Tacoma rear bumper fabrication.

[p1michaud]

Frame mounting brackets.

Given that the Demello parts are thicker I advise rolling over the edges that mate to the frame.

Great point and easily done as well. I will clean up the edges using a mini grinder with a sanding wheel. I often like cleaning up any metal part I make using this method. It leaves you with a very nice finish and if done properly (just take your time) you can safely handle the piece with your bare hands afterwards and not have to worry about cutting yourself on a sharp edge.

Have you given any thot to where to put the trailer light socket?

Not untill now. Great suggestions as well. I was going to wait untill I got there to figure this out. Currently I'm only using a 4 wire harness that's just hanging there. So I may not have to replace the wiring harness and incorportate your idea. This mounting solution would keep it protected from any impacts and help drain the water out. The only down side would be that this location makes it a bit more difficult to plug in.

I'll also offer the below as a possible alternate for attaching the safety chains. Orient the long slot in the direction of pull. I intend to try this in the next bumper that I build. Note that the bolt is only needed when the plate is horizontal. I outright stole the concept from the local power company trucks, whose plates are vertical.

I'll have to think about this one a bit more, but I've got time.

Great stuff, I'm having too much fun with planning this...

 

[p1michaud]

Laying things out.

I've been playing with Microsoft Office Visio 2003 and laid things out roughly to scale. See attached .pdf file.

I've also been doing some numbers. If I got with 3/16" material for the main beam then 1/8" material for the two swing out arms, estimate the two spindles at 2lb each, toss on the Adventure Trailers can holders (19lbs/ea), Scepter can (7 lbs/ea), fuel or water (approx 45 lbs/each can) that puts the bumper at roughly 210 lbs fully loaded! I was thinking of bolting the Hi-Lift to is as well, but that's another 50 lbs pusing things to 260lbs! With no quarter panel protection. Hmm, this thing may be too heavy for my liking. I'll have to weigh my rear bumper, mounting brackets and towing receiver when I remove them for comparison.

I know that Scott had posted the following at some point (can't recall where):

Demello Off Road rear swing out bumper 117 lbs
Hi-Lift 50 lbs
Spare tire (255/85R16 on steel wheel at the time) 67lbs

Total: 234 lbs

Has anyone else questimated the weight of their rear bumper?


Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[Desertdude]

Are you thinking of the frame support option as well?

 

[p1michaud]

Frame tie ins?

Are you thinking of the frame support option as well?

Do you mean with the wrap arrond quarter panel protection or frame re-inforcement due to the additional weight. If it's the later, I've already welded some Demello Off-Road frame re-inforcement plates on. Great product by the way.
Cheers,
P

 

[Desertdude]

The latter... some how I knew you were on it

 

[p1michaud]

Frame re-inforcements needs to be considered as well.

The latter... some how I knew you were on it

I appreciate the tip though!
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[Rezarf <><]

For your latching mechanism, I would look at the De Sta Co latches for sure. The reason the one Slee Offroad sells may rattle a bit is because it is clamping in a linear direction. I used the 90* clamp/latch. It is rated at 2000#'s of clamping force and I have never ever had one rattle.

One more note, the spindle in the first few photo's would be fine for a fuel can, but for a spare, they have been known to snap, I went with Iorn Pig Off-roads spindle and it is beefy! www.ironpigoffroad.com

Here is a link to my bumper build up and the parts I used...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=75040&highlight=bumper+build

Have fun, you are off to a great start!

Rezarf <><

 

[ntsqd]

http://www.ironpigoffroad.com/ ?

Carr-Lane makes similar clamps as well as other types.
Austin Hardware is also worth a look-see.
Protofab has a really nice eccentric latch, but I don't think they sell it other than on their own bumpers. Bottom of the page: http://www.protofab4x4.com/products.php

 

[p1michaud]

Bumper dreaming...

Here is a link to my bumper build up and the parts I used...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=75040&highlight=bumper+build

Very cool build up and useful information on parts. Job well done!

 

[Rezarf <><]

http://www.ironpigoffroad.com/ ?

Carr-Lane makes similar clamps as well as other types.
Austin Hardware is also worth a look-see.
Protofab has a really nice eccentric latch, but I don't think they sell it other than on their own bumpers. Bottom of the page: http://www.protofab4x4.com/products.php

OOPs, that is the right link!

 

[p1michaud]

Buying parts...

I've ordered the following parts:

1. Two spindles from www.rocklogic4x4.com
   
2. Two Stainless Steel Toggle Clamps from Mc-Master Carr. The part number was 5071A58
   
3. Two Weld-in Pull Pin Ball Handle 3/8" Pin Dia from Mc-Master Carr. The part number was 90222A415
   
4. Placed the order for the steel and will be picking that up on the way home tonight.

Then I ran into a small snag, the Adventure Trailers Can Holders will no be available for approximately one month! :yikes: I don't suppose anyone has two of them collecting dust somewhere?

Cheers,
P

 

[Willman]

Sweet P!

Whens the day you are going to start the build?

Good luck and happy fabbing!

 

[p1michaud]

Steel is home

Sweet P!

Whens the day you are going to start the build?

Good luck and happy fabbing!

If the house chores go ok, I'm hopingn to start today! Off to get the house chores done!

 

[Desertdude]

If the house chores go ok, I'm hopingn to start today! Off to get the house chores done!

done yet? :victory:

 

[p1michaud]

Garage clean up duties!

done yet? :victory:

Wishful thinking! I had one hour to spare and ended up cleaning the garage and laying out all the steel, bolts, tools then realized that my buddy has my 1/2" drill and hole saw. Can't get them untill Monday, he is out of town so no progress to date. :cow: