I'm looking at ordering some steel to build a front bumper for my X and don't really know what I'm doing so I'm looking for advice about what weight/thickness to get: .120 or .180 ??

The bumper I visualize is 2x6 rectangular tube basically replacing the factory bumper and some 2x2 (or 2x4?) bracing to reinforce the weenie brackets that hold the factory bumper on.

My plan is to order a bit more than I need and get some fab help to cut and weld it up.

I took some measurements off the Duerk-fab Pathy bumper on Erin's truck and measurements off the X so I have a clue about what it should look like and all - it's the 'How thick?' question I'm stuck on. Bigger is better but the X is slow enough all ready.

??

3/16 is what most offroad bumpers are made of, Shrocks, Calmini, Arb, Tjm

thats mine. its 2x4(i think) and 3/16th thick. has held up very well over the years.

it uses thick c channel to connect it to the frame and the frame is plated to make it stronger. its all custom made by Gators neighbor and myself.

Thanks guys. So, is .180 close enough? 75 ten-thousandths doesn't sound like much considering how stout the factory front whatcha-ma-gauge bumper with the plastic cover has held up already. Will it hold a winch?

Or is steel like lumber and .180 is 3/16?

0.1875 = 3/16 regardless of material type or unit of measure.

You could also get away with calling it 7 gauge.

Ask a stupid question, learn something.

quote:

Originally posted by Mud:
Ask a stupid question, learn something.

Reminds me of Willy Coyote with Acme products

I am shopping through ACME Metal Works

down here Acme metal is the best place to get stuff. i always thought it was funny.

The rear bumper on the beast is 2x4 .180 wall. I've dropped it on rocks a few times and it hasn't dented.