In persuit of a better truck, I have done some thinking on removing the grill and headlight assembly, the front bumper and the skidplate and replace it with a bumper that incorporates an IC core in front of the radiator and the lights and signals and what ever else you can invision using off the front of the truck. So the idea would be to crash proof the frontend in under 300lbs while gainig room for an IC and perhaps a platform to stand on to work on the truck.Edited by: quantum mechanic

I've got some experience racing desert trucks, and these guys like to "nerf" each other with considerable impact. The west coast folks build integrated bumper bars, light bar and glide plates all in one. Typically, they're build from 4130 or similar chrome-moly tubing, and I mean this stuff is tough! Brand names like Smitty-Bilt and Fabtech come to mind. I love the way those trucks look too...back end down maybe 3" and the front end higher. Check out the Best in the Desert and similar sites for ideas. Just my thought.


By the way, a big thanks for all your help getting my C1500 sorted out. The stealer really f**cked up the pump job. The icing on the cake (after I got the hard start corrected) was the massive coolant leak I found yesterday due to the tech bending the coolant line before stuffing it back into the quick disconnect fitting! Oh well.


Jim

QM, yeah check out what the aftermarket has to offer. I believe you'll still end up with your own design due to IC mounting and other desired functionalities that are not consistent with pretty-boy-poser or the racing hardware.


I think you're on the right track - I have a tendancy to think your way from time to time, but I'm not anywhere close to mounting an IC. I just want more protection up front and perhaps a winch http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif.


Good luck with the mod!

This is how the front of the truck measure's up.


I'm open to any suggestions. That's why I've posted it for all to see.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/quantummechanic/2004-11-13_073318_K3500dimensions.JPG

How about building a ram-air hood and mounting the IC in the hood?? I think that's where I'm going to look to mount one--using a 4" cowl, and cutting holes into the front to give it the ram-air/cowl look and function. With a little bondo to clean it up I think it'll look really good, and have a bit of function to it.

I sat down with my dad (he's begging for a bumper) and here's my sketch of the design. I'm sure it's hard to understand all the scribbles but I've built bumper's with less of a sketch and a 1000 sq ft cottage with about the same.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/quantummechanic/2004-11-14_120612_icbumperconcept.jpg


Edited by: quantum mechanic

You may not want to crash proof it too much, you can build a front end that won't bend and wind up bending the frame. I like the look of the intercooler below the bumper like that. Popular Hotrodding just did a project Malibu in which they incorporated an intercooler for a twin turbo small block. In any case, he modified the stock bumper and had it re-plated, it looked very clean and functional.

It's funny you mention that. The first bumber I made was straight out of mad max. I took it off because I built it so heavy it would have bent the trucks frame first. This next one will be lighter and tighter.

It's funny you mention that. The first bumber I made was straight out of mad max. I took it off because I built it so heavy it would have bent the trucks frame first. This next one will be lighter and tighter.


QM You still got that bumper ? Want to get rid of it ? If my frame bend I get a New truck, so oh well. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif

Yes,


It's not perfect, this is the first thing I ever tried to weld together and it shows a little. The big pipe is 8" the small one 4". The lower part could house a small spearco like IC but it wasn't measured for one and should be raised flush with the 8"pipe 'cause it would hang up on steepinclines sometimes. I was going to keep it to remind me of my humble begginnings but it's your's if you'd like to run this monster. It's taking up realestate.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/quantummechanic/2004-11-15_073517_madmax.jpg





another shot.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/quantummechanic/2004-11-15_074836_madmax1.jpg


and it could be finished out a little, for example the upper pipe could tie into the 8" pipe. I used to stand on the platform and work on the truck and sit on the 4" pipe instead of leaning on the hood.Edited by: quantum mechanic