Mutant Bumper/Tire mount

[John Smith]

Nice work! Is there any rattle in the latch? I have a similar hitch pin design, but only using one and it has developed slop over the years. I am wondering if I add a second like yours from a different angle will it cancel it out. Hmm.

 

[Adventure Teq]

I think its awesome. Nicer than paying 900+ to order one. Inspires me to start fabricating. I could build ten of those before I paid retail.

While that's true, I see at least 20 hours of work there. Probably more. At that rate you could build 10 of these in about 200 hours.

Just an observation of what people fail to realize (myself included at first) is this...

It all comes down to 2 questions; how valuable is your time, and how much time do you have. I myself have more time than money and neither of which I have very much of at all.

Here's an example of costs:

20 hrs x $10/hour = $200 worth of your time
Materials and Energy costs = approx $300
Totaling around $500 for your one bumper.

20 hrs x $20/hour = $400 worth of your time
Materials and Energy costs = approx $300
Totaling around $700 for your one bumper.

20 hrs x $30/hour = $600 worth of your time
Materials and Energy costs = approx $300
Totaling around $900 for your one bumper.

Someone who only has a few hours a week to work on it could take a month or so whereas 20 work hours at your job could be achieved in 2-3 days.

In my opinion these are conservative numbers but demonstrate how cost ineffective it can be to build your own s***.

These figures don't include time spent in the R&D stage which can take 2-3 times as long as a refined production and in most cases the home garage fabricator fits into this one-off category. Remember these purchased units come with a quality finish and hardware which also will cost you, estimated here in the M&E costs.

It also demonstrates just how much time and energy can go into a custom built bumper. Essentially in the end it justifies the price of a high quality commercial unit and all boils down to those two questions. Lastly the end results of your work is always subjective and in your opinion it might serve your purpose and likes much better than anything out there available at any price.

Just an observation...

Jeremy

 

[Coolerman]

Yeah, but there is nothing better than the satisfaction of looking at the finished product and saying:

I made that!

I have much more time that money, (I don't have kids and I'm 40 something ) so building my own stuff makes much more sense. I just wish I afford a TIG welder and learn to weld like that.

Almost forgot: Excellent work on the carrier!

 

[Otterav]

Yeah, but there is nothing better than the satisfaction of looking at the finished product and saying:

I made that!

I have much more time that money, (I don't have kids and I'm 40 something ) so building my own stuff makes much more sense. I just wish I afford a TIG welder and learn to weld like that.

Almost forgot: Excellent work on the carrier!

Thanks man!
It really depends what and where you want to go, ordering stuff and bolting it on works just fine, I choose to take another path, fabricating is a perishable or at best atrophies quickly when not practiced regularly. Every (major)tool in my shop was purchased or traded for relatively cheap. I installed a slant 6 into a Dart for a guy who wanted his brothers car out of his driveway, payoff 1 500 amp Miller Goldstar TIG welder. I made my own torch cooler for about $150.00 in parts and materials. Most of the other tools were bought on craigslist, governmentliquidation, and eBay. Retail costs on my equipment would have taken me right out of the game. I guess the message is where there is a will there is a way, be creative! Get those tools and start fabricating!
Hola
eric

 

[46/71 Hybrid]

Would you mind posting a picture of it from the side? I'm thinking of doing the same thing on my but can't decide on 2"x3" or 2"x4" for the bottom bar (your bumper). Thanks in advance and let me be one of many to say a job well done!

 

[johmbie]

Great fab! good job!

 

[Liam]

that is really nice....well done

 

[Otterav]

Nice work! Is there any rattle in the latch? I have a similar hitch pin design, but only using one and it has developed slop over the years. I am wondering if I add a second like yours from a different angle will it cancel it out. Hmm.

Hey,
Time lapse report, no rattles at all! I am in the process of deciding between 20MM ammo can mount and 2 NATO can mounts, wisdom of either? Remember I get 25MPG on a 14 gallon tank vs how much junk really needs to be carried?
My brain itches!
eric

 

[wesintl]

1 nato can and one 20mm can. I've used an extra 5 gallons of fuel on several extended trips.