An actual bumper for the VX!!

[Marlin]

Well, Joe Darlington told me it was ok to go ahead and let the cat out of the bag. I have found a VX for Joe D real cheap. It needs a tranny and a few minor things, but I am "brokering" the deal for him. He retires soon and wants to use the VX as a template to make an actual bumper. His plan, make a bumper that looks OEM, but made out of plate steel with winch mount and shackles and whatnot!! He will probably come up with some other goodies, skid plates, rear bumper, who knows, he is awesome when it comes to that stuff and will plenty of time to work on it. He still makes the diff drops of course. I am sure he will chime in soon and start a thread with more info. Maybe I will be able to sweet talk him into a deal on the prototype bumper...hint hint Joe:)

[VX KAT]

just curious, why do you have to broker the deal for Joe?:_thinking

[Marlin]

just curious, why do you have to broker the deal for Joe?:_thinking

The truck is here in charleston, Joe is a 5 hour drive away, and I happen to know the current owner. :)




































and no, its not my truck...lol.

[Bob Barker]

Well that's cool! All kinds of parts wanted come to mind that a good fabricator could make.

[Triathlete]

and no, its not my truck...lol.

Joe's not that desperate!:bwgy:

[blacksambo]

Sounds grand!

[Grif]

At least a grand, prolly two. hehe

[JHarris1385]

Snorkel please?!

I am going to start saving now!

[crotchrocket]

Well that's cool! All kinds of parts wanted come to mind that a good fabricator could make.

Cup holder ? :D

[samneil2000]

Cup holder ? :D

You Brits and your cup holders. haha :p

[pbkid]

Out of all the little problems with the vx. The brits want a cup holder. At least your a cheap date

[BigSwede]

IMO what a VX really needs is a good way to carry an oversize spare tire...and more headroom.

[tom4bren]

If you remove your passenger seat & put the oversized spare there, the center hub of the spare IS your cupholder. Now with no passenger, you can lean into that volume and gain headroom.

There, I just fixed all of the VX problems ... now turning my attention to solving the world economic crisis.

[Joe Darlington]

If you remove your passenger seat & put the oversized spare there, the center hub of the spare IS your cupholder. Now with no passenger, you can lean into that volume and gain headroom.

There, I just fixed all of the VX problems ... now turning my attention to solving the world economic crisis.

Sweet... So simple... you should run for president...

Now for those who would like to have a passenger next to them while they are in their VX (although the tire might be better company in some cases). I have a few ideas on a bumper/bumpers for the VX, but since my exposure to them has been limited most of the ideas are in my head at the present. There are alot of smart people on this board who have had bumper ideas and maybe even have drawn them out on paper/electronically, or just don't have the equipment to build the parts themselves. I really would like to hear/see what you would like in the way of a front Winch Bumper. I would like to explore 3 bumper avenues, a full bumper to replace the front plastic cladding, a hidden bumper to mount behind the cladding and a bumper that would incorperate some of the cladding into the design.

So, tell me what you would like to see in a winch bumper, if you have some drawings then send them my way also. Lets try to keep this thread about front winch bumpers only. If your wanting me to look at building another part, i.e. cupholders for the Brits, rear bumper, .50 Cal mount for the roof rack, etc... then start another thread for that part.

[Mile High VX]

This would be a good place to start:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19840

[Marlin]

LOL, I figured Joe would chime in eventually. ALthough a 50 cal mount with a coozie built in would be neat...

[nocturnalVX]

I think this would be a great replacement for the bumper supports that rust off. I'd love a sturdy bumper/winch mount hidden behind the cladding.

[pbkid]

Joe-

Please excuse my poor drawing capability, but i think with your experience you can get what im getting at.

This is how i always imagined a custom VX bumper to be on my VX.

Now keep in mind, if i were to spend that kind of money on a full bumper, i would expect offroading protection.

I tried to outline the 'metal bends' in the bumper to make it look angular like im looking for.

