:  IMAG1154_zpsd9381c31.jpg
Views: 110
Size:  69.7 KB
Name:  IMAG1155_zpsc70b7aea.jpg
Views: 111
Size:  99.9 KB


So tomorrow I will drill the wholes in the proper place, grab from grade 8 bolts for the steering box and I hope to start rolling the tube for the bumper or at least get the front plate welded in.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2013 | 11:47 PM
  #2  
esteem's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 480
Likes: 3
From: CA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I've seen a lot of bumper builds so I wouldn't normally comment or care to watch the progress but I'm intrigued being what you do for a living. I except impressive work. Continue good sir!
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 09:04 AM
  #3  
HS00XJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 2
From: Ross Vegas, Ga
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 w/ tupy head
Default

subscribed...I never get tired of bumper builds or any fab for that matter. This is my favorite section. Cant wait to see your ideas..
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 07:43 PM
  #4  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default

Thanks. It should be pretty cool and different then most bumpers. I really want a light weight but strong bumper that will protect my fenders a little as well as giving a better entry angle.

Well I got the rest of the material sorted out today at work and cut the pipe I choose down to ruff size for handling. I really want to finish my brackets tomorrow but the plans I found online where absolute crap. Three of the whole lay outs are off by a1/4 inch or more which is just frustrating. So now to decide if I need to weld the wholes back up or scrap the plate and start over.

Name:  IMAG1159_zps03b981d0.jpg
Views: 100
Size:  64.2 KB
Passenger side test fit and so far so good.

Name:  IMAG1160_zpsf94893cc.jpg
Views: 108
Size:  61.9 KB
Driver side, not so much.

Name:  IMAG1157_zpsf6d14563.jpg
Views: 101
Size:  123.4 KB
Mocked both so I can cut down the plate to fit in between the brackets that will tie into the core support.

Name:  IMAG1158_zpse89dcb27.jpg
Views: 104
Size:  129.7 KB
Rear lower steering box whole is off by a 1/4 inch as well as others but I will remedy that. Also when I am done I'm going to build a cad file with PROPER diamentions so you will be able to take it to a fab shop or laser cutter and not dick around like I have had to.

I thought that with these plans I would save time but boy was I wrong.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 08:00 PM
  #5  
HS00XJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 2
From: Ross Vegas, Ga
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 w/ tupy head
Default

looking good. this is what i did today. I used cardboard to make my bracket template and then made a plastic one to mark my holes. I hope it all of them line up the first time..

Oh my turn, front bumper build-forumrunner_20131121_205442.jpg



Oh my turn, front bumper build-forumrunner_20131121_205514.jpg



Oh my turn, front bumper build-forumrunner_20131121_205535.jpg
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 08:09 PM
  #6  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default

Great idea. What I'm going to do tomorrow is get a piece of 16gauge stainless or aluminum and cut them to size, then use transfer punches to mark the wholes then drill the wholes to size that way I will have a accurate template for each side as well as a accurate part to build plans from.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 08:22 PM
  #7  
HS00XJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 2
From: Ross Vegas, Ga
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 w/ tupy head
Default

Originally Posted by Mullet Bullet
Great idea. What I'm going to do tomorrow is get a piece of 16gauge stainless or aluminum and cut them to size, then use transfer punches to mark the wholes then drill the wholes to size that way I will have a accurate template for each side as well as a accurate part to build plans from.
i havent even checked but have you noticed if the passenger side holes are mirrored with the driver side? I made the pass. side only.....oh and i saw any thread with the plastic template idea.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 08:32 PM
  #8  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default

I don't believe the passenger is identical , the 3bolts for the factory bumper mount is the same but thats it.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2013 | 02:04 AM
  #9  
JerrytheJeep's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 8
From: San Jose
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by Mullet Bullet
I don't believe the passenger is identical , the 3bolts for the factory bumper mount is the same but thats it.
I believe the Hole rear of the Steering box is the same on both sides. I have a set of tow hook brackets that use those holes and they are identical. If you were having these lazer cut it wouldn't be wrong to just make two of these plates with all the holes and then forgo the extra holes (or use them, but that would require more work on your part).
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2013 | 08:55 AM
  #10  
Lowrange2's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
Default

Yes, both brackets are identical.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2013 | 02:27 PM
  #11  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default

I stand corrected, sorry for the misinformation.

I worked through my first break today so I had 45 minutes to work on the brackets. I madeba plug and gig welded it in then drilled the new whole for the steering box mount. Measured and cut down the center plate and tacked it into place. Then on my next break ill get a scrap of the pipe I'm using and mock it into place so I can see where to cut the brackets for my D ring mounts. Also last night the wife and I picked the color and finish for the bumper which I'm stoked about. Pictures to come when I get home.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2013 | 02:52 PM
  #12  
Lowrange2's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
Default

Please tell me it's just black.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2013 | 04:03 PM
  #13  
muffinman's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: Johnson County, Kansas
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Originally Posted by Lowrange2
Please tell me it's just black.
Come on Lr2, live a little. It's gonna be polished brass.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2013 | 06:41 PM
  #14  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default

Actually I had aluminum picked out at first, then stainless but the weight of stainless turned me off because the whole purpose is to be lighter weight. I could have done the aluminum but it doesn't like our pyramid roller which I will need for my tubing.

Color will be black or dark charcoal. Mainly the finish was what we where questioning, bed liner, bomb can flat black, etc. I am pretty sure it will get a eggshell enamel coating though. A sister company to mine is a paint and coatings business.

Onto pictures.
Name:  IMAG1162_zpsae4e67d7.jpg
Views: 101
Size:  95.7 KB
I didn't get one of it tacked in because I changed it around 3 times because I was not happy with the aesthetics of it.

Name:  IMAG1163_zps7a8a81ef.jpg
Views: 97
Size:  82.6 KB
Shop is very full right now with a current job for Amazon so I couldn't pull the heep into the shop so I had to work outside the door.

Name:  IMAG1165_zps822b86bd.jpg
Views: 101
Size:  57.6 KB
Removed and on the bench for second pass then cutting the ends down for the tubing fitment and D-ring mounts. Our plasma cutter was stored away and being the only person in the shop I can't run the forklift so I just used a portaban to ruff cut it.

Brought it home for the weekend for final grinding. I dug out some old rings I had in the garage so those will have to go back to work on monday so I have them sir fitment with the tubing.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2013 | 10:02 PM
  #15  
Mullet Bullet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Default

Not too much done over the weekend but today on my break I dug this out.

Name:  IMAG1171_zps62ff99c5.jpg
Views: 106
Size:  97.5 KB

And then rolled the main pipe for the bumper. I used a 9ft piece of pipe so I could cut out the ends where the radius isn't continuos anymore.
Name:  IMAG1170_zps3a3cc539.jpg
Views: 111
Size:  59.2 KB

Tomorrow I will cut it down to size and hopefully bend the returns and tack those into place.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 PM.