The Bumper Build & Exterior Mods -LOTS OF PICTURES-

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cliftonclendenen

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So I’ve been wanting to replace the crappy old bumper that had cracked and dented. I wanted an “offroad look bumper” but anything that I liked was around $700 - $1500. That is a lot of money for a poor 16 year old with a part time minimum wage job. So I decided to build my own.

First, I started with removing my old bumper and creating a template out of cardboard.
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Then I made a small sketchup model to add some more angles and get more precise measurements.
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This whole process took me about 3 months so in that time frame I removed the crappy plastidip grille (bad idea to plastidip grilles btw) and got rid of the Spyder auto lights which don’t work at all.

I then went to my local steel supplier in PA and picked up a 4x8 sheet of 3/16 steel. This beast weighs about 250lbs and was a pain in the a$$ to take off the bed of the truck. LOL

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Anyways, to start the bumper build, I needed to figure out a way to mount the bumper to the trucks original mounts.

I cut out a plate that fits the mounts and drilled 1/2 holes in it for 5 grade 8 bolts for each mount.
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I then took 2 pieces of angle iron and welded them in a square shape, then welded them to the plate.
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Next, I cut out the main large plate. And welded that to the mounts. I added a piece of 2” 3/16” bar to the top portion at the angle where it sticks a little out from the grille.
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From there, I added the bottom angle and then started tacking the wings that go up.
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It’s starting to look like a real bumper now.
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These triangles were a pain in the butt to make because when it got smaller the heat from the welder wanted to melt holes in the steel. Awesome looking heat colors though haha.
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I then got the upper portions tacked together.
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I then tacked the sides of the bumper which to my surprise lined up perfectly with the body lines.
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cliftonclendenen

cliftonclendenen

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Finally it is finished after 3 months!!
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Now just to grind, grind, and grind some more.
And since I’m an idiot, I forgot to take pictures of grinding and bed lining it. So here are some finished pictures. 546f58dd965c61810e71b1dce8c755c5.jpg
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I learned a whole lot about welding doing this project. I hope you all like it and I may make a set of plans for sale soon. Sooner or later I will add some D-Rings to the front a maybe a fairlead (hint hint [emoji6]) I also have some LED cube lights that I will install soon. I will keep you all updated. Hope you enjoy this project!


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Drunken Hamster

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Finally it is finished after 3 months!!
7b0febe1f974f8fd2a129695cba9d979.jpg

Now just to grind, grind, and grind some more.
And since I’m an idiot, I forgot to take pictures of grinding and bed lining it. So here are some finished pictures. 546f58dd965c61810e71b1dce8c755c5.jpg
985436991cc93e38354ffaa3f3be6ad7.jpg
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I learned a whole lot about welding doing this project. I hope you all like it and I may make a set of plans for sale soon. Sooner or later I will add some D-Rings to the front a maybe a fairlead (hint hint [emoji6]) I also have some LED cube lights that I will install soon. I will keep you all updated. Hope you enjoy this project!


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That's a gnarly sum ***** right there. Be sure to add tow rings and a light bar or cube led fogs. Maybe some chrome studs to make it look even gnarlier.

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ramportin1

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This is the thread I been waiting for for a while now and I can definitely say you did not disappoint brotha, at 16! Hell of a good job on keeping it lined up during all the piecing together, body gaps look great. Be proud of that one!

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cliftonclendenen

cliftonclendenen

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This is the thread I been waiting for for a while now and I can definitely say you did not disappoint brotha, at 16! Hell of a good job on keeping it lined up during all the piecing together, body gaps look great. Be proud of that one!

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Thanks man, I appreciate it.


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S0CAL

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A work of ART!!!
 

chrisp2493

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That’s awesome! What impressed me the most are all the extra trim lines and angles you used instead of just flat pieces of metal. It looks awesome instead of boxy. Way to go!
 

rocket

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should be a cinch to add fogs....with that kind of talent. the wiring already there I would imagine.
 

Jarhead57

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Well done, looking forward to see whats next on it.:favorites13:
 

Salsa

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Great job. Looks awesome and a little fog bling would be nice to see.
 
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cliftonclendenen

cliftonclendenen

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Here in a few weeks I will be starting on making some fog light holders. I am currently on vacation.


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Drunken Hamster

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Took a few more pictures today. Went offroad to go get a deer. 45e93b5745136e7fd6d748535185f606.jpg


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Going to get a deer from the woods with a truck that's yours and a custom fabbed/welded metal bumper.

Just normal 16 year old things.

But seriously. In today's age, it's rare for youngins like us to be so independent and self-able.

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Demon-HeMi

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i would bedline the grill you have to match the bumper, oh and i tell everyone to remove any steps from a truck
 
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cliftonclendenen

cliftonclendenen

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i would bedline the grill you have to match the bumper, oh and i tell everyone to remove any steps from a truck



Yes sir, ive been meaning to take those off haha. And yeah a new grille is in order as well. Just got to save up some $$$


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