Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Correct, yet another reason to change the current set up.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Okay, I couldn't leave well enough alone...:rolleyes:

The front bumper was killing the approach angle so I lopped it off.

Cut off the front section of a 2wd frame and started fabbing up a new winch mount location that will allow for a stock bumper.

The change in approach angle will be almost 25/30 degrees towards the better.
With the bumper it was around a 40/45 degree approach but this will get it up to about 70 degrees. :metal:

More pics as thing's progress.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Running a stock bumper again. :D

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

:cool: Mod :metal:

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

I know you wanted the extra clearance, but wont that stock bumper be a mangled, twisted wreck after the first day of wheeling? They are not very strong and you don't have the end support brackets on. I think this looks better than just bolting a big C channel on it the front, but I've seen the pictures of where you take this rig and I don't think your bumper will survive for long.

I am using this thread as a partial guide for my next project, the Junkyard Jimmy (getting it home later today). Big ticket items will have to wait, but a lot of small things and DIY parts can make a big difference, as you have shown here. I love this truck.

HG

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Your absolutely correct about the bumper, it's not finished yet for all the reasons you pointed out.

Looking to install the angle brackets today with plans of building a tube structure behind it to try and make it hold up to what lies ahead for the poor thing.

Cause as you stated...where I take it might put a ding or to in it. :hm:

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

it might be an idea to modify the bottom of the bumper so it goes up towarth the corners , might even get it to look stock .
that way but it will give more room on the corners

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Man, I go away for a just a little while and you do all sorts of cool mods! I love the stock bumper look. :)

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Thank's for the pic's of the slider mounts and cage frame mounts. That helps alot. Your cage mount looks like it has a moveable bushing, how does that work? Do all your cage mounts to the frame mount like that? If so how much clearance inside of the original hardtop do I need for the cage? Also your front bumper design is awesome! What kind of winch do you recommend I get for this type of setup? Hey, thank's alot for all your help!

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Yep, form and function wins the day. :flag:

You know the game...wheel and learn.
Everytime you go out, you figure out/decide on something that could help the next time.

It's never ending...:cool:

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

I dont get why you changed bumpers....looks like it will be more prone to cause you probs in the future than before. Not doggin ya just dont get it.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Explain further for me...:fb:
What are you seeing happening to it/with it?

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Damnit...i typed a bunch of crap and accidently hit a button and lost it....I liked the way it looked before...much like the bumper I built for my K5 13-14 years ago. It looks like the stock bumper can/will peel if/when you catch an edge. Did you consider pushing the other bumper back to help with your approach? I also see an issue if/when you have a cable issue. I always liked to use my stout bumper kinda like a blind man uses his cane and I dont see that working with what you have now. Plus I think it takes away from the HD look you had going.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Noted:

BUT...;)
The cow catcher up front wasn't working out, so I changed it.

The approach angle that has been gained will far out weigh the thump and bump method of wheeling tenfold out on the trail.

Recovery Points
 

Used solid bar stock welded directly to the frame rails.

Remove the shackles and the bumper still unbolts.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Hey VT how much would you charge me to make the winch frame you got?

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Dunno, let me ponder it.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Any more changes to your new front bumper setup? I really like that idea, with the winch tucked behind like that. I want to put a stock looking bumper setup on mine, but need recovery points, etc. Awesome dude!

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Yeah...I finally finished it! :lol:
Built a tube structure behind it out of 1.75 DOM

Looks like a crazy structure but it should be fairly stout.
Bumper still bolts/unbolts for easy access.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

That`s tough.Something like that would be nice on my Highlander.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

I had no idea you put all that behind the stock bumper - now that's STOUT!

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Never seen that beeffer VT :metal: Not the hidden winch but the bumper behind the bumper idea :c2: idea
The way I deal with approch angle is More Throttel::metal: :metal:
http://www.norcalbigdawgs.net/Galler...0904.sized.jpg
hahahaa

The main thing I like about my bumper is a place to stand when working in the engine bay.

Nice work bro!:metal:

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

As if I have'nt seen enough great fab ideas here, I guess I'll just ad this one to my dream list.

Impressive VT! :)

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

vt, that front bumper setup is awesome! I need to put new bumpers on my 70 k5, and want to go with the stock looking setup. Man, you should really think about making that support and selling it to us less handy guy's! I know there's a lot of variables from truck to truck, but I would like to be first in line. Just awesome design and fabrication work! Think about it! Thank's.

Re: Went to a Bigger Blazer
 

Have another mod that didn't make the thread yet...new rock sliders. :D
(thought I had already posted this...:crazy:)

Long/short of it:
Found 5 inches of metal that could go away along the body.

It's about all you can cut without loosing the floor boards while still making the attempt to keep thing's looking like it's a K5.
(barely hanging on in that department)