Building custom bumpers

[bowtech36]

For you guys that build your bumpers, what size, type of steel do you use and where are you buying your steel from?

[Warner5]

Make your mounts then a good frame to build off of. 3/16 or 12 gage sheet metal makes for a good filler, adding angles and strength. You can get it in diamond plate also which can be a nice touch. Any steel outlet should have what you want. A fella with some creative thinking, chop saw, zip & grinding wheels, & welder. With enough spare time, can build his own. The way fuel price's are these day's, try to keep it as light as possible but still strong. Well good luck & have fun. John.

[dubl_t]

Mike,
for some bumper ideas, go to weldingweb or, dare I say, pirate4x4. That place has some true engineers and craftsmen, but alot of arrogance also.

But to answer your question, I buy my steel surplus from scrapyards and remnants from suppliers. It's about $.50/lb.
The trend seems to be to build a strong winch cradle and then use lighter gauge for the outer bumper. Honestly I wouldn't use anything heavier than 3/16", and just gusset and box accordingly; like Warner is refering to. Then anything from 16ga. to 1/8" for the outers. Of course this all depends on what's "on sale".