Building a Steel Front Bumper
- Thread starter blue_kjR417
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trent.brown
Full Access Member
Since I am looking for a rear bumper, does anyone have any pictures or have actually done a rear tj bumper on the kj?
teckman02
Full Access Member
i would skip the TJ bumper idea
SabaII
Full Access Member
You'll get a binary response concerning flux-core welds and their strength vs. gas. Some hate FC, others love it. Not too often you get the middle ground.
Myself, I wish I could afford gas right now, but the FC has to make do. And make do it does. I'm in the process of building some steel-based tech furniture for the recording studio, and all my FC welds are strong and dependable.
Yes, you do need to clean the area around the weld very well... this can be with a grinder and a finer wheel (200 grit or so), or it can be as simple as a can of M.E.K. (Methyl ethyl ketone), a sturdy rag, and sturdier gloves (rubber recommended). Make sure your work is well-lit so you can see exactly where you're going, and move steadily. This might even mean, no coffee before welding.
My welder died a few months ago, and in order to finish the job I had to go to Harbor Fright and pick up a 90 amp MIG unit (fortunately it was on sale). As uneasy as Harbor Fright's stuff makes me, I have to say this particular welder is kicking ass. One thing I think is extremely helpful is, pick up a jar of the flux goo/nozzle dip... that stuff reduces spattering very well and helps with the overall flow of the work. Clean your tip often.
Be mindful that steel likes to warp during welding, so tacking your joints - a spot here, then a spot on the opposite side, then back, etc. - really goes a long way towards keeping your work straight and square.
Remember, too, this guide: A little welding, a lotta cooling.
Thanks for the tips! I picked up a used Lincoln Easy Mig 140 and have yet to use it. I really need to break this thing out but other projects and general lack of funds keep me from doing what I want to.
trent.brown
Full Access Member
Of everything ive seen this sounds like good advice
Just curious, why do you think it's a bad idea? I'm not questioning your judgement just curious if it's a safety issue, fabrication issue, or cosmetic issue that leads you to say stay away from this idea.
ThunderbirdJunkie
Bronze Supporter
Considering it's a flimsy-ass bumper to begin with, and the fact that TJ owners give these pieces of crap away for a reason, it's a combination of safety and being an ass-ugly way to devalue the shit out of your Jeep and make it look like some Janky ass hilljack owns it.
Atrus
Full Access Member
iConcur
Marlon_JB2
Kombat Edition Jeep
TJ bumper is just cheap C-Channel Steel.
Best description / response I have heard so far:happy175:
2X12 chunk of oak looks better
Ry' N Jen
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hectikart
Full Access Member
I'm pretty sure the ARB bumper is around 100-110lbs, so I would use that as a guide for weight. I would probably use 1/4" steel for the frame and maybe 11 gauge to skin it. I saw something about using steel and aluminum earlier on here. Be careful with dissimilar metals, they can corrode each other. Also remember to either use 316 stainless (not 304, it will rust), or if you're using mild steel you'll need to either powder coat it, or at least acetone prep it and spray...otherwise you'll start getting surface rust in a few days.
badkittystt
Full Access Member
Now I'm sure you guys all realize I know zilch about fabricating and usually have no idea what everyone is talking about, but I do have something to add to the bumper fab conversation 
I have seen many "island jeeps" (down here a jeep is anything that's open, squarish, and might have 4wd like sidekicks, sammy's, wranglers...) with bumpers made out of bamboo. Lightweight, attractive, all in all I think it's a great option. Not getting that anywhere near Mr. Darcy, but a valid construction material! :happy175:
I have seen many "island jeeps" (down here a jeep is anything that's open, squarish, and might have 4wd like sidekicks, sammy's, wranglers...) with bumpers made out of bamboo. Lightweight, attractive, all in all I think it's a great option. Not getting that anywhere near Mr. Darcy, but a valid construction material! :happy175:
