herm Posted October 12, 2006 Share Posted October 12, 2006 My guess is if Dean is "designing" the build, it will exceed a Class III level hitch. He's not known for weak upgrades... m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted October 12, 2006 Share Posted October 12, 2006 It will be at least as strong, probably stronger. In addition to the current brackets you see, there will be an additional brace between the receiver and the unibody where the spare tire chain-lift mechanism attaches, sort of like this: Basically, when the bumper is fully mounted, it will be attached to the unibody with 14 bolts: 5 bolts on each side (where a standard Class III hitch mounts), and 4 bolts where the spare tire used to attach. This will make it exceptionally strong, able to withstand pretty hard hits. It's probably more likely that in a rear-end collision, the unibody attachments may bend before the bumper will. I would guess that the bumper so far weighs about 70 lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
97vapathy Posted October 12, 2006 Share Posted October 12, 2006 i like it alot and need something new soon. My factory buper is falling off, nothing but a few screws holding it on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmorgan4 Posted October 12, 2006 Share Posted October 12, 2006 Dean, that looks awesome so far. Is there any way this guy will be able to build another one in the future without a a vehicle to build one off of? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatteras Posted October 12, 2006 Share Posted October 12, 2006 Gonna be NICE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted October 13, 2006 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Dean, that looks awesome so far. Is there any way this guy will be able to build another one in the future without a a vehicle to build one off of? Yes. They have already recorded the measurements, angles, etc. to build more when mine, the prototype, is done. The first one is always the toughest to design and build, especially since I'm very picky, and I want it to look awesome and work flawlessly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichiganAve Posted October 13, 2006 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Yes. They have already recorded the measurements, angles, etc. to build more when mine, the prototype, is done. The first one is always the toughest to design and build, especially since I'm very picky, and I want it to look awesome and work flawlessly. Do we have a final price yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted October 13, 2006 Share Posted October 13, 2006 I just went back and looked at the original CBI bumper and compared it with the one being built for my truck. The CBI bumper looks like it uses 1.5" tubing. Mine uses 1.75" tubing, so it will be stronger. Unfortunately, this also means it's heavier and will cost more. Final pricing (and options) won't be determined until my prototype is finished. Fortunately, the shop owner is a perfectionist, and he wants to make sure it's done right. He wants to be just as pleased with the finished product as I do. Perhaps if there's enough interest, I can convince him to build front bumpers as well using my truck as the template. Right now, it seems the only R50 front bumper available is the "wincher" bumper from Kennesaw Mtn. Accessories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vengeful Posted October 13, 2006 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Yup Dean, you're right about the KMA Bumper. I hope to have some more details and pictures about it today or tomorrow. Whenever Kyle gets back to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
97vapathy Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 does anyone know if the rear bumper from the 96-99.5 are the same as the newer ones? Do they mount up the same way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vengeful Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 The only difference is the plastic bumper skin. The structural bumpers are the same, and the structural mounting is the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquasol Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 I just bought a 97 and am really amazed at how great your rear bumper is designed!!!! If you make a front bumper I'm sure they will sell like hotcakes as I'm sure the rear one will. Put me down for one rear bumper please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPath88 Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 That is looking really good Dean Just to bad that they don't interchange with the WD's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquasol Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 (edited) Why I need a good looking rear bumper is I don't want to spend $600 on getting mine fixed. Edited November 12, 2006 by aquasol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquasol Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I have taken the whole thing off and found that when they put on the tow hitch it was mounted in a way that pushed the center of the bumper up. Really no fix except to take off the hitch or get one of your AWESOME looking bumpers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 (edited) Update. The tire carrier, jerry can holder, and latch are nearly done: Edited December 13, 2006 by XPLORx4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NismoSkyZ Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 (edited) wow that looks amazing! do those hinge things provide enought clearance for the back to open? Edited December 13, 2006 by NismoSkyZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pavelow Leaks Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 That is awesome!!! I want one! but for a WD21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dernt Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Can I get the bumper without the carrier and gas can mount? You mentioned it would not work with the under the vehicle spare mount, could it be altered to keep the spare underneath? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 could it be altered to keep the spare underneath? Unfortunately, no. The reason why the trailer hitch is so low and sticks out so much is because of the spare tire. The bumper would have to also stick out just as far and as low as a standard trailer hitch, negating any advantage the bumper provides. You can, however, opt out of the gas can mount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turqmr2 Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 I've been watching this for some time and am very anxious to see the final product. Would a deposit from serious buyers help move this along? Is there any way to add a lock to the jerry can and jack or are these things typically removed for daily driving? ...eagerly awaiting more pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammyb33 Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 for daily driving u can leave the jack and can on, but i do not suggest leaving the gerry can full of gas... think of the damage that would ensue if you filled it up and got rear ended....not fun at all.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 (edited) The bumper is done, but the builder is recording measurements for it (and hopefully making a jig) for production. I'm scheduled to have the bumper mounted next Friday (Feb 2), which is when I will take some final photos. Pricing and distribution options have not yet been determined. As for a lock for the jerry-can, yes, it's lockable: You can buy the holder and Wedco jerry cans here. Edited January 24, 2007 by XPLORx4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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