A friend of mine has a 76 Power Wagon. Think of the classic 70's idea of a off road truck.... massive roll bar, KC Daylighters, steel wheels with classic off road tread, home made bumpers that appear to be pipe filled with concrete...... the works

 

I really like the look and strength of the bumpers and I happen to have about 600 feet of drill pipe. I have a warn 12k winch that I would like to fit in as well. I'm also thinking of a platform for ease of access to the hood.

 

Any of you folks that have experienced these, pointers, issues you have had, pictures, or things to avoid? Ideas appreciated.

With 600' of drill pipe you can try a lot of ideas, and then try again . My '67 c20 had a tube bumper filled with sand. I liked that bumper. It was 2 4" tubes ran in parallel across the front with about 3" or so space between. Then bent back slightly around the corners and capped. The front had a u shaped loop that served as the grill guard. I'll have to see if I have a picture somewhere.

What is the purpose of the sand? More weight?

I didn't build it, but my understanding is if packed tight enough it would tend to bend and not kink if you'd hit something. Kind of like filling copper tubing with sand so you can make nice bends without kinking it. Would make it easier to straighten out, and of course add some weight. With drill pipe bending probably isn't a concern though 

I'm fairly strong, and I haven't managed to move one let alone pick it up. It looks to be 3/8in wall. I'm not sure I have anything at my disposal that would bend it..... tough stuff.

i hand built mine, with a warn 16.5ti winch. 1/4"x2x4 framed decked with 1/2 plate for the winch plate,5/8" gussets, welded to the frame. then built a pipe bumper on it with 2" pipe.   all hand bent and welded. even tacked the bottom bolts on the winch for theft deterrent

 

Edited July 26, 20205 yr by CUMMINSDIESELPWR

2 minutes ago, CUMMINSDIESELPWR said:

i hand built mine, with a warn 16.5ti winch.  1/2 plate for the winch plate,5/8" gussets, welded to the frame. then built a pipe bumper on it with 2" pipe

 

 

Would you mind posting a picture of the welding job on the frame?

19 hours ago, That Guy said:

 

Would you mind posting a picture of the welding job on the frame?

ill get to it when im able but to simply put it, the 2x4 slips into the frame perfectly and is seated as deep as it can go. every seam available from the frame rail to the 2x4 is welded and every bolt hole is plug welded also.  (its permanent)  But you could bolt it onto the frame if you wanted to, i didnt as i dont want anything stolen nor have weak spots.