Is there a way to add protection up front without totally replacing the bumper? (1 Viewer)

[Malleus]

This is actually one of my main concerns and motivations for this unique project. I don't want a substantial aftermarket bumper because I'm concerned my airbags wont deploy in a higher than low speed crash. I dont want to be out somewhere and smash my radiator on a tree because I slid off a trail; that's all i'm trying to protect against. I do want my truck to retain its full safety capacity.

Having said all that, I'm working on a design based on the military Humvee brushguard. I used to be a crew chief in a medevac unit. We had lots of time on our hands (hurry up and wait is the motto of every army), and during one of our "solve the world's problems" sessions, someone noticed that we couldn't get the Stokes baskets off the aircraft and onto a Humvee without shoving the guy inside. We observed that the brushguard would be great for that, if it pivoted at the frame connection.

(Photo goes here, but I'm too stupid to figure out how to get it in)

So that's the plan. I'm working on the design and structural analysis now. More to follow...

 

[SWCruiser]

I have a custom built bumper on one rig and the other decided it wasn't necessary for my needs. I have hydraulic winches on both. The winch plate was a modified hmmwv winch box. I cut the center of the stocker to accept the winch box and left the rest of the stock bumper. I also trimmed the stock to make it lower profile.Looks good to me. If I had more time I would tie in some tubing from the box to the outer wings but I believe the winch box would take the brunt of most impacts. I'm not a fan of the tube bumpers or any bumpers that obstruct the lines of the 80 series. There are many solutions out there and more still to be created. A custom solution does not have to be super complex and expensive. My winch and mounting plate were $400.00. No welding needed thus far. If your going to go custom make sure you have it all figured out first as designing on the fly will increase your shop hours.

 

[cody c]

The above winch bumper is a good reccomndation, i think finding a decent winch, an engo or something from harbour freight that comes with a winch mounting plate, and notching your front bumper for it to fit is a good cost effective approach, you can add more (get something welded to it later) when you want or have a bigger budget.

Alternatively, ill tell you a little secret, you need a friend(s) with a welder, and you need beer, and some steel.
If you pre cut/fabricate your steel, you wont need quite as much beer.

 

[Beej]

@SWCruiser that's looking good! Could you post a few more pics? The winch I've got is actually a hummer hydraulic winch; maybe I could find its winch box for cheap.

@Malleus the hummer brush guard you're talking about; you're trying to fit one to your 80?

 

[Malleus]

@Beej that's the plan. Not a stock hummer brushguard, but one designed along the same lines. The plan is to design it so that it pivots and winds up in line with the chassis. Easier understand when you see it. I'll post some images when I get the CADD completed.

 

[Beej]

@Beej that's the plan. Not a stock hummer brushguard, but one designed along the same lines. The plan is to design it so that it pivots and winds up in line with the chassis. Easier understand when you see it. I'll post some images when I get the CADD completed.

Like this?

 

[cody c]

@Beej that's the plan. Not a stock hummer brushguard, but one designed along the same lines. The plan is to design it so that it pivots and winds up in line with the chassis. Easier understand when you see it. I'll post some images when I get the CADD completed.

Interesting, whats the benefit or purpose of doing that?

 

[Joshwho44]

Interesting, whats the benefit or purpose of doing that?

It's to allow room for the hood to open. The hood pivots at the front on a HMMWV.

 

[cody c]

It's to allow room for the hood to open. The hood pivots at the front on a HMMWV.

Right, so, your doing that on an 80 series, I'm not sure I understand, can you elaborate on the stokes basket story above and how that would work, and if you are doing this on an 80? just curious, not looking to dish out a bunch of criticism

 

[Joshwho44]

Right, so, your doing that on an 80 series, I'm not sure I understand, can you elaborate on the stokes basket story above and how that would work, and if you are doing this on an 80? just curious, not looking to dish out a bunch of criticism

I'm not sure how it would help you on the 80... Maybe you could stand/kneel on it while working in the engine bay? That would be nice for those of us that are vertically challenged!

Dunno how it would be attached/implemented... I'm interested to see what @Malleus is drawing in CAD.

 

[cody c]

I'm not sure how it would help you on the 80... Maybe you could stand/kneel on it while working in the engine bay? That would be nice for those of us that are vertically challenged!

Dunno how it would be attached/implemented... I'm interested to see what @Malleus is drawing in CAD.

Thats kinda where I was going, maybe he plans to use it as a platform on a taller vehicle, though you'd need to set plywood across it to keep from wrecking your knees, or perhaps he plans to hinge the front clip as well.

I put reciever tube on either side of my front bumper thinking maybe I'd use it to bracket a snow plow or something off it one day, haven't used them for anything yet, and probably wont.

 

[superjuice]

I built a "rock feeler" that is mounted with 2 2" receivers welded to the winch plate, easy on easy off. I don't wheel much so a real bumper really isn't needed but I did want some sort of protection in case I was climbing a ledge or whatever. I mocked up some 1-3/4" tubing but the 2" box was so much stronger I went with that. Works for me.

 

[Malleus]

Interesting, whats the benefit or purpose of doing that?

It gets the guard out of the way so you can access the front of the car, if necessary for maintenance, and provides a platform, when needed.

 

[Malleus]

Like this?

Yep, but without the ugly part

 

[NLScooby]

Wow @superjuice - that reminds me of those "parking feelers/protectors" you see in NYC.... But that one is not to be messed with!

 

[Heckraiser]

That rock feeler is great! Outta my way, grandma!

 

[chap79]

I like the rock feeler idea. Though it's a little low hanging for those of us out west in the rocks. But something similar could be made that "passed through" the bumper instead of under it and still tied back into the frame rails. Great out of the box thinking.

 

[superjuice]

I like the rock feeler idea. Though it's a little low hanging for those of us out west in the rocks. But something similar could be made that "passed through" the bumper instead of under it and still tied back into the frame rails. Great out of the box thinking.

Yeah, it is low. If the winch wasn't there I would have mounted it higher but then the winch plate wouldn't be there to mount it to lol. I did think about routing it like a hoop/mini stinger over the winch fairlead, that could be done easily if went with a tube.

 

[shocktower]

building, up the stock bumper, is like reinforcing, a wet paper bag, it ain't going to happen, pony up and buy a proper bump, oh yeah and the low speed hitting thing's work on your reflexes

 

[Beej]

I built a "rock feeler" that is mounted with 2 2" receivers welded to the winch plate, easy on easy off. I don't wheel much so a real bumper really isn't needed but I did want some sort of protection in case I was climbing a ledge or whatever. I mocked up some 1-3/4" tubing but the 2" box was so much stronger I went with that. Works for me.

That's it!!! Yes!!! This is what I'm going to the welder with; something simple; purpose built. And wow, removable!?

Super cool

Thanks for posting!