ARCHIVE New EXPO Modular Front Bumper Design

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Badlands 12K I believe based on previous posts... Not sure about the lights.
Thanks Im a little slap happy right now... been working since 8:30am EST. Might not have the large done till tomorrow... sorry.
 
I'm scared to give any feedback. If you don't get the answer you wanna hear it's a s*** storm and I'm done with your PM madness....

But here goes:

The 'bullbar' Tube(pipe) is spliced. You can't splice the material you're using properly because there is no OD of tube/pipe that matches the ID of that appropriately. (If you don't know how to splice tube that's your own accord).

You're building gigantic 'wings' off a mounting style no stronger than(?) who knows(bunch a bolts on a plate near the bottom) that are relatively far from the fulcrum.

You don't really tie the two together(other than your butt welded pipe 'bull bar'). This is the main issue since the 'wing' wants to deflect up on impact. (Someone already asked this previously). However, this looks to have changed in the dimpled Crossbar in the above pics

Essentially, who cares. You stuff is custom and looks cool. It's cosmetically rad. It's what all these guys want. But don't start hitting elk/rhinos with it... Or post some test videos you previously promised to warrant what 'Wont crush '.
 
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I'm scared to give any feedback. If you don't get the answer you wanna hear it's a **** storm and I'm done with your PM madness....

You love I when I talk dirty to you shut up.


But here goes:

The 'bullbar' Tube(pipe) is spliced. You can't splice the material you're using properly because there is no OD of tube/pipe that matches the ID of that appropriately. (If you don't know how to splice tube that's your own accord).

Agreed and the splice is only there for the proto type as I cut it to long and wanted to shorten it. Now that I know what size I like the length of pipe will be cut according with no slice in the middle.

You're building gigantic 'wings' off a mounting style no stronger than(?) who knows(bunch a bolts on a plate near the bottom) that are relatively far from the fulcrum.
This question has been raised before and I understand the concern.

The cover over the winch in 1/4" with a 3/16" dimpled plate welded to the front. 4 more bolts will hold this in place. there
there's 6 bolts holding the wings to the frame, 4 more the winch plate, 4 more for the winch cover, and 8 more for the bull bar. 4 bolts including 2 threw bolts hold the winch plate in place along with the 4 that bolt the winch plate to wings. I dont know how I can make any stronger besides welding it completely and abandoning the modular concept I'm building my business around.


You don't really tie the two together(other than your butt welded pipe 'bull bar'). This is the main issue since the 'wing' wants to deflect up on impact. (Someone already asked this previously). However, this looks to have changed in the dimpled Crossbar in the above pics

Essentially, who cares. You stuff is custom and looks cool. It's cosmetically rad. It's what all these guys want. But don't start hitting elk/rhinos with it... Or post some test videos you previously promised to warrant what 'Wont crush

Well I care and you care because I think we're both kinda freaks about this stuff we love to create. And the videos will happen. I wanna either slam a Dodge truck... hate em... or a Heep. If I can find an empty dumpster its on. I dont see it failing in the test but ya never know. I'm becoming more confident in my welds however, I'm still learning everyday and I'm looking forward to the classes I'm signed up for.

I appreciate the criticism, your a wealth of knowledge and continue to help the community and that's really what its all about. I'm trying to do the same by offering a killer bumper at a great price point. I really enjoy the forums with all the characters here. We deserve cool ass stuff. Ands its fun to get the feedback and insight each of you have.
Going to bed I worked almost 18 hrs today... uugghh. But the bumper is nearly finish and I think it turned out damn good.
 
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I think you've built a 'modular' bend system. But your videos will show otherwise, or not.

Still buying an ARB from slee at this point:D

I guess I'm not explaining this properly, neither did the other guy I'm guessing(but I understood it).

You've got two huge levers mounted really high from where they actually attach/pivot. There's nothing but Xmas tinsel in between them at that pinch point.

