Marlenstein bumper finally complete

[ZEUS]

Not that my opinion matters, but I actually like some parts of your bumper, and some parts, I don't. I like the overall look of the bumper... for a Jeep with some bulk and bling, but not on the VX. I don't like the use of sheet metal on a basher bumper, no matter what rig. I like the rhino liner but not as is with the rest of the VX. I like the idea of the lights you chose, but they should be recessed in an application like this, imo.

Did you really gain anything on the approach angle? You most definitely lost clearance in regard to tight trails at your corners.

Now, as for your fab skills... I think you did a pretty good job at your first attempt. The only way to get better is to see where you are at, so I do commend you on that. I, personally, would look at this bumper as a learning experience and nothing more. I would have already started working on an improved version of the concept instead of coating this one (if I had money). I like that you made an experiment like this easily removable in a fashion that allows for options, like other bumpers, or even a fishing pole mount and tackle storage system for beach fishing.

I give you 2.5 out of 5 stars, as is.

[Marlin]

Thanks for the actual constructive criticism. I am working on modding the bumper to bring it about 4" higher than it is now. After I tie off to a tree and yank this weekend, it may be back to the drawing board anyway But I have to admit, every time I slow down at a light, I think "What if I don't stop?"

[CrnCnn]

what does that thing weigh anyhow

[ZEUS]

I figured you would be tired of reading about my gag reflex to your bumper. So I figured I would be nicer! In my own defense, it's hard to give constructive criticism during the construction process of something that should not continue being constructed...

I thought of you while I was in Moab this weekend. I saw an FJ at the Shell in town. The FJ had a custom rear bumper in process - it even looked like he took it to Moab to test it. Pretty cool though; I wanted to take pics but he left before I could get to it. Round tube steel mixed with sheet/plate and those speed holes or whatever they are called. Looked much better than that stupid original design and it held spare fuel cans, a spare tire, and bikes! I could see the design concept being duplicated for a VX. It was the only cool looking thing on that FJ tho, so it did look out of place, but it wasn't even painted yet either... he is now known as F.rankenJ.ein!

[nfpgasmask]

All I know is that I can't wait to get my shop completed. The way things are going though its gonna be months.

Bart

[pbkid]

marlin, if you could figure out how to raise your bumper about 6 inches... i think it would take your bumper from a 5 of 10.... to a 7 of 10... honestly, it would fill that hole and give a more aggressive look

[Marlin]

marlin, if you could figure out how to raise your bumper about 6 inches... i think it would take your bumper from a 5 of 10.... to a 7 of 10... honestly, it would fill that hole and give a more aggressive look

I am working on it, gotta get some 1/4" plate and make the new brackets and I am also going to move it in about 2". That will bring it closer to the VX, to remedy the tight quarters clearance. My goal is for the bumper to sit even with the bottom of the fangs. Then I can use expanded metal or whatever to fill in the last few inches. Maybe put some marker lights inside...I dunno yet. Once that is done, I can do the skid plate.

The weight is somewhere around 50lbs or so I would guess. I dunno, not so much that I need help moving it around or putting it on/taking it off. When I take it off for the new brackets, I will weigh it.

[pbkid]

if you can get it up 6" and in 2" that would make it look SOOOOOO much more like an ARB style... i would honestly fill those gaps between the headlights and the grill with some nice big driving lights, thats exactly what i was thinking before, but it was too big of a gap before.

[Marlin]

I designed some new brackets today to lift the bumper 4" and in 2". That should fill in the space quite nicely and immensely increase my approach angle. I just don't know how thick to make the brackets. I am thinking 3/8".
I would do it tomorrow, but I have been planning an event for 450 people that is being held tomorrow night!!! Once I have that monkey off my back, I can get back to work.

[Marlin]

Picked up a 20"x13" sheet of 3/8" thick plate for 20 bucks. It is hard to appreciate how much steel that is until you hold it. I will cut out the new brackets tomorrow, it should greatly increase the cosmetic appeal of the bumper. Then I can weld up the mounts for the skid plates. Gotta find some grade 8 17mm bolts now.

It was cool to watch them cut the steel....with shears!!!! Their machine is amazing. Can do up to 10 foot cuts, through just about anything, and can bend as well. Gotta be hundreds of thousands of dollars...

[Marlin]

Cut out one of the brackets today, took about 1 hour and 5 cutting wheels. My left arm hurts like a dickens, we got mandatory "flu" shots today, never had a flu shot that felt like a tetanus shot!! Probably some experimental hybrid H1N1 vaccination...

[nfpgasmask]

we got mandatory "flu" shots today

What do you mean, "mandatory"? Are we living in a police state already?

Bart

[Marlin]

What do you mean, "mandatory"? Are we living in a police state already?

Bart

Most of the rights you enjoy as a civilian do not apply to us active duty military folks, and the way things are going...it won't be long until we are told what to do every second of the day.

[nfpgasmask]

Most of the rights you enjoy as a civilian do not apply to us active duty military folks, and the way things are going...it won't be long until we are told what to do every second of the day.

Yeah, I know it was off topic, but you had me scared there for a second! I didn't know you were enlisted.

Bart

[circmand]

but it looks like a good job and it is nice enough I could see why others might like it. I agree it would look even better with the gap filled in.