RF600 Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 This isn't necessarily hardcore fab but I thought it should go here. It is kind of a push guard. Nothing that will last longer than the rig itself. I placed it where I did because I didn't want to take it off if I had to get at the fog lights. I plan to get 2 4" driving lights and place them on the top bar. I first used cardboard to get a basic shape of what fit the bumper. When I was happy with the piece I used 1/4" plywood and cut the template. I used the template to guide the plasma cutter. There are 3 bolts that mount the trim piece below the bumper. I ran a piece of metal across the 3 bolts and bolted it to the trim piece. You can see it in the picture. I ran a brace off that bar to where the tow hook mounts on both sides. I'm a little pissed at myself. The bottom bar isn't level. I don't want to take a cut off wheel and re weld the thing so it will stay a little off. Oh well. I'm glad it was for me and not someone else. I still have to have the paint stripped off the bars. Then paint it. All things considered I think it turned out pretty good. I used 3/16" plate. In material I only spent $25. Then it was my time to put it together. I don' have the driving lights yet so until then I won't paint it because I don't know if I want to weld a tab onto the bar or mount directly to the bar. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badfish Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 That's pretty cool. I woulda gone a bit bigger, but you didn't make it for me did ya?! I'd like to see a pic from the side if you get a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzZo Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 Hey I like it a little shorty it works and thats all that matter's.Nice fabrication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF600 Posted August 26, 2013 Author Share Posted August 26, 2013 I didn't want a 50lb piece of metal hanging off the front. I don't wheel the pathfinder so it is more of a glorified fog light bracket. I still need to reinforce the bumper some. Most people call brush guards a damage multiplier. That is why I wanted to keep it short and simple. When I get a side pic I will post it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 It looks fine! First time you bump with it it'll settle in place anyway... How about a side shot? What type of metal did you put in the trim piece (lower valance I believe?) B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF600 Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 The lower piece was the same 3/16" plate. The material I bought was not long enough so I welded 2 pieces together. I used the same 3/16" plate to go where the tow hook mounts. It is a brace that is mounted pretty well. I wanted to keep it simple. If you are not looking for it I doubt most people would notice. Here is a side pic. If you measure off the center of the bumper the plate sticks out about 2 1/4" off the bumper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF600 Posted September 8, 2013 Author Share Posted September 8, 2013 I took the bumper off to reinforce it. I welded the cross bars to the brackets that bolt to the frame. You don't see it in the pic. It isn't a lot but compared to the flimsy bumper I think it will be sufficent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 Anything is better than the stock bumpers sheet metal ornaments but that looks much more solid, maybe 3x. The mounts/bolts are probably the weak point now. The lower piece was the same 3/16" plate. The material I bought was not long enough so I welded 2 pieces together. I used the same 3/16" plate to go where the tow hook mounts. It is a brace that is mounted pretty well. I wanted to keep it simple. If you are not looking for it I doubt most people would notice. Here is a side pic. If you measure off the center of the bumper the plate sticks out about 2 1/4" off the bumper. I like the understated/low profile look! Building a sleeper wheeler, eh? B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF600 Posted September 24, 2013 Author Share Posted September 24, 2013 I don't like being flashy with vehicles. The motorcycle is a different story. On the bike I want to be seen. I didn't want some monstrosity looking like it was taking over the front end. Keep it simple and effective. Now I really need to finish up the bar and get it mounted before winter hits, just in case. It should give me a bit more of extra protection. I hope so anyway. Once I have it painted and mounted I will post up a few pics. The pics will be without the led fog lights I want to get. I'm waiting for them to hopefully go on sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF600 Posted September 28, 2013 Author Share Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) So I had some time and good weather to finish the bar and install it. I like the low profile of it. It's there but not obtrusive. Edited September 28, 2013 by RF600 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF600 Posted September 28, 2013 Author Share Posted September 28, 2013 Now that I have the pic all squared away here it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nefarious Posted March 15, 2014 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Looks good man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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