I personally think with a shape like the front of the VX, it would need to be very 'tight' to the front end to not look funny (which i know is difficult with an integrated winch)... something that sticks out as far as an ARB does, would like rediculous on the VX. (the last photo of my Runner is what i mean by it fitting 'tight' to the front)

Front shot
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/VX_front_bumper.jpg

Side shot
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/thumbs/vx_front_bumper2.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20427)

Here is what I currently have on my Runner to give you some sort of reference, it would be similar to this only the 'tube' part would be more shaped to match the VX exterior-

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3249/toy_front_bumper2.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3249/toy_front_bumper.jpg

[Grif]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/VX_front_bumper.jpg



http://1dl.us/gKE.jpg


Sorry PBK, couldn't resist. :bgwo:

[Bob Barker]

Haha!

[pbkid]

HAha, your good.

Its hard to show in a crappy paint program, but I just wanted to get the idea that they wrap around the lights.

Similar to the grill on jo's whore, except it would go around to the sides of the headlight.

[Grif]

Similar to the grill on jo's whore, except it would go around to the sides of the headlight.

Yeah i think we all got where you were going with it.

Joes is pretty wicked. Not my cup o' tea, but its inspiring. Obviously.

[Ldub]

IMO what a VX really needs is a good way to carry an oversize spare tire...and more headroom.

A sunroof, with a spare tire hat would be good for you larger than life types...:laughing:

[crotchrocket]

Joe-


Front shot
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/VX_front_bumper.jpg




http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e218/stonedog35/dame-edna1.jpg

[Marlin]

Well, the deal is done. For about 5 hours, I owned two VXs! I had a boring old ebony. It was actually in really good shape except a few major things. If Joe wasn't putting it to good use, I probably would have kept it for myself and just had three Zus in the driveway.
I look forward to what he does for the bumper project, and he will probably need to start a new thread when it gets serious. You guys can't seem to focus worth a ****:bgwb:

[phines]

Nice. Good to hear Joe's getting his chance to do this project.

I personally would like to see a bumper that completely replaces the front cladding piece and includes a winch and a skidplate. All the extra brushguard stuff could be a nice add-on option, but matching the stock shape/form should be the first step (just my opinion). The stock 'bumper' really takes 99% of the abuse when I'm off-roading, so starting there makes a lot of sense.

That said, I'd buy anything Joe comes up with!

[VXjunky]

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/126769/126769,1233011314,1/stock-photo-portrait-of-the-young-man-which-hands-simulates-a-mask-of-the-batman-isolation-on-white-background-23938036.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-23938036/stock-photo-portrait-of-the-young-man-which-hands-simulates-a-mask-of-the-batman-isolation-on-white-background.html&usg=__IOgFk_oPYRFrLPtPB0X715aq-pM=&h=470&w=411&sz=53&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=x3zwZOTk2b0LQM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=117&ei=u0uXTePlDI7SsAOgprDJBQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbatman%2Bhands%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26b iw%3D1366%26bih%3D548%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=1115&vpy=201&dur=1723&hovh=240&hovw=210&tx=149&ty=118&oei=u0uXTePlDI7SsAOgprDJBQ&page=1&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0

[bigblock8396375]

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Custom/Original-OEM-Bumpers/FRONT-REINFORCEMENT/510971/. What about this source for a reinforcement?

[Marlin]

I already tipped him off about our garbage bumper. He will make a nice one that is actually sturdy.

[LittleBeast]

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Custom/Original-OEM-Bumpers/FRONT-REINFORCEMENT/510971/. What about this source for a reinforcement?

Hmmm.....

Has anyone actually bought/installed one of these?

I am sure Joe's would be superior anyway though :-)

[SouthJ1]

what ever happened to this build?

[Marlin]

In keeping with our small community, no one was willing to pony up the bucks needed to make this happen. So it sits shelved pending funding. When i get back from deployment this fall, I will be getting a plasma cutter and a nice Lincoln welder, so I will actually be able to do this project on my own and make it pretty:)

[VXorado]

I look forward to what he does for the bumper project, and he will probably need to start a new thread when it gets serious. You guys can't seem to focus worth a ****:bgwb:


In keeping with our small community, no one was willing to pony up the bucks needed to make this happen.

