Subaru Forester Bumper Build for E.J.

[StumpXJ]

Building a plate style bumper for Josh (aka E.J.), figured I would post up the process/progress in this forum.

Only got about two hours of work in today, but should have it finished by Thursday. Stay tuned!

I am using 10ga steel for the majority of it, slightly thicker than 1/8". It not gonna stop a train or take huge hits, but its a damn site better than the plastic bumper cover that was on it, we should also be able to keep it relatively light. EJ sent me a few photos of other bumpers that he wanted it to look like, and I will let him post them if he wants.

Picture time....:

Got it to my shop after Josh and I hatched a tentative plan today.

Picked up some steel.

Started cutting out some mounting brackets with the plasma.

Getting some more bracket stuff done, and welded up.

Showing the part that gets welded to the actual bumper. of course everything will get gusseted, but this is where I finished for the day.

~ Stump

 

[Mrknowitall]

Nice work, so far. We need more detailed plate bumper builds around here. Do you have a sketch of what you're going for, that you could post? What kind of design parameters did you decide on? And what size Generals are those?

 

[StumpXJ]

No sketches, just in my head mostly. Like I mentioned, Josh sent me a few pictures of a bumper another guy built, and he wants the general design to follow that. The rest is up to me, which is how I like it. I will likely make patterns from this build for future Subi owners, should someone else decide they want one.

The tires are 205/75 R15's. I think Josh is getting ready for a little lift, but I will let him discuss those details as I am a little out of my normal realm of vehicles here...

 

[Eaglefreek]

I can't wait to see the finished bumper.

 

[E.J.]

Oh man, getting stoked on this. Looking forward to an improved approach angle and the occasional strange look at the gas station

Lift wise right now it has 1" strut spacers, the tires are just shy of an inch larger than stock. I'm planning on adding raised springs for another 1.4" of lift.

 

[StumpXJ]

Now that I have everything bolted up properly, and the first piece bent and tacked...this should go a little quicker since I have something to build off of.

~ Stump

 

[Pedro]

Is this getting a winch mount? And do you have a target weight?

 

[StumpXJ]

No winch mount in the plans, although it could later be modified to adapt a smaller M8000 size winch. It would take quite a bit of beefing up, but looking at it, I think it could be done. He certainly will have room for it to tuck nicely between the radiator, and the bumper.

Target weight is whatever it ends up being, my prediction is maybe 50 pounds +/-. I will weight it when its done.

 

[E.J.]

Oh man that's looking good Stump!

As cool as a winch would be I'm planning on picking up a Wyeth-Scott power puller for winching duty.

 

[StumpXJ]

Glad you like it so far Josh, its going pretty smooth. I hope to get it completely tacked up today, then it will be welding/grinding/painting tomorrow. Thursday should be the install in the morning.

 

[StumpXJ]

Moving right along....

 

[StumpXJ]

Got the majority of it tacked up so far. Will be working on side supports, and venting in the front for the radiator. Then, it comes off for lots of welding and grinding.

 

[StumpXJ]

This is where I finished today. Got the side supports on, now I feel much better about Josh rubbing up against a tree.

Josh also stopped by an dropped off his front lights, so I will get them mounted before this thing goes on for the final time.

Until tomorrow...~ Stump

 

[zolo]

Nice work, so far.And what size Generals are those?

If im not mistaken and Josh can correct me if im wrong but those Generals are the biggest tires that will fit due to the strut.
The lower spring seat is in the way to get any taller of a tire on that Foz.

When we lifted it, it was mainly to get some ground clearnace and thats what we will be after with the springs as well.
More clearnce but not for tires. He also has Primative (I believ is the name) full skids under that rig, front full alum skid and rear Diff rally alum skid and they are very nice.


Stump that looks awesome. I kow thats exactly what Josh had in mind. Way better look than those tube bumpers we have seen. Way to go mayn, great work

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Might as well do the rear bumper too, maybe a swing out spare rack. I mean you already got it in the shop :sombrero: