ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: MUD CHILD on August 09, 2010, 12:13:20 PM

Title: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on August 09, 2010, 12:13:20 PM
I have received some interested in building some tube style bumpers for the 2nd gen Trackers and Vitaras. Before we proceed in designing and building the bumpers I need know there is enough interest to make it worth our while. I will offer the front bumper with a receiver or a solid mount for a winch. Bumpers will be made from 1 3/4" .120 wall tubing and tig welded. Prices will be as follows front bumper with winch mount $365, front with receiver mount $350 rear bumper $350.*Prices are in Canadian dollars* Prices may change slightly, possibly more or less but I won't know until we actually make the first set. If I can get 5 orders we will proceed with making them. If you have any questions post them here or e-mail me at SRCUSTOMS|removethispart|@shaw.ca   

Here are a couple pictures of some bumpers we made for a customer with a 1st gen Tracker. The bumpers would be the same style as these.

 (http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8758/newyearsanssidekickbump.jpg) (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/newyearsanssidekickbump.jpg/)


(http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8758/newyearsanssidekickbump.jpg) (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/newyearsanssidekickbump.jpg/)


(http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/8758/newyearsanssidekickbump.jpg) (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/newyearsanssidekickbump.jpg/)

Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: samuraidan on August 09, 2010, 01:21:20 PM
I'm guessing paint is not included in this price? Would it be available?
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on August 09, 2010, 01:46:41 PM
I'm guessing paint is not included in this price? Would it be available?

I can have the bumpers powder coated, I'm currently working out the pricing on that.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: 97TRAKIN on August 10, 2010, 04:31:39 AM
I used the currency converter and it came out to CAN$350.00=US$338.65. I'm a happy camper  :) .
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: tuberider on August 11, 2010, 10:31:42 PM
I'm very interested! I bought a '99 Chev 2 door 5 speed last month and have been fixing it up. I found this great site and have been reading up on the 2nd gen Trackers. This is my first post and want to thank all the knowledgeable folks on here. I was just searching for an aftermarket front bumper cuz my bumper cover is shot, and here is a fine possibility! Please list a quote with powder coat and shipped to 98275. The truck ony has 37k but the one problem I found is she sure likes to grind the gears especially on a downshift. I guess a tranny rebuild is in order at some point.
Dave
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: 97TRAKIN on August 12, 2010, 11:49:31 AM
The truck ony has 37k but the one problem I found is she sure likes to grind the gears especially on a downshift. I guess a tranny rebuild is in order at some point.
Dave
Try a transmission fluid change and make sure to use full synthetic.
My "97 used to grind up and down till I drained the fluid and put in what the book called for, "Full Synthetic".
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: tuberider on August 12, 2010, 01:16:54 PM
I did see that rec and I changed the fluid with Mobil 1 75W-90. No help. Thanks for the reply tho. I don't want to hyjack this thread so I'll post another for any other recs.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: 99lifted on August 12, 2010, 07:56:26 PM
you know i want 1 of each, front with winch mount and rear with reciever. no powdercoat on mine, shoot me a shipping quote to 60110 USA business address with a loading dock, if its to high then maybe i can weld them together myself as i said in the other thread.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on August 13, 2010, 01:06:49 PM
Before I start getting quotes for shipping, I just want to make sure there is enough people interested in an aftermarket bumper. If there is I will find the best way to ship these where the cost won't be ridiculous.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: zuk_freak on August 15, 2010, 02:56:02 PM
we are from manitoba, would be interested in a set for my 2000 vitara, would like to now shipping cost first before i commit to it.     cddyck|removethispart|@mts.net
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on August 22, 2010, 09:51:37 PM
we are from manitoba, would be interested in a set for my 2000 vitara, would like to now shipping cost first before i commit to it.     cddyck|removethispart||removethispart|@mts.net

E-mail sent

Any more interest in these?
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: Blue Meanie on August 23, 2010, 03:54:23 AM
I'd buy a set.
Winch mount front and hitch rear.

Would there be a loop to protect the winch like the G1 Track/Kicks with this style bumper?
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on August 23, 2010, 09:46:05 AM
I'd buy a set.
Winch mount front and hitch rear.

Would there be a loop to protect the winch like the G1 Track/Kicks with this style bumper?

I didn't plan on putting one on, but I could add one to your for a few extra $$$
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: samuraidan on August 23, 2010, 11:15:50 AM
So MUD CHILD, have you made a decision about the bumpers? Are you going to make some prototypes?
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on August 23, 2010, 12:06:08 PM
So MUD CHILD, have you made a decision about the bumpers? Are you going to make some prototypes?

I'm still on the fence with it, let me explain. In order for me to make these bumpers at this cost I need to make 10 sets. Reason being is that I will get a better price on the tubing when I buy in a in a larger quantity. Next thing is it's much faster for me to bend up a bunch at once, rather than doing it one or two at a time. I would really like to make these (and so does my wife she wants a set too) but with out knowing that there are enough people interested in them I'm not sure I want to put out all the time in designing them and the money to build them and not be able to sell them.  So please bear with me while I think this over and try and find a few more people to commit to buying them.

Anyone that is SERIOUS in buying a front or rear or both please send me an e-mail to SRCUSTOMS|removethispart|@shaw.ca and I will get you you a shipping quote.

Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: djaychris on March 08, 2011, 10:44:56 AM
I'm extremely interested in these bumpers as well, count me in for a purchase.  Have any bumpers gone into production yet?  I am intentionally resurrecting this thread in case any new forum visitors haven't had a chance to share their interest in this product.