I didn't think the project got to that point. I was following this thread, waiting for a new thread with a rendering or finished project.

I'm still be interested in an ARB style bumper assuming it can mount up to my body lifted VX and would be willing to pay around $500.

[Marlin]

500 bucks isnt even close...the materials alone are pushing that cost. Figure 40 hours of time to fully protoype one, and sell maybe 4 or 5. They would be sitting in the 1500 dollar range for a line matching bumper. That would inlcude a winch mount and a pair of shackles welded on the front and would follow the lines of the OEM bumper cover.

[SouthJ1]

I know this is off topic but whered you get your Bumper in your signature

[Marlin]

I know this is off topic but whered you get your Bumper in your signature

*sigh*, long story short, that was my first fabricating project. I bought some harbor freight junk, taught myself to arc weld in my garage. That was the end result. I made a second version that is still currently mounted on my truck, there should be some good pics in my gallery. A bit more subtle, I definitely liked the one in my sig better.

[SouthJ1]

I really like the one in your sig. it looks like you have a place for a winch in that thing too

[VXorado]

500 bucks isnt even close...the materials alone are pushing that cost. Figure 40 hours of time to fully protoype one, and sell maybe 4 or 5. They would be sitting in the 1500 dollar range for a line matching bumper. That would inlcude a winch mount and a pair of shackles welded on the front and would follow the lines of the OEM bumper cover.

Maybe we have different bumpers in mind... I'm thinking of something fairly simple like Orion's with a winch mount built onto it. If you're thinking about replacing the entire cladding with a full metal bumper then I could pay the $1500 pricetag :thumbup:. That would be difficult to match the headlights & fender cladding to a metal bumper but could look great... its just hard to picture :?:.

I don't mind building something simple myself but also don't mind paying for something that is complex & unique.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/medium/100_04361.jpg

[Marlin]

Joe wanted to build one with that road armor look. Several angled plates, shaped to follow the overall lines of the front cladding, as a replacement for the cladding. It would fill in all the gaps, just like the plastic, only be 1/8 and 1/4 plate:)

As for my old one having a winch mount, I went with a receiver instead. It allowed me to move a winch from front to rear via the hitch. I have never needed a winch;)

[VXorado]

Joe wanted to build one with that road armor look. Several angled plates, shaped to follow the overall lines of the front cladding, as a replacement for the cladding. It would fill in all the gaps, just like the plastic, only be 1/8 and 1/4 plate:)


Definitely keep me updated once you're back & building. I'll probably build some type of winch bumper/carrier this Spring just to have it for the solo trips. I would be happy to replace it with an armor plated Mad Max bumper :bwgy:

[vt_maverick]

I definitely liked the one in my sig better.

x2 - Pics don't do it justice. :thumbup:

So whatever happened to it? You say that like you threw it in a dumpster...

[Ldub]

x2 - Pics don't do it justice. :thumbup:

So whatever happened to it? You say that like you threw it in a dumpster...

I believe it was purchased for thirteen MEELION dollars, & is now on display @ the "Isuzu Smithsonian"...:yesgray:

[Joe Darlington]

The Front Winch Bumper for the VX got moved down on the priority list, there seemed to be more interest in VX cupholders than a bumper... If there is real interest in a "ARB/Road Armor" style bumper, I will move it upon the list of things to build and produce a prototype bumper in the near future.

I am retired military now and I supplement my retirement income building products for Isuzu's, don't really want to be spending $500+ on materials, not to include the labor and time building/developing a product that no one intends to buy... This happened over on Planetisuzoo/4x4 Wire, a bunch of people wanted rear steel bumpers for the newer Rodeo's. Then I spent the time and expense to produce a really nice rear bumper and needless to say, all the people that said they would buy one, didn't. It took 2 years to sell the first one and fortunatly since then I have sold quite a few.

If people are serious about wanting a Front Winch Bumper for the VX, then speak up so I can guage the real interest for the bumper.

There has also been mention of reproducing the front bumper reinforcement bar that goes behind the front bumper cladding, if this is something that is wanted also I could look into reproducing that also...

