Armageddon Armor by Southern Style OffRoad

Still deciding on the bull bar.

I also have the stage 2 in box, but I don't think I'll install it. I think this serves my needs better.

Also... KC C series was able to squeeze in there. It's not rubbing the winch, but it's close.

 

Also, I think I got the wrong size shackles.. gotta double check. there's about 1/2' play side to side on them.

 

If you're looking for opinions... I vote "yes" for the bull bar. I'd also recommend holding on to the stage 2, as I would suspect you'll eventually want to install them.

Those look like the proper 3/4" shackles to me. There will always be play in them (you don't want them tight). Order these isolators off of Amazon. They work great and keep them from rattling around.

$23 Red Hound Auto D-Ring Shackle Isolator Compatible with Jeep Towing Off Road Kit 3/4"es Silencer Clevis 8pc Set

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J2BKYCG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

The 3/4” shackles definitely have more play than I’ve seen on other bumpers, but the isolators do help a little.

 

Well, Amazon is pretty much dead for the next month or two (1-2 month delivery time on most things for me that normally come same day).

I'll make my own isolators with some coolant hose or something. Will be cheaper for sure!

 

I am really intrigued by this kit, but I have a couple questions. I have never welded a thing in my life, but I am very comfortable with DIY projects and vehicle maintenance etc. If I pick up a welder and some scrap metal to practice with, will I be able to tackle this bumper as my first real project? Also, is a cheap Harbor Freight flux core welder good enough or would I need something more high powered?

 

Make sure what ever welder you get can tackle the thickest metal of this bumper which I believe is 1/4". The super cheap welders aren't rated for metal that thick.

 

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to tackle this eventually. Generally bumpers aren't a critical piece (meaning if a weld fails while driving down the trail, it's not going to be much more than in inconvenience). The only part you would want to make sure to be very careful/sure of is the shackles as though could have a lot of weight/stress placed on them. These bumpers are made in a way that the joints are all simple clean fitting joints. That simplifies a lot. You also grind down most of the visible welds so you wouldn't have to worry too much about having ugly welds. However, I would do more than just get some scrap and stick it together before starting this. If you have a community college nearby, many have basic welding classes you can take for cheap. There's also lots of online resources to teach you how to weld. I would go get some instruction from a competent weldor before jumping in to this project.

As for the welder you're asking about. I personally wouldn't buy a HF welder, but that's me. I'd stick to the "brand names" like Miller, Lincoln, Esab, Hobart, etc. Even one of the smaller (135ish range) welders from the brand names could handle this with someone knowledgeable on welding. The bigger machines make it a bit easier to not be as good.

 

i wouldn’t do this with a flux Core.. most flux core wouldn’t have enough power.
I have the Hobart handler 140, I welded at full power and kept my wire speed down to get sufficient heat. I would take this as an opportunity to buy a decent welder. Find some scrap metal, watch some YouTube, practice then attempt the bumper. My welder was reasonably priced, I think about $600 plus tank and accessories.. but I bought it 8 or so years ago.

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/HOBART-M...MIvr282t-46AIVlddkCh0cfASOEAUYAiABEgLeF_D_BwE

 

Flux core will provide better penetration generally. So using fluxcore shouldn't be an issue.

Here's a decent article on the two (from a trusted source):
https://www.millerwelds.com/resourc...rsus-flux-cored-wire-when-to-use-them-and-why

I do agree with the sentiment that generally speaking, bigger is better. However, I would take a 135-140 miller over a 210 HF. There's also considerations, if you don't have a 220V plug near your working area, that rules out a bigger machine.

 

I finally got the last of the parts I've been waiting for so I got mine all buttoned up. I ended up painting it instead of powder coating because I actually ALSO bought the new SSO hybrid. So once that arrives (planning 3-4 months), I'll swap this out and sell this. I'm also planning to swap out the red shackles for some that are not red (probably black or grey) . Those are just what I had.

 

That is a problem, I don't have a 220v plug anywhere except in the laundry room and I don't think the wife would let me set up there, not to mention it's way too small. Same with the kitchen.

 

Couple things, depending on how close your laundry room is to your garage/workspace, many people have made extension cords to use the dryer outlet. If it's too far though, the loss would be too much. Second, I just noticed you're in Utah, what part? I'm in the Riverton area and (if you're not too far) would be happy to weld it up for you, then you could take it home and grind it down/paint/coat/whatever.

 

It's not even on the same floor, I'd have to run an extension out the window down to the garage and I'm sure that wouldn't be worth it. My basement is unfinished so I could potentially look at running an outlet to the garage.

Thanks for the offer, I was sort of hoping to use it as a learning opportunity but if I change my mind I'll let you know. Got some more research to do for now...

 

The Harbor Freight Titanium Mig 140 (120 volt) handles up to 5/16 which would be fine for this bumper. It is $399 though, but there is a 20% coupon floating around the interwebs right now.

 

If anyone need a welder in Sacramento area. Youre more than welcome to come to use it. Just bring six pack of CORONA

 

Sold my 220v lincoln mig for the titanium unlimited 200 120/240 multiprocess.

 

I've heard good things about that machine.

 

Flux core is perfectly fine to use, and has greater penetration that solid wire.

If your using a smaller welder, flux core would be even better to use because it stretches the machines capability.

Also, I went through about 2.5lbs of .035 flux core for reference. And I typically did a stringer with some light side to side, slow and hot, for the vital points. After it cooled a little, I went back over it with a wide weld to build some strength.

And remember... In the world of welding you are an expert in 1 of two things.

You're either an amazing welder, or an amazing grinder