-Dan
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: tcfootball on July 18, 2011, 06:06:41 PM
bump for an update.  I am interested but not committed yet....
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on July 18, 2011, 06:55:50 PM
bump for an update.  I am interested but not committed yet....

Kinda funny this just got bumped back up. We were just closed for a week for holidays and while "relaxing" I was thinking about theses bumpers and was just going to update this post. Since it will be you guys and gals buying the bumpers I was wondering if you would prefer a round tube style bumper or a flat plate (cut and bent) style bumper. If everyone could let me know which they would like better, and what they would like to see Incorporated into them would be great.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: fordem on July 18, 2011, 07:14:01 PM
If flat plate is how you would describe an ARB bumper, then flat plate for me thank you.

What would I like to see incorporated - spot light mounts for certain, hi lift jack slots, possibly a winch mount -

What would I not like to see - a big round 3" tube guard above the bumper - makes the vehicle look front heavy, probably adds a fair bit of weight as well.

I actually have "half a bumper" modelled in cardboard - from the center coming to the right, complete with "mount(s)" that slide into the chassis rail opening where the factory bumper reinforcing member fits.  The project got put on hold after my son smucked my other vehicle and the "bumper fund" got diverted to repairs.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: bush buster on July 18, 2011, 08:37:43 PM
I would definately buy a set of bumpers. They should be lightweight and have spots for highlift jack. I would prefer a receiver in the front and rear.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: samuraidan on July 19, 2011, 11:55:58 AM
i would way rather a small tube bumper.

large plate bumpers are better suited to large full size trucks. i want something small, light and minimalistic (like the ones in the photos at the beginning of the thread).
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: djaychris on July 22, 2011, 07:05:26 PM
I'd like to see a round tube bumper w/a set of tabs for mounting lights.

Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on July 26, 2011, 02:32:31 PM
Anymore input?
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: djaychris on July 27, 2011, 07:05:52 AM
(http://i53.tinypic.com/iwqedz.jpg)

This is what I have in mind.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: jpfrogger on October 20, 2011, 01:02:55 PM
Yes, I like the tube style with lightest weight possible, I don't want to add a bunch of weight to mine...
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: nprecon on October 21, 2011, 10:40:16 AM
I'm NOT  interested in excessively heavy bumpers either, but as far as appearance, I would also lean toward the flat plate metal versus the tube.  I'd want them stronger than the stock bumpers under the plastic, and I would want to be able to jack on them with a hi-lift type jack for maintenance and tire changes, have receiver mount on both ends, AND have 2- D-rings on each end as well.  Winch mount could be an add-on option.

A flat plate bumper (as above) would not have to be excessively heavier than a tube bumper and having jack lift points on it would be a big plus.  

You can build a bumper using 1/2" plate if you want to.... but a 200# bumper is no more functional or stronger than the metal of the vehicle it is attached to.  10 gage channeled/boxed metal should be sufficient.

A couple example pics from guys vehicles.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: fordem on October 21, 2011, 11:54:30 AM
I especially like the ones on that white GV - to the point where I have prints of those pictures in the glovebox - when I do get around to having someone quote me to fab a set, that's what he's going to be given to get an idea of what I am looking for.

I have been in two minds whether to go with pipe work to protect the headlamps - I don't want it too heavy - but - I do need protection against animal strikes - which is a problem here, once you get out of the city.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: djaychris on October 21, 2011, 12:01:06 PM
One thing that we desperately need, that NOBODY makes, is a swing out oversized spare tire carrier/rear bumper combo.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: nprecon on October 21, 2011, 07:01:23 PM
I like the bumpers on the white one also.  Adding 1 1/2" tubing looped over the headlamp assemblies and connected to one over the front of the grill would be functional.  As far as the rear bumper, I'm of the mind the rear bumper needs to protrude out from the body about 8 to 10" to protect the back door AND the spare tire.  So IF you happen to back into a tree.... the bumper draws first blood and keeps the spare from being punched into the door and caving it in.  The one below would be "more better" if the corners were rounded more, the main bumper extended another 2 or 3 inches outward and the sides and lower edges tapered inward.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: gsherred on November 01, 2011, 03:26:30 PM
I've put thought into it and if I could aford it.  The front bumper would be a combination plate / tube bumper.  The plate portion would be about 24 inches wide to fit over the frame rails and give me a place to put the air bag sensor, 4WD pump, and the bottom of the radiator as well as tie into the factory skid plate.  The tube portion would extend ~12 inches past each end of the box made of 2 inch tube bent to follow the contour of the grille.  I'm working on a cardboard template to take a picture of to show everyone what I mean.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: fordem on November 01, 2011, 04:31:53 PM
Can I get a picture of that "factory skid plate" - mine's missing.
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: Stitch on November 01, 2011, 05:45:14 PM
Mud Child I am new here and new to Trackers I have a 92 that I am building and bumpers are one of the first issues as I have. I have purchased a 6000# winch that I am setting up on receivers as past experince has showed me that sometimes you just wish you wouldn't have went forward in the first place >:D Anyway if you are going to build them I will buy, but will you do custom mods (for a price) like tubes to the A-Arm mounts so I can do a long skid plate. I can build bumpers but have little time to do so and I haven't really been that thrilled with what I have seen aftermarket so let me know. I reall like the look of what you have there.

Thanks,
Stitch
Title: Re: Tube bumper interest?
Post by: MUD CHILD on November 02, 2011, 01:13:29 AM
Thanks for everyones replies and ideas, I'll get started on this soon and see what I come up with.

Stitch...PM sent