Another adjustable front bumper build thread

[bsquared]

A few weeks ago I stumbled across the vendor mass buy thread for the adjustable front bumpers that 76MaBronco posted. I had been thinking about trying to build a front bumper from scratch, but the design and precision of Steve's bumper caught my attention. (and a few $$ shortly thereafter!)

Props to Steve for making an awesome "weld it yourself kit" and the great correspondence during the buy / shipping process. I have really liked the precision of all the pieces in the kit and, being in SE Texas, the King Ranch logo was an unexpected perk!

JSmall on here is also doing a build, but he got lucky and nabbed 76MaBronco's personal kit and got a great looking Bronco script on that one.

Upgraded to a Handler 190 (230V) welder to do the job, but my welds still suck eggs! (although they are getting a little better)

This is an awesome way to build a bumper for anyone that is looking to. Thanks Steve for a great product!

Here's pics so far:

 

[JSmall]

You work fast Mine is still on the bench. Did you have any issues with the receiver mount? I had to drill another hole further back so the pin would be behind the bumper where it can be used. Not a big deal at all.

 

[JSmall]

This is what I'm talking about. You won't be able to put the face plate or a receiver mount in there if you don't drill a hole.

 

[dave67fd]

Welds don't look bad at all.
Yes, Steve's a great guy with alot of design talent.

 

[bsquared]

JSmall,
Yeah man, I'm looking at that now. When I was welding it all up, I placed the receiver where it would be "handy" access from the front and didn't realize Steve had added a cover plate for daily running.

I placed the back of the receiver right at at the back of the main winch mount plate. So long as I can get a second set of holes drilled right where you outlined, I'll have the ease of hitching up from the front AND locking in the cover plate in back.

We'll see how easy doing that after fact will work.

Here's the latest.......I call him.....FrankenBumper!!!

 

[broncoitis]

Nice job from here as well. The welds don't look bad at all. Good Job! ;D

 

[fatboy]

I have the very first original prototype and like it a lot. The newer models are probably more of what I need for my truck since The original was a bit heavier ahd I am not planning on going into the woods, but I own it and it too is a great product! Like the King Ranch logo on the front of yours, and the welds look just fine.

 

[bsquared]

Thanks Guys,
I was a welder's helper in the oilfields in my younger days. Jeez, those guys could burn some beads! Appreciate the kind words and I'm guessing it'll hold up, but wish it was prettier. (I've got a LOT of grinding to do!)

Will post final pics when done. Cheers, B2

 

[Phil76]

(I've got a LOT of grinding to do!)

My father-in-law was the best welder I've ever seen. Even he used to say that it should be called "grinding" instead of "welding".;D Looking good!!!

 

[357Bronco]

Any pics of the mounting brackets on the frame? or of the brackets with the bumper installed?

 

[Justafordguy]

Any pics of the mounting brackets on the frame? or of the brackets with the bumper installed?

X2,

Looks Awesome.

 

[bsquared]

Any pics of the mounting brackets on the frame? or of the brackets with the bumper installed?

357Bronco, funny you should ask.....that's the project de jour for today!

I had a grind-fest yesterday and buzzed down all of the Frankenstein welds I had built up. Going to hit it with a 120 flap disk this morning and then get it in place. Shinin' like a diamond in a goats ass! ;D

 

[bsquared]

Hey guys,
Busted it pretty hard today, but well worth it! Got the bumper mounted and now trying to figure out what my options are to get it to fit a little better.

I'm guessing it is supposed to stick out this far. (going to check with 76MaBronco to be sure) Goofed and ended up with the bumper 1" lower than I planned, but then saw that the hood latch barely missed the top of the winch as it sits right now.

If I wanna move the bumper up 1" (which I would like), then I have to do something with the hood latch. (Doesn't look too difficult)

If I wanna move the bumper back to close up that gap (which I wish I could), then I'd have to cut the frame AND have to relocate the hood latch. Looking at the winch to grill clearance, I'll only be able to close the gap 1" at best, so that probably won't be happening.

Here's the latest:

 

[76MaBronco]

Bill,
Great job on the bumper! Looks awesome!

The bumper is supposed to stick out that for for a couple reasons. If you bump anything, I didn't want the bumper to come up and kiss the grill. It also gives you plenty of room to get a wash cloth between the bumper and body without pinching your fingers.
I'd agree that you should come up one more inch, but don't cut the frame...as that would be a shame.
The hood latch looks to work perfect without modification! I see that you have a screwdriver put in there to have it in the actuated position. When I replied to your email early this morning I hadn't seen the screwdriver (my eyes hadn't adjusted to the brightness of the screen on my phone ) I say bring it up, level it off and weld the mounts to the bumper.

Looks awesome!

Steve

 

[68Rcodeman]

Hey whats going on. That's my King Ranch design. Steve has been hard at it for me ????
David Garton

 

[bsquared]

Thanks Steve, (and David!)
On my rear bumper I did have to cut the frame, which I hated to do, but it was part of the design. I think the hood latch will be an easy adjustment and I'll bring the bumper up to where it looks better vertically. Yeah, I guess once I get it in set I may as well weld it up to the mounts.

Really good product! It was nice to work with stuff that all went together like it came out of a machine shop.

 

[76MaBronco]

Yeah, I guess once I get it in set I may as well weld it up to the mounts.

Want to? You NEED to. Grade 8 bolts in shear are okay, tension is NOT okay. Weld it up and keep the bolts in place.

 

[76MaBronco]

Hey whats going on. That's my King Ranch design. Steve has been hard at it for me ????
David Garton

I totally messed up and swapped emails when you both wanted a King Ranch bumper...it's my mistake and I'll make it right.

 

[68Rcodeman]

Bill, Bumper looks Great. Very nice Bronco too.
David

 

[76MaBronco]

Talked to David last night...we're good. I've got some welding to do.