My New Bumper from TheDirtWorx

[gillmore]

I wanted to chronicle my new bumper from TheDirtWorx Off-Road Fabrication in case anyone else is interested (he also sells via eBay). I'll save my commentary and review until after I get everything put together and take it on a trip.

I placed my order on March 30 directly through the website (and not eBay) purely because of the final price when shipping was considered. I got the rear bumper with frame tie-ins, swing-away tire carrier, receiver hitch, hi-lift mount, gas can mounts, and D-ring recovery points. It comes in bare steel, giving the buyer the option on how they want to paint, powder coat, or whatever. The bumper was completed on May 8th and arrived via FedEx on May 19th, seven weeks from when the order was placed.

 

[JCsCJ]

I bought one of those last year, its a great bumper and well made. I sprayed mine with hurculiner. The only problem ive found is where the bolt screws into the bumper holding the tire carrier closed. It will let water get inside the bumper. Still thinking of a way to fix that. Other than that I love the bumper.

 

[gillmore]

Here are a few pictures. My plan is to tidy up some minor welding splatter and maybe do a little finish grinding here and there -- and then prep and paint with either a rust converter/primer or self-etching primer (I'm not sure if that has to be 100% free of all rust traces). I'm thinking about using the Hammered Black Rustoleum for the top coats.



After the paint is done, I'll start with mounting and assembly. More to come...

 

[JR74CJ5]

Nice...

I just got done making a custom one myself, Didn't see anything about Dirtworx before

Great looking part though! :drool:

If you don't mind me asking, what did it run you about?

Mine was all left over steel around my shop, so it cost the Bolts, sticks for the welder, couple cutoff wheels and drill bits, all around $100.00 + the beer... http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/rear-towing-bumper-info-9082/index4.html

It's still unfinished at the moment... Waiting until after camping trip next weekend, then I'll jump back on it... I already had the rack and tire / jerrycan holder for mine, just wanted a new bumper with towing capabilities...

Cheers Man,
~ JR

 

[gillmore]

I got the bumper primed and painted after a wipe down with mineral spirits. I used Rustoleum Bare Metal primer and Rustoleum Hammered black paint. I'm pleased with the look. Even if not perfect, it is easy to touch up.



Unfortunately, I should have done a test fit before painting, as I ended up needing to do some significant filing to expand the lower frame tie-in holes. I only needed to do minor filing to get the cross member mounting holes to let the bolts through. In the process of mounting and unmounting a few times, I needed to do some paint touch up (and to coat the bare steel from where I filed).

Everything is assembled now (grade 8 hardware was included). Fitting the tire carrier on the spindle was a bit of a chore. The fit was very tight and I shouldn't have painted that part. The latch is a simple bolt with a bar welded onto it. I can see that it wouldn't be friendly for people who needed to swing open the carrier often. I'll likely apply anti-seize to the bolt.

I'm going camping next week and will post final pictures and review afterward.

 

[JR74CJ5]

man... Looks great!

~ JR

 

[gillmore]

I got everything assembled, mounted, and added the Jerry Can holders. I don't have a Hi-Lift jack, so that will have to wait for a future time.



This past week I went on a trip near Yosemite, about 4 hours away. Between the freeway, mountain roads, and 4x4 trails (BLM land) the Jeep was bounced around quite a bit. The bumper was solid and rattle free. I didn't have a need to test the recovery points, but I have high confidence that it will hold up when the time comes.

The latch is a simple bolt with a bar welded to it. It tightens up nice. I may add a nylon bushing, as a bit of paint was scraped off when opening and tightening the swing-away to the bumper. I may also add some anti-seize.

The spare tire mount is a telescoping tube held in place by a bolt to accommodate wider tires. I was concerned that since this bolt doesn't go through the inner tube that it might slip -- but that wasn't the case. The spare tire now sits much higher than it did when mounted to the tub. Rear visibility is blocked some, but not too bad.

The swing away is pretty stiff. I expect it will loosen up with time.

The Jerry Can holders (Blitz) have mounting holes on the four corners. The mounting plate on the bumper has 3, with one centered hole closest to the Jeep tub. I went ahead and drilled the center hole in the holder. The gas can I have rattled/rubbed a bit on the Jeep body. I may need to make a little pad or old inner tube "bumper" between the can and tub to keep the paint from rubbing off. I'm still looking for a water can locally that will fit in the Blitz holder.

I'm happy with the look of the Rustoleum Hammered Black paint.

I don't plan to tow anything, but this seems much stronger than the tow bar I removed. The bumper covered the tow light plugs, so I'll need to rewire or relocate them if I decide to tow. The receiver hitch will be for my bike rack mostly.

The extra weight made no noticeable impact. I have the stock heavy duty leaf springs. It might actually help balance out the weight of my winch in the front.

All in all, I'm very happy with this. If you decide to get one built, be prepared for 6-8 weeks before delivery, and do a test fit before paining.

 

[Old Dog]

Looks good.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Looks awesome Gillmore!


~ JR

 

[billyocup]

Gillmore - The bumper looks great! Gotta keep it in mind when I'm ready for bumpers on my 75.

Bill

 

[cheeky chops]

Turned out AWESOME! You inspired me to get moving on mine.

 

[alaskaviper]

I have a bumper just like that. Had it for about 2 1/5 years. I do have a problem with the screw that holds the swing arm in place. Driving around will vibrate the screw loose and the swing arm will start rattling. I just make sure its tight everytime I walk by the back of my jeep.

Also when I got mine he had the bolts welded in facing up for the jack. I drilled a hole in the bolt right above where the nut would sit that held the jeck in place. This allowed me to put a lock through the bolt so nobody can steal my jack.