Rear Bumper Plan

[JC'sWelding]

Ok, I downloaded SketchUp, what a cool program. Here is plan #1 for my rear bumper. It will be 1/8" steel, with aluminum diamond plate inserts on top. Bumper will either be black, or gold to match my truck. The lights are 4" lights for reverse lights.

I'm sure these plans will change 14 times before I build it. Comments please.

Not exactly original. I am looking to add some concepts that reflect my skill level. Sort of like a resume. So, I will be making a lot of changes.

[JC'sWelding]

Here's #2. The drop is not as deep, the ends are not as complicated. The round holes are for 4" backup lights, and the rectangular holes are for 4x6 work lights.

[littlefuzz]

I like the second one better. It's gonna change as you build, or it it should anyway. You said you planned on it, as long as you got some beer for inspiration you should be fine.

[DrmChld]

I like the second one. However I would add a cup holder. and a little grove so you can place your cigarette in so it doesn't roll away.

[viper522]

I love SketchUp, it's so versatile. Good looking bumper. You could also have it chromed, black ceramic coated or powdercoated to give it a long lasting finish.

[\\NV.Welding//]

i like the second one as well!... i love sketchup, its a great program... i just get all messed up with the orbit tool some times

[viper522]

oh yeah and maybe make some foot hole cutouts at the corners, something you can get a work boot into

[DrmChld]

Originally Posted by viper522

oh yeah and maybe make some foot hole cutouts at the corners, something you can get a work boot into

That is a great idea also. Like the new tailgate steps

Maybe an electrical plug? trailer plugs?

.

[Fat Bastard]

Don't forget the holes for the chains from the trailer to hook into.

[B.Appel]

loving the second. AHHH so glad i found this world of welding.

Im 22 with a 2 year old and another one on the way, I cant wait to get us a nice truck that i can make my own, meld together a work truck and family truck all in one.

Every topic i visit i get new ideas. You guys rock.

[DrmChld]

Originally Posted by B.Appel

Im 22 with a 2 year old and another one on the way, I cant wait to get us a nice truck that i can make my own, meld together a work truck and family truck all in one.

So a place on the bumper to mount a child seat?

[B.Appel]

Originally Posted by DrmChld

So a place on the bumper to mount a child seat?

haha something to think about

[viper522]

Originally Posted by Fat Bastard

Don't forget the holes for the chains from the trailer to hook into.

That is commonly on the frame-mounted trailer hitch, as it is load-rated for whatever you were pulling - prior to whatever disaster caused you to tug it along by chain alone .

[ol' Stick Guy]

I'd put driving lights in the 4" rounds or Leds' plus a backup camera and beeper you can find a back-up camera cheap now.

[B.Appel]

dealextreme.com you can find CHEAP reverse sensors and cameras

[JC'sWelding]

All good ideas, thanks. I thought about the foot holes, but only a few inches higher and I can step ON the bumper. It will have a plug for the trailer lights, and I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate the receiver hitch already mounted on my truck. I like the idea of the cigarette groove, I know you were joking, but it's funny enough to include, then have people ask what it's for. I also thought about a bottle opener with a catch box in the back that can be removed to be emptied.

[bensweld]

Also need holes for the license plate lights.

[dvlman]

I like the second one also but instead of putting two sets of lights in it you could just wire the twobake up lights into a switch with a diode inline and save some money on that second set of lights.

[adam21584]

auto zone has a really nice lisc light. It is led and uses the lisc bolts to bolt the light. Low profile and small so it is less likely to get knocked off. It is really bright too. I have used many in different bumpers and light boxes for trucks

[castweld]

Box it for air tank, recessed insulated terminals for quick 12v jump start or winch in receiver, pad eyes for light duty gin poles or pulling at an angle.
Peter

[ZTFab]

Originally Posted by castweld

Box it for air tank, recessed insulated terminals for quick 12v jump start or winch in receiver, pad eyes for light duty gin poles or pulling at an angle.
Peter

Uh oh....here we go again!

[castweld]

Oh yea, put O2 fitting to fill.

[JC'sWelding]

That brings up questions in my mind. Are that any formulas/rules of thumb for making air tanks? Like how thick the material vs. air pressure?

[RubenZ]

Originally Posted by JC'sWelding

That brings up questions in my mind. Are that any formulas/rules of thumb for making air tanks? Like how thick the material vs. air pressure?

All I know is if its not round you need a thicker wall.

[Scott Young]

jc, if you have to ask you don't have what it takes to do it. you also don't have the test equipment to pressure test the vessel. you won't find a competent weldor who will weld one up for you. you may find several hacks who will say sure it's easy, but do you really want to drive around with an unstable bomb?