Bumper idea

[Backwoods Rambler]

I've had this idea for awhile to build a HD bumper that transitions perfectly into factory body lines and while I wasn't sure exactly how this would work out, I found an example of what I had in mind. I don't know who makes this bumper, but I think the look is fantasic.

Notice how the top of the bumper appears to use a portion of the factory bumper which is trimmed on a flat plane for a smooth transition.

Sorry for the crappy phone pic

I would thinks this could be done to simplify the build of bumpers for many complicated factory lines as seen above or like on the rear of a 4runner or WK, ect, ect...

Considering that most abuse happens from rocks, roots or ledges below, this seems like it would be a perfect way to keep a more refined factory look while still being very heavy duty.

Thoughts?

 

[Saline]

It does look clean but you must consider the frame vs. body twist during off road travel. Some rigs can have several inches of bumper movement when the truck is flexed out.

 

[Mr. Moore]

I was thinking of trying this on my '05 ram to not have to cut tons of curves and contours out of sheet metal or have ugly gaps. I would beableto remove the color matched portion off of the top of my bumper since it is a seperate piece. That is what it looks like they did in the pic you posted. Very clean IMO...I like it...now I just need to find time between family/work/school etc to get to work on projects!

 

[NothingClever]

I'd suggest Armorology in Colorado Springs for a functional product which also incorporates aesthetics in the design & finishing process.

That one you're looking at looks to me like it might be more appropriate for wheeling over a curb stop at the local Starbucks .

 

[soonenough]

That one you're looking at looks to me like it might be more appropriate for wheeling over a curb stop at the local Starbucks .

I could be wrong but that looks like an ARB Sahara bar to me. Most reviews I've read of ARB's bumper have been favorable...

 

[Wonderland]

Have you seen Buck Stop? Built a little heavier than ARB.

I have an ARB, my buddy has a Buck Stop.

http://www.buckstop.biz/

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I guess I should clarify here....

I know that bumper mfg's have no problem following factory body lines, but for the home builder like myself, it can make things much more challenging.

So, it would seems to me that this is reasonble solution.

Also, considering that the top portion of the factory bumper is typically a somewhat flexible plastic type of material, having it come into contact (or very close) with the HD lower portion should be no problem, otherwise a gap could be left. Obviously a 2" gap wouldn't be pretty, but if you have to leave a 2" gap at the body line anyway (presumable due to the flex?) that wouldn't look good either; in which case, this idea would still save a bunch of time cutting & welding to match body lines.

Alternately, if you have to leave a gap for flex, you could have the factory portion overlap the HD lower portion so that flex will cause them to just move alongside of each other, instead of coming in contact. Possible solutions depend on the specific design of each of course.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

That one you're looking at looks to me like it might be more appropriate for wheeling over a curb stop at the local Starbucks .

Honestly, I wouldn't mind a bumper that "looks" appropriate for the speed bump at the local Starbucks, as long as it still "functions" appropriately for mild to hard (not extreme) trail abuse.

There's nothing wrong with incorporating a bit of style into an otherwise functional accessory. If that wasn't true, we'd all still be running round pipe or flat c-channel in front of our farm trucks, with chain wrapped around it instead of a winch.

 

[Wonderland]

Also, considering that the top portion of the factory bumper is typically a somewhat flexible plastic type of material, having it come into contact (or very close) with the HD lower portion should be no problem, otherwise a gap could be left. Obviously a 2" gap wouldn't be pretty, but if you have to leave a 2" gap at the body line anyway (presumable due to the flex?) that wouldn't look good either; in which case, this idea would still save a bunch of time cutting & welding to match body lines.

Alternately, if you have to leave a gap for flex, you could have the factory portion overlap the HD lower portion so that flex will cause them to just move alongside of each other, instead of coming in contact. Possible solutions depend on the specific design of each of course.

Why not use a piece of heavy duty rubber that masks the gap, and lays on top of the bumper? Like the mall cruiser you pictured.

Think conveyor belt type rubber. Shouldn't be too hard to cut with a jigsaw. and make it look some what pretty.

You're building this for your XJ right?

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Why not use a piece of heavy duty rubber that masks the gap, and lays on top of the bumper? Like the mall cruiser you pictured.

That could work. It's hard to tell from my phone pic, but I don't think the picture I posted has that??

You're building this for your XJ right?

No, I already have a front bumper for my XJ. Besides, the idea doesn't really work for an XJ, maybe for my next rig, whatever that might be??