Cute dimples and spliced pipe aside, so far were seeing decorations verses a bull crushing or rock crawling bumper that won't fail if used as the title denotes.
 
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Maybe it's just the angles of the pictures but that hoop looks like it's going to block the high beams somewhat. Is that what I'm seeing?
 
Hey jason, some constructive criticisms here

1. The rule of business is that customer is always right even when they are not, unfortunate part of owning business or providing customer service so smart comments towards customers should be avoided. We all know you had a hard day and we love your passion but this is still strickly a business relastionship so follow the good old advice of if you don't have anything good/positive to day then don't say it. The customers helped you start your business so don't let your personal feeling get in the way because they can just as quickly if not faster at sinking your buiness. Don't let all your hard work get ruined by your personal feelings.

2. I echo what others have said that the bull bar needs to be all the way up to the top in order to not block the lights

3. Try use easier material to work with on shape prototyping, pvc pipes can be heated up and bend into shape much quicker and cheaper. But in some ways they are probably not as easy to work with but they are cheap.

4. Personally I prefer a simple solid plate in front of the winch to keep it out of elements or getting dirty.
 
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High beams are blocked which will create an issue for anyone traveling off road
at night. I know my high beams are awesome and need all the light I can get.

I am FAR from an expert but rigidity is of import for me. I hate to say I don't care about weight but, worrying about weight on an 80 is like an elephant asking if their ass looks fat. The truss along the front looks like it is adding not only beef but a place to tack on a light bar or high lift. Good idea, but I am wondering if they should extend another 6"s or so perhaps to the first hoop?? Perhaps incorporate the hoop into it??? That may allow you to clear the lights as I see why you took the hoop to the point you did.

You are an artist with this stuff, I can only imagine having the ability to create what you are so please don't take it as criticism, just helpful input from someone who is a bit, shall we say anal, when it comes to their cruiser...

So all that said the bottom, in my opinion, is the best looking "bottom" section for an 80 I have seen. The top is where I think it is falling a bit short, especially considering how the bottom looks.
 
I think you've built a 'modular' bend system. But your videos will show otherwise, or not.

Still buying an ARB from slee at this point:D

I guess I'm not explaining this properly, neither did the other guy I'm guessing(but I understood it).

You've got two huge levers mounted really high from where they actually attach/pivot. There's nothing but Xmas tinsel in between them at that pinch point.

Cute dimples and spliced pipe aside, so far were seeing decorations verses a bull crushing or rock crawling bumper that won't fail if used as the title denotes.

I understand your years of experience vs. my lack there of... but the levers your speaking of and their mounting points are not as far as you think. There's only 3.75" from most all of bolts to the very top of one of these wings. Having 5 bolts holding a wing in place is adequate... but then again I could be wrong. Thats not counting the plates and the cow killer. I also understand you dont like "bolt on" stuff and thats OK. Not everyone needs to want or like my stuff. It wont be for everyone and I know that.

And you know honestly, guys that run the super hardcore trails and have plans of smashing into stuff all day long probably wont buy my bumpers. Not because their not made well or aren't up to the task. But because most of them are like you and me and make their own stuff. Most of the hardcore guys I've met over the years have regular shops or home shops or have a buddy that has a shop. And that as you know is 3/4 of the fun.. building it. Again I'm fine with this, not the demographic of people my products are aimed towards.

As far as what you see.. well you see what you wanna see. If you wanna see something thats inferior because its not fully welded to the frame then thats what you'll see. Your missing that fact that most dont own a welder and are tired of the same old crap choices that havent changed in years. There's no "decorations" on this bumper its built to take abuse. The splice has already been covered and I have more than enough info now that the proto type is complete to bend a continuous main hoop kinda like with my racks and how their just about all one piece main and secondary hoops.

I believe these bumpers are more than up to the task. They will serve the lucky few that buy them for years and years. And I stand behind that 100%.
 
I think you've built a 'modular' bend system. But your videos will show otherwise, or not.

