May I suggest using round stock (tubing), rather than angle iron, for a finished product that has more visual appeal?Originally Posted by Marlin
Super VXer
May I suggest using round stock (tubing), rather than angle iron, for a finished product that has more visual appeal?
Super VXer
Here is where I am now. I have the top tube welded on and the 3/8" thick angle irons at the outside. Now I can attach the front plate, once I get it bent. Ldub, I used the angle irons cause they were stronger, and it won't be visible once complete.
The driving lights fit perfect in between the tubes, should be done next weekend I hope, gotta add a few gussets, paint a few more coats, and voila, I will be done.
It is being painted right now, so I will post the final pics hopefully next weekend.
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Super VXer
Its getting there, I told ya I was going for the road armor look, and it is quickly heading in that direction. I should be able to finish the other side tomorrow, get it painted and mounted by say Fri, and wire up the lights sat, add some gussets and I will be done!!! Not sure how to fill in the gap, but it isn't near as big anymore. I am cutting the bottom rail tubing to a 45 degree angle and capping it. Then I just need to figure out how to mount my new skid plate, and all will be complete.
It is not as sleek as Orion's, but I said form the beginning I wanted the road armor look.
Super VXer
So you are just going to leave the front end and the area around the grill and lights all open like that????
Bart
Super VXer
I dunno yet, working on that, I may cut a sheet metal outline to fill in the holes...but at least admit that the actual bumper is heading in the direction that I said I was going to do!So you are just going to leave the front end and the area around the grill and lights all open like that????
Bart
http://www.roadarmor.com/site/ford/08-plus-sd.php
Super VXer
Looking MUCH better! Shouldn't be to hard to fill that top section. Use card board and bend it and cut it to make a templet. Then you can use a little thinner gauge steel. Cut it and bend it using the cardboard templet, a little more welding and presto!
Billy Oliver
15xIronman
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Super VXer
Hell YEAH!...
Make it segmented, so it looks like scales (think rough fish)...or the Batmobile armor!
Super VXer
LOL, I think I am going to bedliner the face and top, and leave the bottom flat of course.Hell YEAH!...
Make it segmented, so it looks like scales (think rough fish)...or the Batmobile armor!
No scales. A rocket launcher would be cool though.
Billy, I think you are right, that is a bit artsy for me, but probably the route I will take. I also thought about using heavy rubber, like what mudflaps for semis are made out of, flexible, but stiff, easy to cut and shape, and easily removed.
Super VXer
two things-
1. your isuzu emblem is upside down and its bothering me (its like hanging an american flag upside down, bad juju)
2. getting there bro... getting there...
ok, for example, between the headlight and the grill: why cant you build something with 2 gussets and fill in the face (to create a triangular angled back look) and do the same on the side between the headlight and the fender, except build 3 smaller angled pieces?
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Super VXer
LOL, I got that from the Planet guys. I do need to fix the background, but it is staying red and upside down. Gotta cut out all the extra tape. I have it that way so if I flip it one day, I can get one good pic, sort of a sense of humor to keep me from freaking out if it happens...
That is doable, i kept thinking it had to be attached to the bumper, I was thinkin maybe a brush guard type top, but your way would work as well. I am gonna have to look at that, I do have a lot of 1" square tubing I could use. I could weld it straight onto the fenders and the radiator frame....good idea Jack.
Super VXer
Jack is this what you were thinkin, cause I think this is what I am going to do now...
Super VXer
yup, ill try to work somethin up on 'microsoft paint' when i get home... but i think you get the idea....although i would DEFINATELY not loose the grill... it makes the front of the VX what it is...
ill try to explain more-
build 90degree gussets off of the bumper angled back towards the hood... then all you would have to do is cut a piece of metal to go over the gussets, and BOOM you have a full integrated look, and it slopes back to make it look 'integrated'... do the same as you have on the bumper only with 2 angles on the corner.
i wouldnt try to go between the grill and the bumper personally... i would just do the area between the light and the grill, which would also include the part below the light, until you reached the joint in the bumper, then it would turn to match the bumper along the corner and onto the fender.
Super VXer
plus if you left the flat bumper underneath and in front of the grill then it will give you some step space... would WILL come in handy, i promise(i had an ARB on my toyota that i had before my VX and it had a step spot in front of the grill that was awesome to have)
Super VXer
Gotcha, I was trying to avoid connecting more to the bumper. The idea is that it is removable. Right now it weighs somewhere around 50lbs. The more I attach, the heavier and more awkward it gets. I will have to look at that, and the bar across the grill can be just the one under it, and maybe one at the top. I was thinking more along the structural lines.
Thanks for the inspiration though, I will post up pics when I am done...
Super VXer
ya no problem lol.... cant wait to see what you come up with
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