Intro. Karl
and I really outdid ourselves on this one. Well OK, mostly Karl, but I
helped too!! It took some time and a lot of effort and some creative thinking,
but finally we came up with what I consider to be the finest custom front
winch bumper / brush guard combo.
The unit is constructed of 1/4", 3/16", and 1/8" steel
plate, 1" and 2" schedule 40 round steel pipe, expanded metal
for the light guards, and some square steel tubing for bracing.
It mounts to the frame with solid 1/4" plates that each have 5 bolts
and reach back well past where the factory tow hook plate is mounted.
The front shackle loops are links from an old Navy ship chain.
The bumper was designed to accommodate up to an 8-9000 lb winch with a
minimum of the winch protruding in front of the grille to block much-needed
air flow. As you can see, my little Superwinch 4500 tucks away completely.
I coated it in my favourite 3-step process - Sherwin Williams zinc self-etch
primer, Tremclad flat black rust paint, Canadian Tire Gold can premium
rubberized rocker guard.
Here's a detailed look ....