[nocturnalVX]

Hi Joe!
I really need a replacement for the front bumper supports as mine rusted off a while ago. I wish I lived a bit closer to you so that we could brainstorm over a few beverages, but 15 hours one way is a bit much.
I have always likes these types of bumpers on jeeps, and wonder if there is a way to tie in (or replace) the bumper supports with something like this without doing away with too much of the front cladding.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/jeep_bumper.jpg
I will have to plan a weekend road trip to see you and go over some options...

[JoFotoz]

Hi Joe, I got your e-mail...



If people are serious about wanting a Front Winch Bumper for the VX, then speak up so I can guage the real interest for the bumper.

Obviously as per my mail I am seriously interested, my ML320 "brush guard" maxes out at skateboard and cyclist deflection !!

I'd be looking for an ARB style..WITHOUT winch.
I'd prefer a tow ball receiver in front as I intend to use a plate mounted winch that can be employed fore and aft as required.

How many orders would you need, what kind of price...and what would be the timeline.

I see no point in doing another one off ( as per my ML320 mod) for myself...
... if you are on it!

Having said that, I'm looking at may (Moab) as a deadline....and I worry about shipping costs.
Perhaps a modular/semi built "kit" that is easier/cheaper to ship....
...but can easily be welded together after shipping might be a good plan?

Thanks mate...:thumbup:

Jo

[VXorado]

I'd be looking for an ARB style..WITHOUT winch.
I'd prefer a tow ball receiver in front as I intend to use a plate mounted winch that can be employed fore and aft as required.

How many orders would you need, what kind of price...and what would be the timeline.

I see no point in doing another one off ( as per my ML320 mod) for myself...
... if you are on it!

Having said that, I'm looking at may (Moab) as a deadline....and I worry about shipping costs.
Perhaps a modular/semi built "kit" that is easier/cheaper to ship....
...but can easily be welded together after shipping might be a good plan?

Thanks mate...:thumbup:

Jo

Agree & Disagree with Jo... as usual ;)

I would rather have a winch mount built in. A winch on a portable plate will take up a lot of room in my small cargo area since I still want to retain the rear seats. I'm flexible with the design as long as there's room to add a permanent winch plate into the bumper.

I need a winch by summer, Moab being a good deadline for me as well. I'm planning on building some kind of winch carrier in the next couple months unless yours will be available.

With a design, price & details, I would be happy to commit to a purchase.

[JoFotoz]

Yup...given design/price/delivery etc I'd commit too...


Agree & Disagree with Jo... as usual ;)

I would rather have a winch mount built in. A winch on a portable plate will take up a lot of room in my small cargo area since I still want to retain the rear seats. I'm flexible with the design as long as there's room to add a permanent winch plate into the bumper.

I need a winch by summer, Moab being a good deadline for me as well. I'm planning on building some kind of winch carrier in the next couple months unless yours will be available.

With a design, price & details, I would be happy to commit to a purchase.

....and I would think a design allowing either winch option should be very possible.
A dedicated winch plate plus a tow ball receiver is not outrageous!

I hear what youre saying regarding a mounted winch, but the flexibilty
to pull from the rear (:eek:)...is important to me for solo off roading.

jo

[pbkid]

Yup...given design/price/delivery etc I'd commit too...

....and I would think a design allowing either winch option should be very possible.
A dedicated winch plate plus a tow ball receiver is not outrageous!

I hear what youre saying regarding a mounted winch, but the flexibilty
to pull from the rear (:eek:)...is important to me for solo off roading.

jo

The + about having a receiver in the front instead of a winch plate is that the bumper can be much 'tighter' or slim to the front of the vehicle. Winch plates take up a lot of depth, plus then you can move the winch front to rear as mentioned.

I personally love the receiver in front instead of the winch plate because the bumper is much more snug to the front of the car. They gave me both options when I had my front bumper built and the custom guy explained that he can really make the bumper fit the vehicle better if it doesnt have to be 8" deep. Thats what makes a lot of the ARB style ones look funny from the side....


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3249/1202091153-04.jpg