Brush Guard Project

[GeneD14]

I wanted to make a brush guard for our Kawasaki Mule. I was inspired by the design of the Ranch Hand style bumpers for trucks. I wanted to bend the pipe for it so it would have a more professional look. I bought this pipe bender for $69 on sale. I figured that I'd use it a few times per year. It worked really well.

 

[GeneD14]

Here is a picture after some welding and grinding. By the way if you just welded around the perimeter of a large project do not lean against it to weld the middle. (don't ask me how I know) /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[GeneD14]

Next the primer and paint. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif In this photo you can see some of the compound bend to match the contour of the front end.

 

[GeneD14]

Front view painted and installed.

 

[GaryE]

Nice work!

Where did you find that bender for that price?


Gary

 

[GeneD14]

Another view that shows the tow hooks. I'm not sure how much they will get used but it looks like we are ready for trouble. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BigAl]

Heck !!!
If I had known you could do that I would have paid you $69 for my new Ford Grill Guard ! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gifI am always a day late and a dollar short! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Nice looking job ,Gene .

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Where did you find that bender for that price?
)</font>

I got it at Harbor Freight. It was normally $99 but it is on sale right now. It comes with the radius forms to bed from 1/2" pipe up to 2". I don't like the low quality of Harbor Freight but as little as I'll use it I thought it was the right way to go.

 

[GeneD14]

Here is the finishing touch for our friends in the Lone Star State. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GaryE]

Thanks,

$69 for a 12 ton jack alone is not a bad price. I need to look into this. With a little weldling I am sure it can do most of what I need.

Gary

 

[twinstackram]

I was thinking about doing the same thing on our Ranger,nerf bars,rear bumpers,but wasn't sure that type of bender would work,but after looking at yours I think it will.

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Heck !!!
If I had known you could do that I would have paid you $69 for my new Ford Grill Guard ! I am always a day late and a dollar short! Nice looking job ,Gene . )</font>

BigAl,

Thanks, I have only $30 in pipe in this project. I'm not sure I'm ready to make a truck brush guard.(at least not one worthy of a truck like yours) I will practice up some more. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Total time on this project was about 5 hours. The bending part was just a few minutes.

 

[SnowRidge]

Ooohhh, you do nice work. I have to fabricate tree guards for our Power Trac before next season. I think I'll look into picking up one of those benders from HF.

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I was thinking about doing the same thing on our Ranger,nerf bars,rear bumpers,but wasn't sure that type of bender would work,but after looking at yours I think it will.
)</font>

I think it would make great nerf bars out of 2" pipe. A few months ago I bought a set for my wife's Expedition and I wish that I would have waited and made them with the bender.

I would strongly recommend practicing on a scrap piece first.

 

[HGM]

Cool, I think that might be one of my first projects when I get my welder.. Looks good.

 

[RedRocker]

Nice work, like the plate too.

 

[GeneD14]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. It is always fun using a new tool for the first time. After I finished this bending project I started thinking of other projects that I could use the bender on. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[fig]

Use it only a few times per year.....huh /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif! Looks good and already talking about other projects.

Fig

 

[Mike_C]

Most excellent!

 

[have_blue]

Gene, that's just neat, crisp, and sanitary. Highly functional too. It does my heart good to see work like that.