Front Bumper Build

[TRDteen]

I really want a custom plate bumper, but looking online, they're too expensive for me! (Senior with a part-time job) I've decided that I'm going to try to make my own, since I work at a fab shop and I have all the tools I need to make it. Not sure how it's going to turn out, but hopefully its good and I know I'll have fun doing it.

I'm starting out with a drawing on paper that I hand drew using a couple of plate bumpers I've seen online as a "guide" to what I want mine to look like.

Next, I downloaded FreeCAD, and just been messing around with it to get a feel for what the final product will look like. All I have so far is just the front plate with the right light holes. CAD programs are so wonderful with how easy they make designing parts! I'll soon be using SolidWorks to make the final product.

 

[TRDteen]

Reserved

 

[Ilovemy97Limited]

I plan to start my own soon when im able to replace my stolen welder.

what model is your T4R and how do you plan to do the bracketry? What size metal do you plan to use and do you plan to make a winch plate?

 

[TRDteen]

I have a 99 Limited, and just saw off where the old bumper was, make it flat and drill some holes to connect the steel to the car. Im most likely gonna use 3/4 steel unless i can get my hands on some cheap aluminum haha. Not really sure about the winch plate, it would be nice but I'm almost sure i wont be doing some crazy trails for me to get stuck on cause im running 2WD...

 

[mikebontoft]

I'll be watching this... you had the same idea I did for a bumper build. draw it up and build. haha.

I was just going to do one on paper but I may have to try that program.

edit: 3/4 inch for the mounting point or the plate? heavy bumper if its plate

 

[TRDteen]

edit: 3/4 inch for the mounting point or the plate? heavy bumper if its plate

Haha I don't know yet, I'm just trying to get the basic model for it right now, ill think about material when i know what it looks like. Any tips would help though!

 

[fish0281]

Maybe it's the image, but you will want the top to be flat; it looks like the sides of your bumper angle up and you'll never get it to fit. I.e., the bottom of the grill, headlight filler pieces, and fenders are all in the same plane.


3/4" anything except recovery points is way too thick. I think everything on mine is 3/16" or 1/8" (recovery points are 1/2" with face welds)

 

[TRDteen]

Maybe it's the image, but you will want the top to be flat; it looks like the sides of your bumper angle up and you'll never get it to fit. I.e., the bottom of the grill, headlight filler pieces, and fenders are all in the same plane.


3/4" anything except recovery points is way too thick. I think everything on mine is 3/16" or 1/8" (recovery points are 1/2" with face welds)

Ya, the top is flat, I'm just not the greatest artist in the world. Same with the sides, they're flat. And thanks for the tip on the thickness of the steel!

 

[cj80cruiser]

Maybe it's the image, but you will want the top to be flat; it looks like the sides of your bumper angle up and you'll never get it to fit. I.e., the bottom of the grill, headlight filler pieces, and fenders are all in the same plane.


3/4" anything except recovery points is way too thick. I think everything on mine is 3/16" or 1/8" (recovery points are 1/2" with face welds)

I agree 3/4 is way too thick. ⅜ or ¼ is good for mounting plates.

 

[fish0281]

Ya, the top is flat, I'm just not the greatest artist in the world. Same with the sides, they're flat. And thanks for the tip on the thickness of the steel!

It was the CAD pic you took that my comment was based off of... if that's a front view, then it's not flat on top.

also, pro-tip: screen shots (ctrl+print screen then pasted into paint or powerpoint or similar) is a great way to share CAD work. CAD is an awesome tool though and can definitely be a valuable one in your professional life!

 

[TRDteen]

It was the CAD pic you took that my comment was based off of... if that's a front view, then it's not flat on top.

also, pro-tip: screen shots (ctrl+print screen then pasted into paint or powerpoint or similar) is a great way to share CAD work. CAD is an awesome tool though and can definitely be a valuable one in your professional life!

I'm totally new to CAD programs. Can you explain to me how that drawing would make the top at an angle and not flat?

 

[fish0281]

This may help... it's important to always be thinking in 3D. What program are you using for this drawing? Do you have solid works access? That is by far the best and easiest software - Pro/Engineer or Creo is anothe popular solid modeling package, but it sucks at best. I hate it.

 

[farmerjon]

CAD is a lot of fun, as fish0281 said, it's easiest if you're always thinking in 3D and always keep the different perspectives in line... AutoCAD will also work, but it's expensive! SolidWorks is great too!

 

[TRDteen]

This may help... it's important to always be thinking in 3D. What program are you using for this drawing? Do you have solid works access? That is by far the best and easiest software - Pro/Engineer or Creo is anothe popular solid modeling package, but it sucks at best. I hate it.

For this drawing im using FreeCAD. Yeah my dad uses SolidWorks, and were gonna instal it on my computer this weekend. He knows SolidWorks inside and out, so he can always help me. In the CAD picture, are you saying everything has to be flat? Haha, ill figure it out, thanks brooo! It's hard to explain over text, and im using my phone right now.

 

[Hepar]

Looks good! My only suggestion is to maybe change up the hoop design. If you're going custom build, you might as well do something unique as opposed to something that is already out there.

 

[danman628]

Looks awesome. I'm working on a very similar design right now (love those hoops)...still at the drawing stage though haha. I'll be able to use my school's machine shop to cut pieces/bend tube and my friend will help me weld it up.

I'll be watching this thread to see how it goes. Good luck man!

 

[TRDteen]

Haven't had ANY time to work on this project lately Been so busy with work and school that whenever i have free time, i just sleep haha. Going to try to finish the CAD drawing this week!

 

[funnymeatball]

What happened to the build man? Lol