looking for some critique on my 1st gen 4runner front bumper design

[jamister1]

Fyi, the JDM MR2's had rotating fog lights. You can pick them up used on many mr2 forums. They usually run about $350 and they include the motorized lights, a small computer, steering rack sensor and a wiring harness. Could probably be retrofitted pretty easily and they are already made by Toyota.

 

[88TacoRunner]

I'll have to look into those MR2 lights for some ideas. 350 is a little steep but they sound cool and I never knew they existed, I like the fact they're "engineered". Yeah, it think it was a mid 90's Lexus commercial that was showing those swiveling fog lights looking around the dark corner for a deer or something. That was the original inspiration, I thought that was cool as hell. It would be really cool to put a sensor on the steering shaft so they would rotate in sync with the wheel, but I was mainly thinking tho for night wheeling, which I kinda like to do (and also how I got 90% my dents ). The main part would be to source some lights that would do the trick, then modify them. Once the TM gets setup I can run SW though it to cut some gear and arms to come off the bottom of the light, then the servo. Ideally, i think the lights would have a threaded hollow mount with the wires going though. If it was threaded I can build off of that. As far as not getting stuck, I was thinking radial bearings in the top for smooth action. I could have used the p/w motor in a rack and pinion orientation but I thought that would be more likely to stick with a sliding rack and harder to make, plus the p/w motor isn't variable unless, I think, I can find a switch that dictates voltage and not just continuity. I like the sensor idea so it can't over-extend, maybe a pinswitch at the end of the tie-rod so I hits it and kills power in that direction? I was thinking linear actuator at first but those are a bit pricey compared to servos. I think with a 12v servo motor will work well with a variable resistor switch like this one....

[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/switch.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/switch.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/switch.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

I believe the switch is setup so the further you throw it to the side the faster the motor goes. I heard Al's hobbies and RC Addiction have some motors. If I hook it up though an Arduino microcontroller ( in which case I could probably program the servo to only go so far) I can add all kinds of digital sensors like a gyrometer for front to back and side to side tilt, ambient temp, compass, gps, etc, and run them though cheap LCD display for a backup camera (~25.00 on Amazon), but that's another post...

As far as the bumper goes, didn't really get a whole lot done today, remounted the bumper on the tugs, moved it back a little and straightened it out and welded it up. Bit more of a PITA to mount but doable. Never got to the sides. Spent the first part of class cleaning up for the end of semester, then was told shutdown was at noon so didn't have long, kinda bummed I have to put it on hold. Don't have a lot to show but if anything new comes I'll post it up...Dylan

 

[retrofive]

You should ask dilznak how much he loves night wheeling

 

[jamister1]

I found a bunch for sale by doing a quick search...

http://mr2oc.com/showthread.php?t=461332&highlight=motorized+fog+lights
JDM motorized foglights
I have a full set of JDM fog lights that I purchased from DB8 but now I have to sell them. This will come with both fogs, the control box, the JDM switch, and an extra set of brand new bulbs. Looking to get $225 shipped.

 

[tonsofun]

You should ask dilznak how much he loves night wheeling

oh, let me just spin around here and shine my ligh--OOOHH GOD WHAT TH--!!! *flop*

 

[tonsofun]

Those are super cool jamister! didnt realize they were an option on the MR2s as well!

 

[88TacoRunner]

teaser

What I've got so far. Lights are temp for legal reasons, probably will be pocketed in the sides. The bolt together aspect is making everything line up very nice with the body. Plus I like the mix and match potential of bolt on stuff, and ease of installation. Thinking down the road I'll probably eventually fab some tube sides, tube/plate hybrid with dimple-die holes, sqaure tube variations, etc. I just don't like to feel stuck with something. Hopefully it'll be all done and painted by the end of next week...then testing begins...

 

[mobydick]

Looks clean! I'd like to take a stock '62 bumper and v-cut out on the top and bottom to bend the ends in exactly like that and weld it up tight. Can you weld those stock chrome bumpers?? Bet the plating would really burn huh? Your pictures look like something you could mass produce perhaps with maybe 2 or 3 different end pieces depending on a customer's preference. Basic end pieces, slightly fancier(a little more $$), and something bad-ass for those who need/want it and money is no object.

 

[Kief]

Looks good. My thought on the corners of a "utility" bumper would be to have them tough enough for a corner anchor point either to winch to/ get a pull sideways or to tie off if you need to pull some one out and end up pulling yourself. Usually a stuck rig doesn't move as easily as the rescue rig.
I'm sure that isn't the intent of your bumper- I'm just thinking out loud.
I think the actual thing looks a lot better than the CG image.

 

[88TacoRunner]

95% there

Well, it's about done. Kinda rushed it Thurs for the sake of getting it done. Need to add some gussets in a few places and some more finish sanding on the heavier grind marks...

Raw...

[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04708.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04708.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04708.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04709.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04709.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04709.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]


The bolts are welded from the other side...
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04710.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04710.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04710.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

Back of side, allows access, was going to use it to build a pocket for the lights but....maybe in another build...
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04711.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04711.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04711.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]


Primed...
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04712.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04712.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04712.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

I used some captive nuts for the license plate, the cutout is also nice for mounting and to shed weight, should have done that sooner...
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04713.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04713.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04713.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

Hoping this was the look I'd get.....
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04719.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04719.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04719.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

Painted and assembled...
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04733.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04733.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04733.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04734.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04734.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04734.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04714.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04714.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04714.jpg"][/URL][/URL][/URL]

Use some sink nuts to mount the side lights, worked very well, sucked everything tight to the bumper....
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04716.jpg"][URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04716.jpg"][/URL][/URL]



The last 5% is finish sanding and paint, gussets, and a side brace off the frame for the corners. I love Toyota's captive nuts! They are on both sides, gonna make a angle bracket with some small square tube to engage and bolt to the side with a threaded stud I'm goning to eventual weld on the inside. There's some on top too that would make the angle better but they're harder to get to, mainly on this side cause it's just under the p/s unit, you can kinda see the dark band on the oil heater cord, that's where it's at...
[URL="http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv136/chilldyl77/DSC04741.jpg"][/URL]

Overall I'm happy considering my 3 main tools were an oxy/acetylene torch, mig welder, and angle grinder. When all is said and done I think the material cots, just steel...used, came in at right about 30.00; so with paint and fasteners about 50. Well, I think that's about it. Thanks for all the suggestions and comments guys, it really helped the desire and motivation to get this done. Gonna see about making it to the wrenching party so if anybody wants hand's on with it or wants to talk about their idea that'd be cool. If eventually I make some different sides I'll add it on here but I think it's all good! Take care...Dylan

 

[mobydick]

Looks sweet...! Need one just like it for my '62.

I was comparing these pics to your original cad designs. Very close to your original design. Now you will have to start telling all the people who ask that nobody sells them and they can't get one!