Aluminum Bumper build ?

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, I'm going to build an aluminum tube bumper out of 1/4 thick wall .I had one years ago on my 60 in Little Rock but someone stole it. 6061 or 6063 ? Oem bumper is no more .Thanks, Mike

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Mike,

I'd personally use 5052. It welds cleaner and has a better finish. If you plan to bend any portion of the bumper, the 5052 will bend better with more repeatable consistency.

Plus 5052 will be less expensive in the PRICE HIKE WAR right now on the aluminum. Expect to pay up to 40-50% more for aluminum/steel right now in the larger city areas.

I'll be bringing a few new aluminum offerings to the market this year and all will be from 5052. 1/4" center section and 3/16" wings with 1/2" frame brackets.

Just my .02

Jason

 

[red66toy]

Looking forward to seeing what bumpers you are bringing to market!

 

[bwesty]

Mike,

I'd personally use 5052. It welds cleaner and has a better finish. If you plan to bend any portion of the bumper, the 5052 will bend better with more repeatable consistency.
Plus 5052 will be less expensive in the PRICE HIKE WAR right now on the aluminum. Expect to pay up to 40-50% more for aluminum/steel right now in the larger city areas.
I'll be bringing a few new aluminum offerings to the market this year and all will be from 5052. 1/4" center section and 3/16" wings with 1/2" frame brackets.
Just my .02

Jason

@reevesci
Any details you can share on what aluminum bumpers you have in the works? Which series LC?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

@reevesci
Any details you can share on what aluminum bumpers you have in the works? Which series LC?

60, 80, 100 and 200 front and rears, that's all I'll share for now.

J

 

[hjdca]

Hello, I am also interested in Aluminum bumpers. Can you estimate the weight savings difference between aluminum and steel please ? I live in a mountainous area, and weight has kept me from armoring my truck. Thanks !

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Know my last one I could pick up with one hand, the OME we just put on the fj-80 took two of us to pick up and it was still heavy. Mike

 

[bwesty]

60, 80, 100 and 200 front and rears, that's all I'll share for now.

J

Fair enough. Great news.

 

[Willard]

Hi, Know my last one I could pick up with one hand, the OME we just put on the fj-80 took two of us to pick up and it was still heavy. Mike

I think it depends on the build.
If you look at the Aluminess FJcruiser bumper (close to the size of a 60 bumper) vs an ARB, there is about a 90lb difference.
Looking at a similar steel bumper from someone like Demello and the difference is about 1/2 compared to an aluminum bumper they make.

So it depends on the builder.
Seeing how Jason builds things, it is a crap shoot to know the exact weight until done. He will overbuild it for sure (which is what you want), but if he finds a way to make it strong and keep the weight down, yet functional it could be under 70 lbs, but I will bet it will still be under 100lbs no matter what.