IceLandOffroad.com Berserk Bumper Install

[death-mobile]

I'm very curious to check out their fiberglass fender flares as well.

Maybe they will come out with new fiberglass skid plates

[PassRunnerZJ]

The skid plate is an interesting idea, but if I was building it I would have to recess the thick glass far enough in to make it questionable for the amount of work needed for bracing. To take a hit on the transfercase means walking out or a trip out and back in with a replacement. To break a front bumper means taking the broke parts out, not a biggie in my book.

But as I'm writting this, a glass skid plate for the oil pan and transmission that can be tucked up closer than the transfer case... possiblities there. Odds are you aren't going to hit it, but if you slip and drop it on a rock, there is some protection, especially if braced correctly. Even if it does break the glass will take most of the energy vs. a direct hit on either component.

Since I have a chunck of glass left that they cut out for the winch mount I'll have to see what I would have to fab and how much room I have under the front axle.

[sah81]

Do they have a replacement available if you break the glass part, without having to buy the steel mount again?

[BigDaveZJ]

Maybe they will come out with new fiberglass skid plates

Wouldn't be that far out there. Many guys who boat-side their rigs use a composite material for that and it holds up damn well and is very light. I can't remember what it's called but I know AprilzWarrior is planning on making a skid out of it.

[rccolacc]

Wouldn't be that far out there. Many guys who boat-side their rigs use a composite material for that and it holds up damn well and is very light. I can't remember what it's called but I know AprilzWarrior is planning on making a skid out of it.

I think you're talking about the cutting board typle plastic material. I think it's called UHMW plastic (ultra-high molecular weight plastic). It wears very well on contact. People use it a lot for sliders on conveyor belts, and it's even used on snowmobile tracks (where it rides on the suspension). I think you can get it in various sizes through McMaster Carr.
-RC

[death-mobile]

What weight capacity can it withstand though? I know it is amazing stuff with cuts and scrapes, but will it break apart under a certain pressure? I know some bike helmets are made of a type of plastic that will withstand an impact and absorb it, saving your head, but it breaks apart and almost explodes soon after taking the hit.

[ZJ TINS]

Cutting board material is generally Nylon. I will take alot of pressure but is structurally weak. Think of it as a good thick coating. You need something to back it to take up any bending forces. Nylon works well for sliding surfaces because it has low surface adhesion (its slick) and can flow a little to relieve local stresses. Some intake manifold are using filled nlyons, but I dont trust them.

Another though about the fiberglass bumper would be to form it with fiberglass then plate it with replaceable Aluminum sheeting to take to surface beatings. Tough to design but could be very light and use exotic shapes since it will conform to just about any mold shape.

[BlaineWasHere]

Does anyone know if they have plans for a WJ bumper?

[PassRunnerZJ]

It is my understanding that they are either developing now or really close to starting on them. WJ parts were a high priority when talking to them at GSW.

Another update note: I was wrong on the makeup of the sliders, they are made out of 3/16" steel.

Here is a picture of the strength of the fender flares.

[Colorado 5.9]

Humm? Looks like the sheet metal caved in insted of the flare breaking. All the pressure transfered. Not good.

[jsteves]

Humm? Looks like the sheet metal caved in insted of the flare breaking. All the pressure transfered. Not good.

True, but the result would have been the same sans the flare.

[Z]

I think Scott's point was that a less substantial flare might have bent or broken, sacraficing the easily replaceable flare instead of the not-so-easily-repaired sheet metal.

[canadian_driver]

i am impressed, i was wanting them, but worried that they might not hold up to well

[BigDaveZJ]

So first fiberglass was too weak now it's too strong? LOL

[canadian_driver]

too strong?

[BigDaveZJ]

too strong?

Right. The fiberglass lived and the sheet metal didn't.

[canadian_driver]

ahh right

[Colorado 5.9]

Can't win can ya.

Maybe a combo of the flares & the rear quarter panel protecters Tommy's having made.

[PassRunnerZJ]

I think the picture was sent in regards to how strong the glass is. I'm thinking that I'd rather have the flares a little weaker and give before sheet metal, but I'm not sure besides trial and error testing.

[Firestarter]

Have yall thought about the possibility that perhaps the sheetmetal took a hit that the fender flare did not?

Its a shot in the dark, but I'd imagine it's possible.

[N/Angel]

Does anyone know if they have plans for a WJ bumper?

+1 would be interested in getting one, my stock bumper is cracked and instead of getting another stock bumper shipped I might aswell get this fiberglass one, it sure looks nice and for the type of wheelin I've been finding here it would be more then enough.

[ELLLLLIOTTTTT]

Fiberglass has yield strength about 1/3 of steel (27kpsi).

However the geometry can be very unconventional (as compared to steel). If designed correctly it could be stronger for a given load and lighter than steel.

On this design I just wander about the apparant lack of support on the backside. Seems like a hit on the side would rotate the end of the bumper easily, and not protect the metal above it.

Also fiberglass crack much more easily, a sharp edge can cut it and propagate while steel would resist it better. Wont know if it matters until some trys it though. Worth looking into.

Now I wonder if a lightweight steel frame skinned with fiber might be another alternative for a home brewed design.

Thank you for the first intelligent response regarding the practability of fiberglass. Design is everything.

PRZJ, I may have missed this but whats the approx. weight of the bumper?

[PassRunnerZJ]

Have yall thought about the possibility that perhaps the sheetmetal took a hit that the fender flare did not?

Its a shot in the dark, but I'd imagine it's possible.

Looking at the scratches on the fender flares and lack of any scratches on the sheet metal body panel, I'd say the possiblity is pretty slim.

As far as weight goes for the whole thing including the steel mount for the winch, I'd say it is around 35#'s. The glass part is maybe 20#'s, I don't have a scale to verify.

[piku303]

any news on how this bad boy is holding up to abuse?

[Jeeperoni91]

yeah, update?