Bored Clerk's Next Rear Bumper!

Next up when the bumper is done is the storage behind the back wheels. The mounts will hook to the bumper and the bottom side of the tray. Not sure if that will end up here or in my camper build since that's where the UTE tray stuff is. Hmmm...

 

I like the way it turned out, nice work

 

Thanks! It just sort of hangs out back there right now but when I get my storage boxes between the bumper and rear tire, it'll really finish it off.

 

Got my 3D printed end caps yesterday. They fit right in.


I may scuff them up and paint them with rustoleum bedliner...or maybe I won't. Haven't decided. I'm going to wait to install these "permanently" until my under bed box mounts are done. I'm starting those in CAD this weekend.

Oh, I also figured out my rear view camera situation. I'm going to design that mount in CAD this weekend too. I'll get that mount 3D printed as well.

 

Are you printing these yourself or do you use an affiliate like shapeways?

 

Anymore pictures of the entire truck from farther away? Looking good!

 

My friend printed these at home. We have an FDM printer at work. It's currently busted. We also have an HP MJF printer but it's always busy printing parts.

 

not right now. I really need to grab a few from some distance. Eventually...

 

Super of your access to the printers. I have considered buying one so many times but can't seem to pull the trigger with my limited experience in the 3D printing field.

 

Yes you do!

 

If the application is correct, 3D printed parts can be awesome. Great for prototyping before cutting metal too. There are so many CAD options out there now. Autodesk sort of broke open the world of CAD to those that can't pay $5000 per seat of Solidworks.

 

Is that what you use Autodesk? I was told to look at TinkerCad to get my feet wet. WDYT

 

I have/use Solidworks at work so I lucked out there. I haven't used TinkerCad. I'll have to look into it. Just make sure it can export a clean file for printing. I get files from sketchup every now and again and they are useless. My buddy who printed my parts is a huge autodesk fan. I'm not sure I can force myself to learn another CAD program! Haha

 

I looked into AutoDesk and they have a TON of programs, one of which is TinkerCad which is free. It seems very basic so I'm not sure how well it will work. I really don't want to $$$ for a program that will take me forever to master. But I do want to be able to design parts for my truck that I can send out to have produced.

 

Got my 3D printed backup camera mount!




The factory plastic mount wasn’t going to work withou spacers and plates and some other stuff so I designed a very simple version to be printed. Note the two small holes right next to the camera on the first two pics. Those are for water drainage. Since the back is hollowed out and will sit at a 45 degree angle, it was important to let water drain out so it didn’t end up messing up the camera or wiring. Now I just need to drill two holes above the license plate on the bumper and put in two 6mm bolts. Easy. Except I keep spending time on the camper! I’ll get it done before this next weekend it over. It’ll be nice to have a backup camera again. Been running without for 7 months or so!


For reference, this is the plastic factory mount from the tailgate.

 

How much would you charge to make another one?

 

I don’t know. All three of my printed parts cost me a dinner with my buddy. I can certainly ask him what it’s take to get another.

 

It’s done!


Backup camera mounted and working! This is the last thing that needed to be done for the bumper.


Here’s a crappy photo of it mounted. Tucked up and out of the way.

 

If you don't mind.

Looks good. I'm starting on my rear bumper this weekend.

 

I’m adding some strength to my rear bumper. I knew it wasn’t up to the task I was asking it to do, as it sat: hitch haul a 250lb dirtbike (and 70+lb hitch hauler). I did haul my dirtbike on a hitch hauler for many trips but the mounts started to bend a bit. Never gave up but it needs help. So, I’m going to get this new bracket laser cut and bent so I can add it between the bumper main beam and the mounts. It will also pick up the rear set of bed mount bolts and one of the bolts on the bottom of the frame on each side. It’ll also tie into the main bumper at the hitch bolts. Should be much better. Were I to redesign this completely I would change some things but I think this upgrade should do wonders. Stay tuned!



And here is the flat pattern. This isn’t technically correct sheet metal modeling. Neither are the drawings I submit but it always gets worked out by my shop.