Are PRE-MADE bumpers any good?

[@azpapa9347]

I'm impressed. You actually read the instructions BEFORE you had an issue! I love the old school bartering system. I think it's much easier to trade something you are good at, for something aren't.

[@safetyfirstintexas]

An equity trade where no tax is owed.

[@Mechcanoer650]

Or stuff you just don't like to do

[@joseywales3789]

I really enjoyed this episode. Watching Paul working (Bartering) for himself in his own Workshop, the kids swinging the video camera or welding up the rear bumper, a real family affair especially when the Accountant, Michelle allows the purchase of the exhaust bender!

[@robertrardon8099]

A tip on the exhaust bending also use a wire to make your pattern. I found that was a lot easier to-find your center of your bins using a heavy gauge wire that you can reuse. Thanks for the video.

[@dustinmeier9753]

The wire is helpful and a repeatable reference point that everything is measured off of. Either the pipe seam or a line you draw on the tube. A degree finder for the rotation of the pipe is really helpful in addition to the protractor on the machine.

[@keithlucas6260]

Back in the day it was coat hangers, used a few for welding mufflers even.

[@OcRefrig]

@@keithlucas6260 i used a coat hanger to repair/ weld together a broken wire reel. worked reely good. it worked good as welding rod.

[@keithlucas6260]

@@OcRefrig back in the 60's that's what everyone used on lots of things.

[@scrambler350]

@@OcRefrig -- I see you're branching out into 4x4 videos too, huh?

[@roncameron7461]

I love how you dive right in, make mistakes and show us how it's done. Some guys would just edit out ... I've built that same front bumper, great fun! Love you're family working together!

[@quentinkeller5254]

Paul thanks for making me realize I suck at parenting. Definitely need to step up my game as a dad. My 14yr old has trouble remembering how to bath properly. Yours is over there welding.

[@BudMasta]

Not wanting to shower is normal buddy lol. I learned to weld at a local community college for very cheap, might be a class your son could take.

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

Dont feel bad. That is a common trend today. My son is same way. But dont be negetive and talk down to him, inspire him and find a hobby to share with him. I need to do the same.

[@54EARL]

My kid is 13 and welds, but can’t shower or comb his hair with out being reminded.

[@flyboy2610]

You don't suck at parenting! When we were 14 we drove our parents up the wall, too! Someone once said that children are God's way of avenging our parents! I tried to teach my son to weld, but he told me that that just wasn't cool! All you can do is try!

[@stephenhans189]

Some kids (me ) didn't like school but loved mechanical engineering working my til I got my engineering license. Still had to take several classes fab welding is mental therapy for me ! Hate to be disturbed when in my place of ZEN . HOPEFULLY he finds out what makes him happy 👍🏁

[@terrywells3955]

Can't wait to see the rest of operation Golden Nugget and what you going to be able to do to it. And New toys are always fun to play with and to make Money 💰💰. Great Job Paul and your Son's welding is pretty dang good ...

[@jackieeastom8758]

That’s a really nice bumper for coming in a box and having to be put together! Good job!

[@GoatOffroad]

Awesome to see Gary’s XJ on the channel. He can relocate the vacuum canister up under the hood using the existing vacuum lines. It tucks up nice up by the firewall on the passenger side.

[@hole7612]

Bug! I figured you would watch Fab Rats too!

[@pnwxj1776]

@@hole7612 - Love finding Bug comment on other channels!

[@pnwxj1776]

I relocated mine too. Kept hitting it when articulating. Super easy mod. See you at your Toys for Tots event! 😍

[@Mr.Gf4life64]

Thanks for the FYI! It needs major vacuum work! Between air control and brakes it’s going to be a challenge. BTW love your XJ!

[@GoatOffroad]

@@Mr.Gf4life64 - Thank you Gary! Look forward to seeing the progress! ❤️🐞

[@waggy401]

I've done a few of those weld-yerself bumpers and really enjoyed the process. They've stood up to some pretty hard impacts so far.

