My take on the hidden winch plate, and other random additions

[JJ_SC]

I finally have an opportunity to post some stuff here. I've been on here reading and learning since I bought my Cruiser new in 2006. Figured it's time to share some of my stuff.

I thought I'd start with my version of the hidden winch plate. I've always wanted to keep the Cruiser pretty stock looking, but make it as capable as possible. I use it three days a week to pick up 7 kids from two different schools (only two are mine). It hauls sail boats and mountain bikes and it's our family road trip vehicle. So with that in mind, I haven't wanted to go full on agro with the mods. Hence the idea of the hidden winch.

I was primarily inspired by this thread (thanks mach5): Finally! Something worth sharing. I bought the same winch cuz it obviously fits and the guys from Superwinch were great. I got the remote control to go with it and it works seamlessly.

Started with 1/4 plate. Notice my employee passed out on the floor. You just can't get good help these days.

I don't have a picture of it, but I added 1X2 rectangular tubing underneath to resist flex from off centered pulls.

Every thing fits pretty easily.

I added a flip up bracket for the license plate and one of the flatlink thimble thingies. So it really is hidden pretty well.

I'll post some of the other silly projects I've been working on here as well.

Cheers,

JJ

 

[JPS]

Nice! You wouldn't happen to have the exact measurements would you? Lets us know how it works out.

 

[Ohthetrees]

Great looking, very clean. Have you done a hard pull with it yet?

 

[yotasavg]

Wow that's great! Nice work.

 

[JJ_SC]

Thanks guys!

Great looking, very clean. Have you done a hard pull with it yet?

No, just pulled the truck up a dirt road. Haven't gotten stuck yet. But I feel pretty confident in it.

Nice! You wouldn't happen to have the exact measurements would you? Lets us know how it works out.

So, I wouldn't go out and have anything fab'd up just based on these measurements! I had them sketched out on my work bench but I didn't actually write down final numbers before I bolted it on. These are ball park.

 

[Ayune]

Nice work! I don't think I'm alone in appreciating your effort.

Could I request a measurement from you? Either #1 or #2 below would help complete the design, thanks!

 

[JPS]

Thanks guys!



No, just pulled the truck up a dirt road. Haven't gotten stuck yet. But I feel pretty confident in it.




So, I wouldn't go out and have anything fab'd up just based on these measurements! I had them sketched out on my work bench but I didn't actually write down final numbers before I bolted it on. These are ball park.

Nice work! I don't think I'm alone in appreciating your effort.

Could I request a measurement from you? Either #1 or #2 below would help complete the design, thanks!
View attachment 1634695

I also appreciate the work! Not everyone wants the Jurassic Park look or needs MOAB capability. I would like a winch for pulling out deep mud or removing limbs off roads after a hurricane.

Thank You Sir!

 

[Snowrydr01]

how is it mounted? is it just the four bolts coming up from the bottom of the frame?

 

[BillZ260]

Nice job! Like that, and love that you are sharing!

 

[vman07]

This is really cool and very timely for me as I'm considering summer projects and mods on the 100. I'd also appreciate any further measurements or pics you could share...

 

[JJ_SC]

Thanks again for the props guys!

@Ayune - Measurement #1 is 4.5", #2 is 12.5" from the center of the rear bolt. Again, take these with a grain of salt, they're not exact.

@Snowrydr01 - Yes, it's bolted to the 4 existing bolts that hold the original tow hooks. I figured if one side could be used as a towing point from the factory, then linking the four together should be even better and sufficient. I was more worried about flex of the plate if the pull is from above or below. Hence the additional 1X2.

@vman07 - here's a couple more pics showing the bottom. Hard to really see much since I have the skid plate installed, but maybe helpful.

And from the top - enough room to CAREFULLY reach in front of the radiator and release the clutch.

 

[yotasavg]

Is that a homebrew skid plate as well?

 

[Ayune]

Thanks again for the props guys!

Awesome, thanks for the measurements & extra pics.

 

[JJ_SC]

Is that a homebrew skid plate as well?

Savg - The skid plates came from ASFIR and are written up here: ASFIR 4x4 Skid Plates

Scroll to the bottom of the page to find my addition. The rest of the tread outlines the install in detail. Mine is just an update sharing my experience.

 

[fblainen11]

Disregard