So if Shrock doesn't offer a bumper that wraps the corners, is there any reason why I or someone else couldn't fab up bolt-on corner armor for a Shrock?

Those of you that have Shrock rear tire carriers please post pics...

I haven't looked at a shrock bumper closely but there's got to be a way to make replacement corner pieces, that bolt on, and replace the flimsy plastic.

I know that I could easily make some if I had a shrock rear in front of me with some steel.

Opinions?

i got pics of someone that made his own rear bumper with wrap arounds. anything is possible if you got the skills

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/mene62374/GpaX%20meet%20and%20greet/PICT0728.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm389/XterraS05/Nissan%20Xterra/DSC00712.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm389/XterraS05/Nissan%20Xterra/DSC00710.jpg

Well, its something I'VE always thought was a good idea.

The problems seems to be the sheer expanse of sheet metal and equalization venting on the flanks that look funny exposed....and, to cover them with adequate steel protection would add a lot of weight.

I've seen some that were fairly successful at covering the flanks, but, not w/o a weight penalty.

My thought was to add wrap around bars, rather than try to replace the entire plastic area with steel...to protect the corners, but not replace them, etc.

Essentially, the central bumper part is really the same as the OEM bumper, except reenforced 1/4" steel instead of sheet metal...it even attaches to the frame rails using the same 3-bolt plate in the same spot, etc.

http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/New_Muff_Side_View.sized.jpg

http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/New_Muff_Rear_View.sized.jpg


http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/New_Muff_Clearance.sized.jpg


http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/Shrock_carrier_swung_open_rear_view.sized.jpg


http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/OEM_Bumper_Gone_rear_view.sized.jpg


http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/End_of_r_bumper.sized.jpg


http://xterrafirma.com/albums/TJs-X-Winch-Stuff/Shrock_R_Bumper.sized.jpg

Thanks for the pics guys!

TJ you da man...

I agree with everything you said...

So the question is.....

What is more popular with Xterra owners, corner pieces that completely replace the plastic?

or

A piece that wraps outside the plastic?

Seems like wrapping outside would look funny sticking so far out...

Im more into the open replacement concept, for those that don't mind the venting and don't want unnecessary weight. Like you said... I've seen some that were fairly successful at covering the flanks, but, not w/o a weight penalty

Thanks for the pics guys!

TJ you da man...

I agree with everything you said...

So the question is.....

What is more popular with Xterra owners, corner pieces that completely replace the plastic?

or

A piece that wraps outside the plastic?

Seems like wrapping outside would look funny sticking so far out...

Im more into the open replacement concept, for those that don't mind the venting and don't want unnecessary weight. Like you said...



Hmmmm, maybe the best solution to both strength and weight savings would be to use heavy tube for the strength, with thinner plate between the tube for coverage.

That way, you have strength, and coverage, but w/o as much of a weight penalty.

:D

Just me but I'd be down for that if its simply bolt on only. I would pick wrap outside plastic instead of replacing plastic

I agree with the idea.. something has to cover the vent, make the thing look symetrical, but not add a whole bunch of weight. The Vent is actually a pretty important peice, and I have seen a few rigs that have cut the bottoms, and plated over the vent. The height gained (departure angle) is so minimal, it's not even worth the time or the headache to hack and re-weather-proof that area. We built a tube bumper for James... "Soccerbrace", and I like the design he had in mind, everything works great, very fluid....except that stupid vent area.. I tend to think a peice of perforated aluminum would look pretty tough, and still keep the weight down. Long story short, any of us fabricators have a good challenge to make that part of your X's look really tough, and hide the Nissan "curveball." I think we could all continue to use the input you guys are putting out on this issue

roadarmor makes something like that for the H2, i would love something like that on the X
http://dwiggsgarage.com/images/ebay_h2-7.jpg

I like the thought of it but being pretty decent in length it would require some kind of bracing to the frame if it was going to be used properly.

If I was to do it I would start with a custom bumper to get full advantage of the clearance. Otherwise your angles are really not going to improve much if at all. Obviously, the durability would be the main strong point.

Yeah I know you already have a custom bumper. But, the Shrock hangs further out the back. Using bolts to fasten not welds, and other stuff would lead me to believe you need further reinforcement.

