Who wants bumpers? Updated with teaser pics page 8!

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:03 pm

Quote:

Loopkey

I am not sure how much empty space you have inside the rear bumper but I would like to add an integrated air tank on the wish list.

Can't do that for 2 reasons:

1. Cost
2. It wouldn't be 50 state legal.

WA for instance will not allow and air tank to be part of the bumper. But you can mount one in it yourself if it is compact enough to fit in there.

I know it doesn't make sense, but oh well.

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:27 pm

drawings!!! drawings!!! drawings!!!

Loopkey · **Posted:** Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:42 pm

USAFCOP wrote:

Can't do that for 2 reasons:

1. Cost
2. It wouldn't be 50 state legal.

WA for instance will not allow and air tank to be part of the bumper. But you can mount one in it yourself if it is compact enough to fit in there.

I know it doesn't make sense, but oh well.

Just though I would throw it out there... My friend build a custom rear bumper for his Rubicon that is also an air tank. It's probably something that could be added with an afternoon of welding...

Guest · **Posted:** Sat Dec 31, 2005 1:30 am

I like what i've seen so far...

as far as integrating the stock blinkers, why not just get a pair of those LED units they use on big trucks? and will there be light mount tabs, or will that require drilling? I'd like to keep my stock fogs, but you can't have everything.

what options will there be for the front bumper, and are you still going to offer the rear bumper without a swing-away tire carrier?

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Sat Dec 31, 2005 3:09 am

no options, lets keep this price as low as possible and build em all the same like the big companies (ARB and TrailReady) do. Weight is my biggest issue. I am sure Rock Lizard doesn't want to deal with the headaches of one off bumpers anyways...

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sat Dec 31, 2005 3:21 pm

ThunderbirdJunkie wrote:

I like what i've seen so far...

as far as integrating the stock blinkers, why not just get a pair of those LED units they use on big trucks? and will there be light mount tabs, or will that require drilling? I'd like to keep my stock fogs, but you can't have everything.

what options will there be for the front bumper, and are you still going to offer the rear bumper without a swing-away tire carrier?

I think it will be easier for me to incorporate the stock front signals in the design than for the customer to incorporate the LED wiring to their setup. I have seen a lot of people adding LEDs to their Wranglers and Cherokees, and about 90% don't have a clue how to wire them up correctly, and then it can become a safety issue. No thanks, I'll keep it simple for the customer.

I think you guys are really going to be impressed with the rear bumper. The rear bumper will be setup without any carriers, but carriers can easily be bolted on later or at time of purchase. And since the carrier is a short arm design, I am working on another short arm for a jerry can/highlift carrier. I know you guys are getting anxious, but all this week I am drawing up the plans, and the following week, I will have a KJ in my garage all week, so I will mock up a cardboard prototype (it will look pretty realistic and I will paint it for effect:D).

EagleVT94 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:52 pm **Posts:** 64

Would it be possible to get a bumper (I am interested in the front) without any black powder coat finish (or any finish). Up here in VT I have been line-xing or rhinoing everything before it goes on so it won't rust. Thanks.

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Sat Dec 31, 2005 4:20 pm

Eagle-you can sand off powder coat or paint and line-x or bedline or rhino line if you want, thats what i usually end up doing. I have put bedliner on all my bumpers, fender flares, and the lower half of my jeep. Looks tough and is tough.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sat Dec 31, 2005 5:32 pm

I have no problem not powdercoating. In fact, I am starting to lean away from powdercoating my products. There are much better, stronger and cheaper options available now, and when it comes to armored parts, they will get chipped, then the customer won't seal the chip, then moisture will get under the PC, then it will rust from the inside out, then the bumper looks like cancer and is difficult to clean up. I don't warranty PC because of this. I had one of the best coaters in the country (Coleman Outdoor Products) doing my stuff in KS, and it still chipped and rusted. My front bumper on my XJ was the first bumper I ever made, been on for over two years, painted with about $10 in Rustoleum, and it has held up better than the parts that are powdercoated and been on for less than a year.
So, if the customer wants it powdercoated, I will do that, and will price the products as powdercoated, but if the customer wants to save some money, then I will take off the cost of PC and ship bare steel, or maybe coat it with something better and stronger, or coat it with etching primer. I am a little flexible and will do what I can with the coating.

chemguy · **Posted:** Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:46 pm

Quote:

cardboard prototype (it will look pretty realistic and I will paint it for effect:D).

Gotta love the cardboard. I moclked my home made roof rack out of PVC LOL and my fuel skid out of cardboard. Good form!

KW AV8R · **Posted:** Sun Jan 01, 2006 7:08 am

I was wondering if there is a way to incorporate a locking pin in the swing-away to keep it in the open position. This wouldn't have to be beefy enough to handle the vehicle moving with it in the open position, just to hold it in place so it doesn't swing back into the Jeep while loading groceries. :wink:

I think a simple cam lock design would work perfectly, maybe at 90 and 180 degrees. Hopefully this wouldn't increase the complexity of the design cause I know you're trying to keep it simple. I'm not sure if this is something that normally comes with a swing-away.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Sun Jan 01, 2006 1:14 pm

KW AV8R wrote:

I was wondering if there is a way to incorporate a locking pin in the swing-away to keep it in the open position. This wouldn't have to be beefy enough to handle the vehicle moving with it in the open position, just to hold it in place so it doesn't swing back into the Jeep while loading groceries. :wink:

I think a simple cam lock design would work perfectly, maybe at 90 and 180 degrees. Hopefully this wouldn't increase the complexity of the design cause I know you're trying to keep it simple. I'm not sure if this is something that normally comes with a swing-away.

I'm going to incorporate a hydraulic strut so once you flip the carrier latch handle, carrier opens and stays open by itself, like the rear glass of the KJ.

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

I know I'm way late on this one, but I would definitely be interested in a front bumper.

pixeldzn · **Posted:** Mon Jan 02, 2006 11:39 pm

Been reading this as well. I want front and rear bumpers as well. Gotta lift her first, which is gonna happen reaaaaaaaaal soon.

Cacher123 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:03 am

Quote:

I'm going to incorporate a hydraulic strut so once you flip the carrier latch handle, carrier opens and stays open by itself, like the rear glass of the KJ.

If it keeps the cost down as well as makes the design simpler, I'd be happy with a detent or pin to keep it open. Don't think it needs the added cost/complexity.

Rock Lizard · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:17 am

Cacher123 wrote:

Quote:

I'm going to incorporate a hydraulic strut so once you flip the carrier latch handle, carrier opens and stays open by itself, like the rear glass of the KJ.

If it keeps the cost down as well as makes the design simpler, I'd be happy with a detent or pin to keep it open. Don't think it needs the added cost/complexity.

I have already sourced parts, and believe it or not, the latch and hyraulic strut setup I am going to use is cheaper that the usual manual UBolt type latch and pin setup. No need to worry guys, I am constantly sourcing parts and materials to find the best setup for the least amount.

I have been working all weekend just on this rear bumper, and it is really coming together on the drawing board. I'll try to update my MSPaint picture here in a little bit.

uvalax236 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:04 am

Oh man...As soon as you get this updated pic on it...I will be stalking you until you finish this (Kidding!) but seriously, get this done because I WANT ONE BAD!

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:10 am

Guys trust me, the parts (latches and such) Rock Lizard is going to use is just well... Cool!!!

chemguy · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:46 pm

I will send in a deposit to get on the list for the first run of the rears. Just let me know, as I trust this will be top notch.

dirtykj · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:50 pm

My rear bumper is gonna have to sport a big band-aid a little while longer, eh?

Who wants bumpers? Updated with teaser pics page 8!

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