Builds Evolution of a Land Cruiser: My 80's build thread (2 Viewers)

[JeepinPete]

I've been thinking about the way the bumper is attached. There is one scenario were I think things might not work out.

Say you end up stuck nose down in a ditch. Someone straps or winches you on the rear recovery points. You would be applying on heck of a torque on the welds at the frame. Maybe it works fine, but I could see it twisting the weld zones right off of the frame.

In your side view picture about, maybe consider extending the "ramp" on frame up under the bumper. That would relieve a lot of the torque type loads from your existing mounts.

 

[Serina]

@jcardona1 how did you wire the led turn signals?

 

[jcardona1]

I've been thinking about the way the bumper is attached. There is one scenario were I think things might not work out.

Say you end up stuck nose down in a ditch. Someone straps or winches you on the rear recovery points. You would be applying on heck of a torque on the welds at the frame. Maybe it works fine, but I could see it twisting the weld zones right off of the frame.

In your side view picture about, maybe consider extending the "ramp" on frame up under the bumper. That would relieve a lot of the torque type loads from your existing mounts.

That's a good point. I can certainly brace the bumper back to the frame from the bottom like so. Can't go on top because it sits too close to the body cross member. I think this would alleviate most of that twisting force right?

 

[nukegoat]

So you don't think those 4 mounts to the frame are enough? Or you think the plank needs to be braced on the top side?

I just think a hard landing will be trying to peel/twist those welds rather than loading something in compression or tension. Seems iffy

 

[nukegoat]

Yeah what jeepinpete said. Load in compression or tension if you can.

 

[nukegoat]

That's a good point. I can certainly brace the bumper back to the frame from the bottom like so. Can't go on top because it sits too close to the body cross member. I think this would alleviate most of that twisting force right?

Not really... if you captured the frame rail on top and bottom and welded to the bumper it would be better

 

[Box Rocket]

I agree with the comments about how the bumper is attached and the twisting forces. Now that you've shortened your frame rails...
...what about adding a bit more back to them?

Something like this. Still keep them angled so thy don't affect departure angle and don't look bad but this would support the bottom of the bumper and nearly eliminate any forces up and down that would twist the triangulated pieces you already have. Just a thought.

Red = frame extension
blue = fish plates

 

[JeepinPete]

Adam is showing more what I was trying to say. A picture is worth a thousand words Though rather than a diamond shape, I would just make it a triangular piece, going from the lower edge of the frame to the bottom rear of the new bumper.

 

[dpr64]

Sooo many pages! Is there a writeup on your headlight install? A simple step by step on going from a stock setup to your Euro looking modern ones?

 

[jcardona1]

I agree with the comments about how the bumper is attached and the twisting forces. Now that you've shortened your frame rails...
...what about adding a bit more back to them?

Something like this. Still keep them angled so thy don't affect departure angle and don't look bad but this would support the bottom of the bumper and nearly eliminate any forces up and down that would twist the triangulated pieces you already have. Just a thought.

Red = frame extension
blue = fish plates

Adam is showing more what I was trying to say. A picture is worth a thousand words Though rather than a diamond shape, I would just make it a triangular piece, going from the lower edge of the frame to the bottom rear of the new bumper.

Thanks for the feedback. Now that I have the main bumper shell done I can figure out how to add additional bracing underneath.

Sooo many pages! Is there a writeup on your headlight install? A simple step by step on going from a stock setup to your Euro looking modern ones?

Don't have a detailed write-up but there was nothing to it. I am using an aftermarket HID kit so I didn't have to do anything special with bulbs or harnesses. If you want to run stock halogen bulbs then you'll need to do some harness work but I never looked into it much.

 

[jcardona1]

Alright! Well the bumper is done. Only thing left to do is add some additional bracing underneath (as discussed in the posts above) and it will be ready for paint. Really happy with the outcome. Tons of clearance underneath and I was able to use metal I've had sitting in my garage for a while. Essentially the only things I had to buy were the recovery points and hitch receiver. The main bumper is about 31" from the ground, sides are 33". And this is true clearance as there is nothing underneath anymore to get in the way.

Added some kickouts too.

 

[cc93cruiser]

Nice fab work.. looks awesome!

 

[93yotasr5]

Looks great! I love all the clearance! So much more room for activities!!! Whatcha gonna do with your spare?

 

[2fpower]

I believe he said he is going commando.

Going against all of my Boy Scout training.....

 

[baldilocks]

I hope you don't patent that bumper design because I'm liking it.

 

[retrofive]

Sheesh, couldn't even take the time to flip the main square tube the other way so USA was right side up!

(Looking good BTW)

 

[2fpower]

Sheesh, couldn't even take the time to flip the main square tube the other way so USA was right side up!

(Looking good BTW)

It will look perfect when he rolls it .... and he finally makes the decision to do the bob and the top chop!

 

[retrofive]

It will look perfect when he rolls it .... and he finally makes the decision to do the bob and the top chop!

You make a valid point and one I didn't want to post.

 

[scrowley]

That rig is way too nice to roll. Gotta keep it within its limits.

Don't jinx jcardona!!

 

[2fpower]

@scrowley I urge you to look up the definition of evolution. I suggest that there will come a point where change will be needed to be able to overcome the challenges that one faces.