Yep.. it's all about tying into the frame. Which would require some cutting....

I think custom bumpers are the way to go if you want corner protection, but Im sure it can be done with a shrock... I'd be willing to fab something up if I had a volunteer that was willing to donate their shrock and the cash to get it done.

I like the thought of it but being pretty decent in length it would require some kind of bracing to the frame if it was going to be used properly.



This is the main kicker as to why it hasn't been done very much or offered by shrock and others. Like TJ said, for one thing, using a similar design like shrock does for the front bumper in order to build strong enough corners, you are looking at lot of added weight. The other problem is that there isn't a good/accessible way to reinforce the corners to the frame without cutting through the body. I think James (Soccerbrace) is currently toying with ideas on how to do just that so maybe he can offer a little more insight to what has been said so far.

tieing into the frame wouldnt be a good idea...the plastic is tied into the body for a reason...its a crumple zone...when in a rear end collision it crumples froward into the wheel well and being plastic, it will have a harder time puncturing the tire...so all one has to do is pull the broken chunk off and they (supposing there isnt much damage) drive away...I would vote for corner caps but personally would use a lighter guage steel (save on weight) and keep it tied to the body not the frame...and i would personally like to keep the look of the stock caps esp with the step in them on the 2nd gen just for added help with getting up to the rear of the luggage carrier

edit...although with a solid bumper with the corner caps integrated you shouldnt run into an issue with rear impact seeing as the whole bumper would give...but for those who have a shrock and want to add caps or guards or something keeping them tied to the frame would be the better option

I think if you used some tube and filled it in with some steel mesh or something similar it would look good and still offer the venting or whatever it is you guys are talking about. I don't have an x so I do not know what vent is being referred to, but mesh looks good IMO and keeps weight down.

I was just looking at another thread and noticed wrap-around corners in a pic
check out post #16
http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13590&page=2

I was just looking at another thread and noticed wrap-around corners in a pic
check out post #16
http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13590&page=2

The carrier looks like it basically flips down to open the hatch...I can deal with that instead of swinging it wide open....

I like that design....wonder who made that?

Hey TN4x4, im almost positive richard has made at least one, and i think its for sale....give me a minute



EDIT: here it is , custom made but not by richard
http://www.vaxc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8147

Thanks but I don't see a hitch on the bumper anywhere....the hitch is a must for me since I tow frequently and I'm not too keen on that carrier design....looks like it takes up the entire rear window....not good for me since I back up alot.

Thanks though!

Yeah, no problem, i wasnt really trying to sell you the bumper, haha sorry if it seemed like that. i just remembered seeing that post and thought id show you another bumper like that

The carrier looks like it basically flips down to open the hatch...I can deal with that instead of swinging it wide open....

I like that design....wonder who made that?

that bumper was also made by whiterock matt, as well as the front bumper of that truck, and my front bumper

I posted these awhile back, the end caps are completed and I'll post pics soon. After going over many opinions from several forums and a lot of good input was given but still not certain what my decision will be. A gen 2 guy fabbed up a great wrap around bumper and welded caps but when impact damage was sustained to the tail light and metal behind the plastic cap (Vent). Others mentioned not to tie the bumper to the caps due to frame flex. However it would lend a lot of support from the bumper mounts (fab fours is building a wrap aroung FJ bumper and seems all tied together. I asked that these be made since I didn't see an option out there yet and I have no skills. I wanted o get rid of the last bit of plastic on my X's perimeter and be usable with all bumpers and available seperately for damage replacement. It seems there is no single solution since this is a weak area. Tubing (tied to frame but quite a bit of fabbing and need to replace the smog bottle is the most straight forward for the DIY guys with skills especially on the gen 1. They are doing a front bumper for a fellow AZXC member and do have a planned rear, asking for a tire carrier option. Will post when more info is available. Haven't asked about a gen 1 version yet sales will probably dictate that, the gen 1 seems 'thinner' so not as much weight.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/235/img3601g.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/i/img3601g.jpg/)
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1104/img3603.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/img3603.jpg/)
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9788/img3605v.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/i/img3605v.jpg/)

From the Xterra Gurls thread on XOC:

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4586/117602021kijxyfph7tu.jpg

EDIT: There was a better picture of the bumper (also on that thread), but I can't find it now.