custom and aftermarket front bumpers

B-Radical · 11-15-2007, 03:15 PM

I'm sorry, I know this is the tech section, but I have a thread in the pic request forum and am getting no responses. I thought I'd get more XJ traffic here.

I'm looking to fabricate my own front bumper and I would like to see some pics of what others have done. I will not copy anyones custom design as I like to be original myself, but I would like to see some pics please. and to keep it on the tech side, maybe a little explanation of how you did it, or of the bracketry not shown.

Thank You
Brad

**Jason, aka: Jeepin.com** · 11-15-2007, 04:00 PM

what part of building a bumper don't you consider 'tech'?

jfiscus · 11-15-2007, 04:00 PM

I know it's a Grand Cherokee, but I don't see how the design wouldn't be 99% the same for an XJ:

More pics here:
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/jfiscus/Custom%20Fab/ZJ%20Bumpers/Winch%20Bumper%201/

I used 5x5 3/16" square tube for the body & 3/8" for the winch plate.
I think the total length of the solid rectangular piece required was 84" (I had two shorter pieces & had to weld on the side extensions). All other pieces were 3/8" flat stock.

**CJ7-Tim** · 11-15-2007, 06:05 PM

Use this diagram to start your bumper mounting brackets. --http://www.twisted-halo.com/digicam/xj/Bumper%20mount.pdf --Extend them as long as needed to fit your design. Look at bumpers in online stores and copy the features you like.

homebrewed bumper write-up -->> Clicky here

Here is mine -
.
.

Dickydubs · 11-15-2007, 07:17 PM

First off double check all the measurements on that drawing linked above, I used that and a few holes were off. I was going to draw up a correct arrangement but I lost the sketch since I moved to CO and haven't had the time.

Below are pics of the Bumper I designed and my brother fabbed up. It is all 1/8" sheet metal. The brackets should be at least 3/16", preferably 1/4". My brother used a cnc plasma cutter to cut out the pattern and then a press brake to bend it and mig welded it together. Most people don't have access to the press brake so you could make it multiple pieces and weld them all together. Also there are gussets welded into the corners between the Unibody tie in brackets and the main part of the bumper.
Building your own is def. the way to go. Good luck

SmrtJustin · 11-15-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ7-Tim

Use this diagram to start your bumper mounting brackets. --http://www.twisted-halo.com/digicam/xj/Bumper%20mount.pdf --Extend them as long as needed to fit your design. Look at bumpers in online stores and copy the features you like. Here is mine -
.
.

CJ7-Tim, I really like your front bumper. I wish someone made one like it that I could buy, since I don't have the tools or the know-how to fabricate my own.

mason_msw · 11-15-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmrtJustin

CJ7-Tim, I really like your front bumper. I wish someone made one like it that I could buy, since I don't have the tools or the know-how to fabricate my own.

x2 i like that as much or more than any bumper i have come across so far.

B-Radical · 11-16-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dickydubs[URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2370646390102387748bCauiI

[/URL]

This is pretty close to what I was visioning mine to be, except...

Does anyone have pics of a bumper with a winch and lights?

oh- I do have access to a plasma cutter, and a brake

Jeepernick · 11-16-2007, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfiscus

I know it's a Grand Cherokee, but I don't see how the design wouldn't be 99% the same for an XJ:

More pics here:
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/jfiscus/Custom%20Fab/ZJ%20Bumpers/Winch%20Bumpe01/

I used 5x5 3/16" square tube for the body & 3/8" for the winch plate.
I think the total length of the solid rectangular piece required was 84" (I had two shorter pieces & had to weld on the side extensions). All other pieces were 3/8" flat stock.

WOW that is godly..... how much does it weigh? 400lbs

More pictures on my JF Gallery

Specs:

3/16" plate to cover the 2x2x3/16" tube frame and 1/4" where the winch will rest someday

the singer is 1.5" .25" DOM

nudosimmons · 11-16-2007, 01:18 PM

its made of 2x5 tubing, its simple, light and gets the job done. tabs go through and are welded to the 1/4" mounting paltes

Jeepernick · 11-16-2007, 01:27 PM

one more for fun

**HeavyMetal** · 11-16-2007, 01:53 PM

Dragnz24 · 11-16-2007, 02:23 PM

I will try to get some clear pics tonight of the front bumper we built for my XJ. Even though it is not 100% done it still looks good. BTW I suggest getting Nates XJ bumper brackets if you dont feel like making your own. He does not have them on his site but he will sell them.

mason_msw · 11-16-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragnz24

I will try to get some clear pics tonight of the front bumper we built for my XJ. Even though it is not 100% done it still looks good. BTW I suggest getting Nates XJ bumper brackets if you dont feel like making your own. He does not have them on his site but he will sell them.

I'm really glad you mentioned that, I looked through his fabricators parts and didn't see them and was a little dissapointed. If you purchased them do you mind me asking what they ran you?

Dragnz24 · 11-16-2007, 03:28 PM

The cost the same as the rear brackets. I think that was 40.00

11-15-2007, 07:17 PM	#5
Dickydubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Breckenridge, CO Posts: 70 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	First off double check all the measurements on that drawing linked above, I used that and a few holes were off. I was going to draw up a correct arrangement but I lost the sketch since I moved to CO and haven't had the time. Below are pics of the Bumper I designed and my brother fabbed up. It is all 1/8" sheet metal. The brackets should be at least 3/16", preferably 1/4". My brother used a cnc plasma cutter to cut out the pattern and then a press brake to bend it and mig welded it together. Most people don't have access to the press brake so you could make it multiple pieces and weld them all together. Also there are gussets welded into the corners between the Unibody tie in brackets and the main part of the bumper. Building your own is def. the way to go. Good luck __________________ 97 sport 4.0 5spd, command trac stock height with General Grabber AT2 sony HU w/ aux input, infinity 5 1/4" and 6x9"

11-16-2007, 02:23 PM	#13
Dragnz24 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Laurens, SC Posts: 364 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I will try to get some clear pics tonight of the front bumper we built for my XJ. Even though it is not 100% done it still looks good. BTW I suggest getting Nates XJ bumper brackets if you dont feel like making your own. He does not have them on his site but he will sell them. __________________ 1991 XJ, 4.0L HO, 3in rustys coils, 3 in. block in rear soon to be replaced, on 33x12.5 , stock dana 30&35 open front and rear http://www.gulchesorvpark.com/

11-16-2007, 03:28 PM	#15
Dragnz24 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Laurens, SC Posts: 364 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The cost the same as the rear brackets. I think that was 40.00 __________________ 1991 XJ, 4.0L HO, 3in rustys coils, 3 in. block in rear soon to be replaced, on 33x12.5 , stock dana 30&35 open front and rear http://www.gulchesorvpark.com/