Who wants bumpers? Updated with teaser pics page 8!

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 5:48 pm

Hey, guys. Finally got moved to Colorado and put my office back together, and I'm back to the drawing board. I've spent a lot of time lately finding new steel, plastic, packaging, and hardware suppliers, and the last thing is a new manufacturer. I have some of my old product designs out at several local manufacturers so they can do their bid war, and should have one decided on by the end of next week. Ted (USAFCOP) lives just down the road from me, so I have a guinea pig KJ to play with designing up bumpers. He was over here the other day with his rear bumper off, and I am real excited with the ideas, and this shouldn't be too tough. My rear bumper will have the 3/4" thick shackle tabs and a swing away tire carrier, and more than likely a receiver hitch. The tire carrier will have an actual two stage latch, just like a regular car door, and the tire carrier will be adjustable in height. Prototyping will begin in the next few weeks, along with the front bumper. I can't give time to production, because it all depends on how the prototyping goes, but start saving your money now.

I hope to have atleast the front bumper ready within four to six months and the price at or under $600. The rear bumper will be slightly more, but I can't even begin to think of an estimate right now. I will have intro sale prices when they first come out and package specials when purchased together. That's all I have for you guys right now, but I am still working on it.

So, who's interested.

I don't need a list of so many buyers or any commitments, because I am making these no matter what, just like to see a show of hands. If you need me to post original CAD design pics again, then let me know if you haven't seen them.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 6:07 pm

I am interested in a rear bumper badly!!!! I already have an ARB front bull bar and love it but need a rear. However, I'm not sure about a tire carrier because my spare is roof mounted. Maybe just a straight steel bumper to fit the rear of a KJ like the Warn bumpers made for the TJ rears. Just an idea. Thanks and looking forward to pics of the ideas.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 6:10 pm

Just out of curiosity, why would you prefer the tire on the roof than a rear tire carrier? Just like to hear your pros and cons of both the roof and rear carriers.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 7:03 pm

You know, I like the look of the tire on the roof, a little safari-ish looking. However, when the inevitable SFA kit comes out, having 33" 35" or even 37" tires mounted on a roof are not really practical. I think then I would go to a rear carrier mount like the ones on your site...nice pics by the way! Anyways, for now I like the looks of the front bumpers you make for the XJs but on the rear instead. Gives plenty of clearance in the butt and good departure angle. Anyways thats my 2 cents!

Here is my rig w/the tire mount on the roof...

Gotta love my rig with the roof rack w/the spare and Hi-Lift mounted too! Although a rear bumper would make a spot for a Hi-Lift to be mounted too!

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 7:08 pm

I used to carrier my spare on my roof rack, but after too many roll over close calls and gaining 4-5MPG after taking off the rack and tire, I decided the rear carrier is the best place. The biggest problem with most rear carriers is you either lose departure angle or rear view vision, which is why I have designed a carrier that has a high and low setting. Low setting for best vision on the road and high setting for best departure angle.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:00 pm

Well, I know I need not say anything since I am the guinea pig.... But unlike Anthrax shots and Smallpox Vacines, this is willingly, no enthusiastically... Besides, guess my rear design was a bit too over engineered :roll:

Rear is what I would like to have first, because I want the tire off the top. My wrists are bad, so getting that thing off the roof is getting to be painful for me now.

That and better gas mileage.

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:23 pm

I'd more than likely be interested in a front & rear bumper gotta see pics though :wink:

as for a rear tire carrier we would still be able to just open the rear glass correct :?:

without opening the door,also wieght estimate for each :?:

sounds cool though

RkyMtnKJ · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:28 pm

Hey rock lizard welcome to Colorado, pity there isnt much snow around the front range and down south this year but i look forward to having a local business for the KJ and to have some other wheelin buddies, im all for front and rear bumbers, and was wondering if you could post up the front bumper design you were going to use. definetly cutting into a new market with a cheaper front bumper and one of the only rear bumper fabricators for the libby :wink:

best of luck.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:52 pm

Front bumper simple CAD design. Front bumper with have front receiver hitch and 3/4" shackle tabs. There will be mounting holes for aftermarket lights, but no holes for the stock lights, so someone will pay handsomely for those on ebay. Grill guard/prerunner type bar will be an option. I'll try to mess around this week and make up a simple CAD of the rear bumper.

Here's the front:

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:09 pm

Very interested in what you come up with for the rear bumper. ALso interested in seeing it offered in a version w/ swingaway and w/out.

RkyMtnKJ · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:18 pm

i like it....very simple yet effective! will it mount similar to ARB? if so im going to have fun pushing dumpsters around :twisted:

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:22 pm

RkyMtnKJ wrote:

i like it....very simple yet effective! will it mount similar to ARB? if so im going to have fun pushing dumpsters around :twisted:

Four bolts to the bottom of the frame rail, the offset bolt hole for stock hook brackets, and two in the front crossmember...per side :shock:

, plus the reciever hitch will have a plate at the back end of it that will bolt to the front crossmember. That's the plan so far. It shouldn't go anywhere.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:23 pm

Does anyone have a good straight on shot of the rear of their KJ, preferably without the spare tire?

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:34 pm

Hey, RL, wondering where you've been.

I'm interested in the rear bumper. I just (this week) installed my front ARB. I couldn't wait for you any longer after a slight mishap caused my KJ to sacrifice the stock front bumper and RF fender flare.

Check out my pics on my web site (ARB link in signature).

Anyway go get em!

lilmatty · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:37 pm

RL: I'm interested in the rear bumper but withour the tire carrier. I like mine on the roof to keep it from getting scraped up in mogul-like obstacles.

Only interested in the front if its light weight. I've a hitch mounted winch cradle and like that set up so don't need all that beef and weight the ARB style bumper gives me.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:40 pm

I'll work on rears with and without carriers

The front bumper will be around 85 lbs or less.

lilmatty · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:49 pm

Would the front bumper include a receiver hitch? Also suggest you design it with a bolt on winch platform so that those of us with no need for it or its weight have that option...

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:49 pm

Hey Rock Lizard:

Here is a great rear view of my KJ bumper without the tire...nice flex too I may add. Hope it helps.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 9:50 pm

lilmatty wrote:

Would the front bumper include a receiver hitch?

Yes. Just throw a multimount in it and go.

jpzkj · **Posted:** Sun Dec 25, 2005 10:52 pm

Im interested in both...

I'd be interested in only a tire carrier model fo the rear. Center of gravity is lower and allot easier to get to.

Keep us posted

Who wants bumpers? Updated with teaser pics page 8!

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