Custom Bumper Project

[Riff Raff]

As for the trike, at your age, it might be better to save your pennies and get a hoveround

Well; since you just had your 30th B-day, you're now quickly catching up to me. Thus; I'll get two(2) hoverounds, so you and I can hit the sidewalks together.

[Marlin]

Well; since you just had your 30th B-day, you're now quickly catching up to me. Thus; I'll get two(2) hoverounds, so you and I can hit the sidewalks together.

Nope, that is my next project, make the VX a rear steer. That way I can take it anywhere, maybe even move the driver's seat to the middle.

[handeeman]

Well; since you just had your 30th B-day, you're now quickly catching up to me. Thus; I'll get two(2) hoverounds, so you and I can hit the sidewalks together.

Nope, that is my next project, make the VX a rear steer. That way I can take it anywhere, maybe even move the driver's seat to the middle.

I think Marlin has givin me an Idea for my 1st Mod, love the thought of rear steering and seat in the middle. Since I've got ya both by a few years I might consider shipping my VX to Merlin for the "Hoverround Mod". Course I'll wait until he finishes his bumper project. Hum, seat in the middle and rear steering, what a mental picture. lmao

[Riff Raff]

The "seat in the middle" trick reminds me of Jay Leno's McClaren F-1, which has the driver's seat in the middle and two(2) side pod passenger seats (one on each side L & R).

[Marlin]

The "seat in the middle" trick reminds me of Jay Leno's McClaren F-1, which has the driver's seat in the middle and two(2) side pod passenger seats (one on each side L & R).

I actually got the idea from the Monster Trucks, they are center drive with rear wheel, auto return to center steering.

Well boys, I hope you have some tissues handy, and I do not mean for tears...

Here it is with the skid plate, took about 3 hours to get it bent and fitted up. It is not going anywhere...ever. I added the tow points, this week I will try to get the 1/16" plate steel for the cosmetic stuff. Then I add driving lights and turn signals, and voila, the first ever full custom front bumper for a VX. I will drill out the oil filter and oil plug access as well. That will be a cinch. So close now...so close.
I know that the tow point brackets are crooked, that keeps them tilted toward the inside, minimizing the vibration and flopping around. The front edge of the skid plate will not show once the sheet metal is installed.

[Scott Harness]

Tissues used... Round of applause...Looks fantastic!

[handeeman]

Tissues not needed here, I like it ! I think my new motto will be "If I can dream it- Marlin can Mod it! " You shoulda been a Seabee. I think maybe ya are, a Seabee irradiated. Luv it man!

[Scott Harness]

Tissues not needed here, I like it ! I think my new motto will be "If I can dream it- Marlin can Mod it! " You shoulda been a Seabee. I think maybe ya are, a Seabee irradiated. Luv it man!

Re-read post #67

[Ldub]

[QUOTE=Marlin;166483]


One thing you might consider for strengthening the whole setup, is drilling out the holes where your current pins are, & upgrading to full size trailer hitch pins.

If they're already the same dia. maybe drill out the hole further forward, & double pin it.

Just thinkin' out loud...

[Marlin]

[QUOTE=Ldub;166866]

One thing you might consider for strengthening the whole setup, is drilling out the holes where your current pins are, & upgrading to full size trailer hitch pins.

If they're already the same dia. maybe drill out the hole further forward, & double pin it.

Just thinkin' out loud...

I actually talked to my dad about that. The pin itself is rated to 90K lbs before bending. The hole is rated to a little under 40Klbs, prior to hole elongation. If I go to the 1/2" pin, it buys me another 15Klbs. Not sure what I would need 40Klbs of stress for? I am going to take Billy's advice and sleeve a pair of the inner 2" tubes into the crossbar and place the bolts for the tow hooks through that. It will then be all but impossible to bend the tube via the tow points. That will be a total of 1/2" of steel to bend, not sure what the grade 8 3/8" bolts are rated to, but its gotta be a whole lot.

I should start the sheet metal work next week sometime, no time this week. I am probably going to go with 16gage plate. The aluminum is too hard to bend, and way too expensive. Steel is cheap. I about blew out a nut bending the front of that skid plate. That was with two of us using a sheet metal brake. For those doubting the strength of 1/8" thick aluminum plate....don't, it will kill you!!!!