MDB Fab. Trailblazer Rear Bumper (Non-Body-Lift)

[bartonmd]

This is far enough along that I figure I might as well share the pics...

Start with a Class III/IV hitch



Building the sheetmetal, piece by piece.





Stella came out to help



More sheetmetal work







Tube radius corners put in and most of the S/M welded up





The cut position for Ben's SAS axle placement



Swing started



Latch setup







Back on the TB



Since Ben is going to use a different kind of fuel storage, this particular one isn't going to have a jerry can holder. It's just going to hold the 37" tire and the Hi-Lift. Here's the start of the Hi-Lift mounting.

[Gordinho80]

DAMN! That's HOT!

[bartonmd]

Thanks! I think it's coming together pretty well!

I'll add that I left more space between the body and this bumper, because Ben won't be able to mount it at the fenders like the stock bumper, so it has to be stiffer than I made Kyle's, and I don't want it to hit the body. If it doesn't end up being a problem, the nice thing about the rear is that he can dremel the holes in his frame and mount it higher if he wants. There's even about 1/8" of play without touching the Dremel.

Mike

[boog2006]

Ok thats amazing! I've got to get on the list! What's the backlog like now for this and a front to go with it? I've got a bonus coming up in November...keeping my fingers crossed!!!!

[bartonmd]

Ok thats amazing! I've got to get on the list! What's the backlog like now for this and a front to go with it? I've got a bonus coming up in November...keeping my fingers crossed!!!!

Still likely in the 6-7 month range, from deposit. If you want to talk more about it, send me a PM.

Thanks,
Mike

[Trail X]

Very nice! Now, why the single shear swingarm joint? I thought you liked the double heim idea?

[bartonmd]

Very nice! Now, why the single shear swingarm joint? I thought you liked the double heim idea?

Frankly, this costs a little bit more money, but saves me a TON of time! Finishing out the trim around the heims, as well as doing the mounting inside the tube ends up looking really nice, but it's a ton of work! Also, the heims being so close together, if a jam-nut works loose, they'll tend to work around more, and eventually wear out the heim and/or the nuts that are welded inside the arms. I'll still do the hiems if anybody wants them, and I think they work out really well in the 3" body lift with the double arms, but I think I'm going to go this way on the standard ones.

Mike

[NC_IslandRunner]

Freakin Sweet!

[HARDTRAILZ]

Work of metal art!

[bartonmd]

Thanks, guys!

[bartonmd]

Had to move the Hi-Lift mount tube, but got the mounts completed.



Wing-nuts with cotter-pins that stop them from backing off more than 1/4 turn.



Should just be able to make the wheel mounting flange, as well as the gas strut and its mounting.

Mike

[The Roadie]

Very nice. I smell a reduction in backlog.

[bartonmd]

Very nice. I smell a reduction in backlog.

Correct, but I have GOT to make myself one of these, next! Tired of no place to put my spare, Hi-lift, and fuel!

Mike

[HARDTRAILZ]

Let me know dome days my help could benefit you and we can get r dun.

[94 eg]

Nice!

[bartonmd]

Thanks guys, and Kyle, I'll get ahold of you!

Got the tire carrier cut out and put on, as well as the gas strut (not in the picture).

[HARDTRAILZ]

Looks nice.

[bartonmd]

Thanks! Got a couple little things to finish up, then it'll be getting a coat of rattle can and heading out.

Mike

[navigator]

sometimes all these pics of bumpers make me hope someone(with good insurance) backs into my TB front bumper

[djthumper]

LOL, the way some people drive around here I am waiting for someone to clip my front bumper.