Hello all, I've been reading for awhile but this is my first post. I've got a green King purchased in November with no problems to date. Only about 85 miles on it.
I've got a 1/4 inch aluminum diamond plate bumper/winch mount on the table right now. I've been building the template for about 3 weeks and started cutting and putting together the actual bumper last Thursday. There are pictures of a bumper in progress in my sig. All joints in the finished product will be tig welded. I'm building a template along with it so it will be repeatable. I'm expecting the weight to be about 15 pounds, I'll know soon. Also incorporated into it is lower radiator protection.
I'm not that much of a "bling" guy so I was goint to "black it out". Anybody have any thoughts of what would make a great bumper finish? At the moment I'm seriously considering having it "Rhino Lined" as the finish. Paint and powder coat would never last.
What would you like to see on the ultimate Bumper???
Hey Jer....that looks sweet! Personally...I like the bling! But thats just my opinion..... Any plans of making that available to others? I could take it in precut pieces even if need be, and bolt it on and have my brother weld it up in place if you think thats the way to go. Or you could tack it in place and I could get it finsished here....but let me know what plans you might have for the future of that enterprise. Please keep the pics coming....I'd like to see how the winch fits. I would be having to put a plow on it too however....would that affect anything? I still hav'nt picked up my KQ yet....I'm gonna wait until the models with the new transmissions start coming out of the factory. So I've got time....
Neversunk, thanks for the compliments. I actually am making a template along with this bumper so I can repeat it. I hope to make it available but I'm not sure at what price. I would definately be willing to send a partially mig welded from behind version to you leaving all the front exposed joint ready for tig. Thats how I'm building it now. Parts have to be fitted on the quad but the most of it is assembled on the bench. Finish weld should be done in controlled environment on bench for best results.
The plow I wouldn't put on the bumper. There is a place at the rear of the frame that I think is for plow mounting. At least thats what I am going to use. A good solidly welded mount point. Just use the winch mounted in the bumper to lift.
I still have a few pieces I want to add but it's getting close. It is now 15 pounds. Definately be under 20 pounds finished. I'll have it fully assembled by the end of the week I'll get pictures as I go. I want to add something to the top flat part. You will see soon.
that would be perfect. No hurry - no rush...I'm waiting for them to start running em out of the factory with a new transmission repair before I get mine anyhow. Keep me informed....heres an email address in case we lose the thread basdakur at hotmail.com Thanks... Glenn
Heavyopp, I like the bumper. Is it ok if I post your photos on my website? I think a lot of people would like to see them there.
I used a carbide wood blade to cut 1/8" alum diamond plate, and it cut, but not really well. I bought an aluminum blade and it cuts a lot better than the wood blade. If you use a hand circular saw, keep your head to the side, both hands on the saw (tight) and be prepared for kickbacks.
Heavyopp:
Looks great, but dumb question, what is holding it in place besides the diamond plate? Is there any structure behind the plate to withstand an impact? If it is just the diamond plate, then it is only form, not function, as it won't withstand any sort of mishap without deforming.
Just to back up, there, I am not flaming or anything, just asking, as aluminum diamond plate is not rigid the way a tubular bumper is.
I'm not sure that power coating just might be the way to go on this,depending on who puts it on,black would be a good color,a nice pair of lights would look really good up there on top,some really small ones that don't stand out to much,you've got a great idea there,good job and clean.figure what time you have in it,everthing and the cost of the materialbe fair to you but fair to others,and blessing will come!
Diamond Plate King Quad Bumper