"The cover over the winch in 1/4" with a 3/16" dimpled plate welded to the front. 4 more bolts will hold this in place.
there's 6 bolts holding the wings to the frame, 4 more the winch plate, 4 more for the winch cover, and 8 more for the bull bar. 4 bolts including 2 threw bolts hold the winch plate in place along with the 4 that bolt the winch plate to wings. I dont know how I can make any stronger besides welding it completely and abandoning the modular concept I'm building my business around."

Still a modular and custom system if you have a couple of winch/center plate designs, the previously discussed 3 wing designs, and 4 different rail/bullbar designs. Customer can mix and match, then you weld it all up. It seems like a legit concern that the bolts might not hold up under impact.

Maybe testing sooner rather than later to prove that bolts aren't going to crack or shear is warranted to allay those fears. Kind of an expensive part of the R & D process but I think most of us aren't after just bling.

You already have my money and I'm antsy to replace my caved in stock bumper but as an early adopter (I think I'm somewhere between order #6 and 10) I understand it might take some time to sort the details of this new product. I certainly want it to be the best iteration of your ideas and the feedback from experienced Mudders.
 
High beams are blocked which will create an issue for anyone traveling off road
at night. I know my high beams are awesome and need all the light I can get.

I am FAR from an expert but rigidity is of import for me. I hate to say I don't care about weight but, worrying about weight on an 80 is like an elephant asking if their ass looks fat. The truss along the front looks like it is adding not only beef but a place to tack on a light bar or high lift. Good idea, but I am wondering if they should extend another 6"s or so perhaps to the first hoop?? Perhaps incorporate the hoop into it??? That may allow you to clear the lights as I see why you took the hoop to the point you did.

You are an artist with this stuff, I can only imagine having the ability to create what you are so please don't take it as criticism, just helpful input from someone who is a bit, shall we say anal, when it comes to their cruiser...

So all that said the bottom, in my opinion, is the best looking "bottom" section for an 80 I have seen. The top is where I think it is falling a bit short, especially considering how the bottom looks.


Well this is an easy fix all I need to do is cut the main hoop again to shorten the width up a little... no big deal.

As far as rigidity is concerned this bumper system is built like a tank bottom line. Theres gussets in the wings that will strengthen the crap out of em. Most commercial bumpers are 1/8" steel... these are 3/16" plate thats fully welded... again superior.

Thanks for compliments Azca really appreciate it man.

I have some different plans for the bull bar I sketched up this morning. After I wake up and drink about 6 cups of coffee I'm going back to the bender. Stay tuned for a different look.
 
I liked scotts drawing too.

I think you are going after the right buyer. Somebody that wants so ring more aggressive than ARB but not the tube welded rock knockers.
 
Odd idea..
take your little dimple died crossover and make that the top section of the center of the gaurd at hood height and have the up rights out of plate rather than tube?
 
How about lifting the front corner of the truck with a highlift at the end of the wing and seeing if there is any deflection. It's all bolt together so doing it with and without the cross brace in would help illustrate the strength or lack there of of the system. Seems like a decent place to start before smashing dumpsters and used cars.
 
How about lifting the front corner of the truck with a highlift at the end of the wing and seeing if there is any deflection. It's all bolt together so doing it with and without the cross brace in would help illustrate the strength or lack there of of the system. Seems like a decent place to start before smashing dumpsters and used cars.
Yepper ... as soon as its all welded up I plan on doing that exact thing. Great minds think alike.
 
Not my drawing just the one I stole from the previous page. But if it is an expo bumper, people want, hood height, not blocking the lights, protecting the lights, winch protection, etc that is the design that matches all of those criteria. But I think the bumper wings are going to need to be made wider and I think the wings need to be tied together in the front.

There is an old saying though, about things that get built by committy. UnderDawg is trying to give everyone a say but unless you're ponying up the money it might not be a good idea. Lol
 

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