so I have this piece of steel...

krookedpandas · 06-30-08, 09:00 PM

I have a piece of 4"x6" channel steel that my dad got when he bought a 1987 pick-up. He said "well hey we can make you a bumper out of this thing and it will be a monster, knocking down trees and everything."

So I'm not going to make a bumper out of solid 4"x6" steel, however, I'm not going to just leave the steel to rust. So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what I could do with it. All I want is a solid bumper with a trailer hitch that isn't going to weigh my truck down and kill my angles.

-Matt

MutleyFJ62 · 07-01-08, 05:39 AM

use the full length within the distance between your chassis rails, then swap to tubing to run around the quarters and towards the rear wheel arch. Up to you if you decide to trim the rear quarters for extra clearance. At least then you'll have something beefy to hang a tow hitch to and light around the sides so you dont cut down your angles.

Randy88FJ62 · 07-01-08, 08:12 AM

Are you saying that the steel is 4" by 6" solid? No wall thickness, not an I beam but straight brick of steel? I'm missing something because that would weigh a lot.

151fab · 07-01-08, 08:49 AM

I would go out and buy the right matl. then use the "I" beam as a welding jig to hold the bumper straight as you built it. Not much other use for it, Sorry.

Randy88FJ62 · 07-01-08, 08:52 AM

Steel is not that expensive. This is assuming you're not making a full exo cage or tire carrier. A simple bumper shouldn't be too expensive. Plus, picking the right material for your design is a lot easier than working around free material.

Use the I-Beam for a welding table in your shop or other uses. Don't waste such a good piece of metal that can be used better in the future.

We don't know your setup, only you have the whole picture.

06-30-08, 09:00 PM	#1
krookedpandas IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Austin, Tx TLCA# 18509 Posts: 395	so I have this piece of steel... I have a piece of 4"x6" channel steel that my dad got when he bought a 1987 pick-up. He said "well hey we can make you a bumper out of this thing and it will be a monster, knocking down trees and everything." So I'm not going to make a bumper out of solid 4"x6" steel, however, I'm not going to just leave the steel to rust. So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what I could do with it. All I want is a solid bumper with a trailer hitch that isn't going to weigh my truck down and kill my angles. -Matt __________________ -Matt 1987 60 series 1986 22RE-T truck LSLC Austin.

07-01-08, 05:39 AM	#2
MutleyFJ62 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gold Coast, QLD, Australia Posts: 172	use the full length within the distance between your chassis rails, then swap to tubing to run around the quarters and towards the rear wheel arch. Up to you if you decide to trim the rear quarters for extra clearance. At least then you'll have something beefy to hang a tow hitch to and light around the sides so you dont cut down your angles. __________________ Now an employee of your friendly TJM accessory shop www.tjm.com.au

07-01-08, 08:49 AM	#4
151fab IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orange, Ca, USA TLCA# 18792 Posts: 98	I would go out and buy the right matl. then use the "I" beam as a welding jig to hold the bumper straight as you built it. Not much other use for it, Sorry. __________________ ---------- Todd@151fab.com ---------- 1984 FJ60; totally stock, rust free, soon to be Black and Tan with an SOA Read my introduction to see how it all started. ------WWW.151FAB.COM------

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07-01-08, 08:12 AM	#3
Randy88FJ62 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: North of LA California Posts: 763	Are you saying that the steel is 4" by 6" solid? No wall thickness, not an I beam but straight brick of steel? I'm missing something because that would weigh a lot.

07-01-08, 08:52 AM	#5
Randy88FJ62 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: North of LA California Posts: 763	Steel is not that expensive. This is assuming you're not making a full exo cage or tire carrier. A simple bumper shouldn't be too expensive. Plus, picking the right material for your design is a lot easier than working around free material. Use the I-Beam for a welding table in your shop or other uses. Don't waste such a good piece of metal that can be used better in the future. We don't know your setup, only you have the whole picture.