Aluminum and steel bumper?

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2010 12:34 am

Is it possible to weld aluminum to steel? May seem like a dumb question to those who know but I am wondering...and thinking no. But to be sure... Is it?

What about an aluminum 'skinned' bumper bolted to a steel frame with a receiver and tow points? This might save weight and still be crash worthy.

Again if I am missing something basic here, no laughing please. :idea:

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:49 am

no on the welding of the two together.

Aluminum skinned steel subframe bumper would work but not necessary. Might as well build it all out of Al. Several companies have proven the strength of Al. on bumpers, skids, etc. so it would work great if properly built w/ good materials. I would love to have one for my KJ.

Budke · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2010 12:26 pm

You can weld steel to aluminum, I've done it before. But its not recommended. The weld won't be as strong as it would be if it we're two like metals.
You're better off making an all aluminum bumper. If yo build it right it can be just about, if not as strong, as an all steel bumper.

durangotang · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2010 12:39 pm

Budke wrote:

You can sorta make steel stick to aluminum, I've done it before. But its not recommended. The weld won't be as strong as it would be if it we're two like metals.
You're better off making an all aluminum bumper. If yo build it right it can be just about, if not as strong, as an all steel bumper.

Edited

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:11 am

You can weld steel to aluminum and vice versa, but you must use either friction welding, or laser welding. both very uncommon, very difficult, and VERY expensive.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:42 am

VoodooMann wrote:

You can weld steel to aluminum and vice versa, but you must use either friction welding, or laser welding. both very uncommon, very difficult, and VERY expensive.

which is why I chose to say No.
I don't see it happening in anyones garage any time soon and I also doubt any fabricator that makes bumpers is going to go that route either, so I figured i'd go w/ the quick/easy answer.

I'd love to find a fab place that does great Al. work and have them duplicate my current bumpers in Al.

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2010 2:59 pm

the most realistic way to make a combo Aluminum/Steel bumper would be to use bolts or Rivets, I think a Bumper that is all buttoned up with rivets made of an aluminum skin over steel subframe would look sweet. but the effort probably wouldn't be worth it.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2010 4:20 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

VoodooMann wrote:

You can weld steel to aluminum and vice versa, but you must use either friction welding, or laser welding. both very uncommon, very difficult, and VERY expensive.

which is why I chose to say No.
I don't see it happening in anyones garage any time soon and I also doubt any fabricator that makes bumpers is going to go that route either, so I figured i'd go w/ the quick/easy answer.

I'd love to find a fab place that does great Al. work and have them duplicate my current bumpers in Al.

I'd buy a set of those bumpers in aluminum too...!!! :BANANA:

I am researching aluminum fab in the SoCal area but so far no luck. :banghead:

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:02 pm

MojaveKJ wrote:

JJsKJ wrote:

VoodooMann wrote:

You can weld steel to aluminum and vice versa, but you must use either friction welding, or laser welding. both very uncommon, very difficult, and VERY expensive.

which is why I chose to say No.
I don't see it happening in anyones garage any time soon and I also doubt any fabricator that makes bumpers is going to go that route either, so I figured i'd go w/ the quick/easy answer.

I'd love to find a fab place that does great Al. work and have them duplicate my current bumpers in Al.

I'd buy a set of those bumpers in aluminum too...!!! :BANANA:

I am researching aluminum fab in the SoCal area but so far no luck. :banghead:

I'm sure Savvy could make it happen but I know there isn't enough market to make it profitable.

MojaveKJ · **Posted:** Tue Feb 02, 2010 12:36 pm

I sent an email to see if this one is still available:

pipeliner wrote:

The TJM bar is also available in aluminium.

We'll see. I also like it in steel.

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:10 am

Not sure how I missed this thread, I dream of these types of posts...

Agreed, no welding aluminum to steel, bolting to steel is ok but not necessary. When you design any kind of equipment your material choice dictates how it is designed. If you plan for it, you can make a bumper out of aluminum that is as strong as anything else. yep, both materials have their drawbacks but lets not start "steel is better / aluminum is better" again.

I'm currently designing a rear bumper with recovery points, a hitch of some sort (haven't decided if I want to make it SAE Class III or not, due to liability). Options will include:

-Swing out tire carrier with antennae mount
-optional jerrycan mount including jerrycan & holder (for bumpers with swing out tire carrier only)
-optional hi-lift mount (for bumpers with swing out tire carrier only

So far the entire bumper will be aluminum. The spindle for the swing out will be steel, and the swing out itself will be aluminum if I can find the right tubing and bend the right tubing. If not I will relent and make the swing out steel due to availability.

I have taken an order for one bumper with hopeful completion by april 1st. After it is done, I'm going to make one for my KJ (I'll be tired of no bumper or flares...). The next project will be the front bumper.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:26 am

I'm digging the idea of an al. front. maybe even some diamond plate, real men use diamond plate, she likes diamond rings, i like diamond plate, this is a clue to my next mod, I like diamond plate

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:04 am

Boiler,

You KNOW I am ALL over that rear bumper with a swing out.

If you need any help engineering it (i doubt you will but JIC) or anything else with this project I will be there all the way.

and I'm not asking for a freebie.

unless you want to... ya know... college kid and all... :goink:

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:33 am

VoodooMann wrote:

Boiler,
You KNOW I am ALL over that rear bumper with a swing out. If you need any help engineering it (i doubt you will but JIC) or anything else with this project I will be there all the way. and I'm not asking for a freebie.

unless you want to... ya know... college kid and all...

I'll let ya know

Stumpjumper: I'm not big on the diamondplate myself. It makes uglier welded joints as it really doesn't grind nice. The strong diamondplate is not shiny either, its dull mill finish. The bright, mirrored looking stuff is like butter. I suppose one could add a very thin sheet of the bright over the standard bumper, or do a custom. Not high on my list at the moment though.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:56 am

anyone want to buy a now rare, collectors item, RL rear bumper w/ swing away tire carrier?

:JEEPIN:

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:48 am

price?

Boiler · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:45 pm

VoodooMann wrote:

price?

JJ's RLF or mine?

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:02 pm

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:54 pm

exactly.

BOTH! :twisted:

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Feb 03, 2010 3:23 pm

Keep it REAL
Give me STEEL!
:mrgreen:

Aluminum and steel bumper?

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