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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: tuxblacray on November 30, 2011, 01:33:55 PM

Title: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: tuxblacray on November 30, 2011, 01:33:55 PM

Finally had some time in the shop to do some welding. I have been wanting to get the spare tire carrier off of the door to eliminate some rattles. Sooo with the aide of a wire feed welder and some tubing  /pipe / etc. layingaround I built a Runck style bumper for the Samurai. Here are a few photos....

(http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/47302/2376044200081905758S600x600Q85.jpg)

(http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/44203/2570644810081905758S600x600Q85.jpg)

(http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/48409/2485820940081905758S600x600Q85.jpg)

Next up for the welder in a few weeks... Rock Sliders.... Woo-Hoo....  8)
Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: SnoFalls on November 30, 2011, 01:36:44 PM
Looks good ...

Details about the pivot please ...

Did you buy or fab?

Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: tuxblacray on November 30, 2011, 02:06:49 PM

Built in the shop... Like someones signature: 'Why buy what I can build..."

The pivot is a pipe inside of the pipe. The upper portion of the bumper (the swingout) can be lifted off of the righthand (as you look at the rear) post that is welded to the bumper.

The left hand post has a cap with a nut welded inside of it. The Swingout bar has a 2" in diameter cap out of a piece of pipe welded to left end that is open.

I made a cap for the left hand post that fits into the top of the 2" pipe opening. The cap has an inner sleeve with a bolt welded inside of it. This when screwed inside of the swingout bar keeps it firmly in place.

Best of all.... no more door rattles.... and once I find an elusive used 35" tire I won't have to worry about the weight on the tailgate.  ;D
Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: SnoFalls on November 30, 2011, 02:13:02 PM
So, the entire swing away could be lifted off if desired?
Also, on the swing pivot, did you add a zerk for grease (or is it a remove/clean/grease) to prevent rusting at the pivot.

I like the simple functional solution (and no need for a ~$80 ball-beering pivot).

Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: tuxblacray on November 30, 2011, 02:44:13 PM
Yep, you can lift it off if you desire.... There is a wire inside the swingarm that unplugs (license plate) inside of the post. Then it could be removed.

Actually the piece of pipe that I used was powder coated so I doubt it will ever rust much. I didn't add a zerk but can easily at any time. I coated the pipe with white lithium prior to sliding the upper swingarm on.

If any place is prone to rust it would be the weld areas from the pipe to the bumper. All of the weld areas as well as the 2 bumper posts and the swingarm were primed and painted after the build was completed.

The entire assembly will get a fresh paint job next spring along with the Zuk.
Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: fordem on November 30, 2011, 03:59:43 PM
Very nice - and I especially like the simplicity of it.
Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: tuxblacray on December 03, 2011, 04:51:17 AM
Best part is I have less than $100 total in the whole bumper. Swingout portion cost me $22 for the steel. Runck sells the bumpers for $900 .

http://www.runckbumpers.com/ (http://www.runckbumpers.com/)
Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: byrontrx450r on December 06, 2011, 11:21:50 AM
Can you make another one?? I'll give ya $150!
Title: Re: Modified the Ol' Bumper....
Post by: tuxblacray on December 06, 2011, 12:45:26 PM

I wouldn't mind making more but I just don't have the time. I am going to start making headlight guards for Samurai's to sell though. I should have a set done in the next few weeks.  8)