xBLAKEx's 1988 Supercab Build

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Sorry that was a estimate for the whole truck not just the motor swap. Plus I had a custom engine built.

 

[xBLAKEx]

Ohh that makes much more sense ha. Does anyone know where to get good d-rings?

 

[brinker88]

Quadratec.com has really good prices on them.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92144_310X_PG.htm

 

[xBLAKEx]

That is a great deal thanks! Hope it's not a 'get what you pay for' thing though. You know?

Is there a particular way you are suppose to attach them? [ For on the bumper ] I see some people weld on a plate with a hole, then others use half of a piece of tube. Advantages or disadvantages? Or is it just a looks thing. Thanks

 

[brinker88]

Well they are ARB so I can trust them.

 

[88_Eddie]

just looked through your build, looks good man.

those D-rings that brink pointed out is about as cheap as you can find them. i got 3/4" smittybuilt ones for $12.99 from my local 4 wheel parts. i like to get stuff from them because i dont have to pay for shipping if i pick it up at the store. and like brink said, they're ARB, you can trust them

 

[xBLAKEx]

Thanks Eddie, it's been a good build so far. It's my first build so I've learned a lot along the way.

I know ARB makes good quality products. Just seemed unreasonably cheap ha. I might look at one of my local stores to see if i can get out of paying shipping.

Which way do you guys prefer to hook up your d-rings? Are there Advantages or Disadvantages to one or the other.


- Tab Weld-on Style: I'd probably just buy some because I'd have to buy a 7/8 drill bit to make them which is probably more expensive.

- Tube Weld-on Style i guess it's called.. with screw on d-rings.

 

[xBLAKEx]

Any input on which set up is better?

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I like the cleveces because you can take them off and they won't make noise, you dont need a hook for them either but he D-rings are quieter. The D-rings are stronger though. It's a toss up: do you wanna have to put them on every time you need them or have to have 2 extra clevis' at all times?

 

[xBLAKEx]

Hmm, Good point. It would probably be better to go with the clevises that way i could use hooks, and or a loop style strap easily. I would also be able to take them off, so they wouldn't be annoying clanking around. Thanks once again!

 

[xBLAKEx]

Been real busy lately, I decided to take a summer college math course to get ahead in school. So that, and work has been eating up almost all my time. I did work on my bumper the other day, I'll get some pictures up later. I'll probably be getting some tabs and d-rings off line because my local shops are way over priced..

 

[xBLAKEx]

Alright i just switched my insurance for a lower monthly bill, but it cost $225 to start it so I'm broke... I'll have to buy some DOM tube, tabs and d-rings later. Since i couldn't really go any further with the front bumper i kinda started the rear. I was super bummed on what I have to work with. It's 2"x4" rectangular steel and only 61" long. I wanted to have the license plate where it's now. ( in the middle ) But the license plate is 6" wide.. which means it would over lap my receiver.. But i came up with an idea, not sure if it's janky or not. Need your guys opinions on it.

Oh I realized i messed up on capping the front bumper. The width of what i was capping was 3" and the steel i cut out to cover it was also 3".. so once i ground down my welds there was a seam. So to fix that i ground off around 3/16" on the capping material then re welded it. I left all my welds this time because i think they were nice. The welds in the back left are my brothers, he came down and wanted to weld. He hasn't in years.

The stock bumper and how it's mounted.

Here's my idea, just welding a 2"x2" square steel to the bottom of the 2"x4" rectangular steel. Then cut the ends at one of the angles i have below, then cap with another 2"x2" on both sides. Doing so would give me an extra 2" on both sides make my length around 65" which is just a little longer then the stock bumper.

Is this idea janky? I don't wanna do it if it's just wrong.. I know it would be better to just have one solid piece, But I don't so I'm just trying to work with what i have.

Then Do A 45 Or a more slanted cut.

Comments and suggestions are welcome!!

 

[xBLAKEx]

Today was the last day of the summer college course i was taking, so I'll have a lot more free time! I was able to get a little done here and there on my rear bumper. I had some bad luck and broke both grinders both working on my bumper. So I'll have to get a good one, i was thinking a DEWALT?

Had a fun time with the cut out for the license plate..

Cleaned it up and cut the 45s. Borrowing a friends grinder.

Wanted something different then the common 45ed bumper. So i built a rhombus to add to the ends for more length and some style. Now it's 66" long.

Also did the 63" leaf swap on my buds truck last weekend, went really well. I also redid his exhaust to go out right in front the the tire. Welds turned out like garbage because i ran out of gas.. so I'll need to get some more to work on my bumper more unless i get different wire. Anyways, he bought the leafs out of a 2000 not a 98 and lower, does it matter??

 

[brinker88]

Keep up the good work! Lookin awsome.

 

[xBLAKEx]

Thanks. I'm still not sure out to light up the license place? I was thinking some kind of LED set up.