Builds SouthernSS Build thread

[SouthernSS]

splash guards redesigned:

still looks the same from the front except for some minor trimming of the fat

but here I've added some under protection to finish it off

 

[kjohnson129]

That triangle on the splash guards seems weird, what if you take it out? Haha jk, looks really good. Can't wait to see it all finished out.

 

[SouthernSS]

ya'll are worse than my wife!!! All kidding aside, I actually do like it better. It gives it a finished look that it was lacking before as well as some added strength. Thanks, Bonner, for the suggestion.

 

[SouthernSS]

Ok....bumper design is "finished". It'll be going off to New Orleans for some AutoCAD and strength analysis probably next week, then finished out at the beginning of September, I hope.

Thanks for all of the input! I cant wait to get this thing done and start on the rear.

 

[dawsonc61]

Ok....bumper design is "finished". It'll be going off to New Orleans for some AutoCAD and strength analysis probably next week, then finished out at the beginning of September, I hope.

Thanks for all of the input! I cant wait to get this thing done and start on the rear.

I'm really excited to see what you come up with for the rear, the front looks great man. Looking forward to seeing these in production!

 

[BonnerBB]

Thoughts on color of what I assume will be powder coating?

 

[SouthernSS]

I was leaning towards body colored. She wanted black, but I think she may also like the idea of having it body color too.

 

[BonnerBB]

I wasn't sure how many colors were available but apparently it is ENDLESS!

http://www.dupontpowderapps.com/

 

[BonnerBB]

Well? Anything new?

 

[SouthernSS]

Grinding and more grinding, then sanding and more sanding.....I expect to have it completely finished, painted, and mounted mid week. Its the finishing touches that take the longest.

I was able to install some flush mount foglights in the bumper wings. I think they look pretty good.

 

[SouthernSS]

Ok, sorry it's taken so very long, but when you have to do EVERYTHING by yourself, it just takes more time. I had originally wanted to get it finished out by the folks that will be producing them but, there was a baby due mid September and they were unable to help me in time. My goal was to have it ready for the Southern Cruiser Crawl at the Superlift park in Hotsprings, AR for Oct 11. Looks like I'll just make it.

So with that said, I purchased some gas to weld with and went to work. Here's the final look.

And heres snapshot of the technical memo written up after the strength analysis. This was based on a 12,000lb winch line pull directly to the front. It's important to keep in mind that this bumper was designed with a 9500lb winching capacity, but that it still holds its own just fine under 12,000lbs. The maximum allowable level of stress for this steel was 250MPa and we only saw values of 154MPa at the highest.

I have since added strategic bracing to further enhance the bumpers winching capacity. As is the case though, with all "bolt on" bumpers, the constraints will always be the actual bolts that hold it to the frame. I am considering trading the stock frame bolts out for grade 8 hardware.

I'll post up some pics at the end of this week with it painted and installed....FINALLY!

 

[LifeEnjoyer]

Keep up updated with the progress!

 

[Grouper]

Wow, I just stumbled on to your build thread and that is very impressive work. That bumper looks fantastic and I can't wait to see it in person at SCC next week.

 

[SouthernSS]

thanks grouper, I've still got so much left to do to get ready

 

[BonnerBB]

so cool...

 

[SouthernSS]

bad news for the GX

Got a bad wheel bearing and a dead battery....all in the same week.

 

[Grouper]

As if there wasn't already enough to do before SCC. Sheesh.

 

[RCsGX]

So are you still planning on eventually selling these?

 

[SouthernSS]

thats the plan. Ya'll will be the first to know.

 

[jbmccul]

Looking good. Can't wait to see it with that bumper on. It's gonna do awesome at SCC