want to build sliders and bumpers for my truck

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha so true Larry!!

 

Not meant as an insult. I'm not a great fabricator either. I've done a pretty good bit of welding and I've built sliders and bumpers for both my trucks along with a variety of other projects. It doesn't make me qualified for certain jobs, and the time involved to get them right just makes it a better option to buy one off the shelf that I know is well made or have it done custom by someone who knows more than I do.

Front bumper is one of those things I don't think you want to tackle as a novice or even intermediate welder, especially if you plan on using a winch in that bumper. There are some serious forces at play when your winching and if your welds aren't up to it, you've got a whole lot of danger on your hands. Not to mention the safety factors of actually getting into an accident.

A roll cage is another one. That's an item than only a pro should work on.

All of this is just my opinion, and if you look at my build thread you know that I like building my own stuff and love seeing what other people build on their own. That's where I get lots of my ideas. But seriously, to even have stainless steel as an option for these projects raises a red flag for me. There is a reason there are no companies building bumpers or sliders out of stainless, so when you suggest something like that it makes me question your knowledge and abilities. Again, its not meant as an insult, we all have to start somewhere, but the truth of it is that some projects just *might* be above your pay grade. It's the same for everyone.

 

I still say go for the sliders. Use the right materials and go for it. They'd be a fun project. If you have a custom design in mind for a front bumper, draw it up and find a shop or an experienced fabricator to build it for you. You'll probably like it better in the end and it will still be your own design.

 

ill definitely consider it drawing up the plan and taking it to some one but once again im not strong on funds and im still playing with the idea. i know a plate bumper would be and easy job for me and a buddy to fab but i just dont want all that added weight. im still throwing around ideas. i dont understand why its a flag if i thought about using stainless. it would be some seriously heavy duty stainless but the biggest issue i see with stainless is how the hell do you mount it to the frame in a strong fasion. think im gonna stick to reg dom tubing or some beefy square tubing.

 

Thank you for deciding not to use stainless.

 

hey it would have looked cool. i mean really how many people have you seen polish their sliders?

 

When you beat the shit out of them they aren't meant to look pretty

 

^x2, mine took quite a beating this time at durhamtown, but mainly trees, im ready to see how they hold up to rocks!