[@lonewulf0328]

My biggest concern with these are that those shackle hangers seem to be displayed as recovery points, but they aren't anchored to the frame directly at all. I would feel a lot better if that thick plate for the shackle ring passed through a hole in the bumper, and bolted into the frame directly.

[@waggy401]

@@lonewulf0328 True. The ones I have built had a hole for the shackle mount to go through and welded to the bracket that mounted to the frame. Those were a different brand than the ones shown in the video.

[@cablenowadays6586]

@@lonewulf0328 My dirt bound bumper ones weld right into the frame mount brackets and have the bumper welded to the frame tie ins so if the bumpers coming off so is the frame and steering and everything else

[@ae80typed]

This is my first time hearing "inspectigating" from Paul and I LOVE IT! Gonna find all sorts of excuses to shoehorn that sucker into my daily vocab LOL. The cleaned Toyota in the background looks SWEET!! Can't wait for an update to that.

[@chevymarineretired]

A friend of mine was in the muffler business for years. He bent welding rod to the shape of his bends and that gave him the angles and direction of his bend.

[@erniesaav8dra7905]

I'm so proud of Paul. He was able to quit his job and follow his dreams. Not many people can do that. Not many have the will and drive to do it.

[@FabRats]

Thanks for the love!

[@billchessell8213]

Go and watch “Vice Grip Garage” you missed his golden years before he hit the big time, but I I’ll bet you can look up the early issues. Paul is follow in the tracks of giants, he will be workin’ on improving Range Rovers in another few weeks.

[@edwardjohnson1269]

I’m so impressed that you have given your boys the gift of knowledge. You literally have given them a vocation nice job Paul 👍👍

[@lennyk.2161]

Yes, I run into a lot of younger guys in construction that don't have any handy skills. You have to start out at a younger age so they can work out problems for themselves. An old (DAD trained) handy man. 😉 Hit the like button 👍

[@harlanmclain1719]

I use to use a coat hanger with the pipe bender that way I could keep useing it & Easyer then trying to hold the old pipe up to it .mite help mite not did they give you cards with spacing & info on degrees for different cars

[@cablenowadays6586]

I’ve done diy front and rear bumpers on my XJ and the frame tie ins are easier to weld in depending on your application and also i recommend bolting the bumper brackets on first and then welding the bumper together on the vehicle

[@dennisbailey4296]

I agree with Tony it's not as easy as it looks. I did exhaust work for over 20 years and it is a real art for sure!! But he has some artistic ability to see it in his head what he wants to do that will go a long way to make good bends and good work. All the best from Canada

[@sethmadson9921]

Bumper is awesome as usual. I grew up about the same way building motors welding . but went into the marines when i was 17 and never had a chance to do what i loved but now that im retired at 43 im hopefully be able to get back into it again i love your show it inspires me every episode .your my favorite channel and feel like your family and i thank you guys for everything

[@FabRats]

You are awesome!! Thanks for the kind words!

[@1944chevytruck]

That's how we all learn by our mistakes!...FIRE BLAZING AWAY BEHIND YOU OVER YOUR SHOLDER! LOL!...RIGHT ON! NEW TOOL!... GREAT JOB PAUL!...thanks 4 video. be kind.

[@Tshade67]

Nice exhaust tubing bender! As someone that made exhaust for years, it's not as easy as people think. You learn a lot of little tricks along the way, especially if you are on the clock. Love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@dljones61]

One of the later commenters said something about bending a wire to help with the bend pattern, what's your thoughts.

[@Tshade67]

@@dljones61 I've done it, you just have to keep the bend center and. Length in mind. After enough experience you can use the eyecrometer.

[@dljones61]

@@Tshade67 I gotta remember to recalibrate that Eyecrometer, just got new progressive eyeglasses a while ago and everything seems a little warped 🤣

[@patrickhenigin4805]

Back in the day you put a degree wheel on the pipe, mark the bends according to the program card, rotate the pipe on each mark to the number indicated on the degree wheel and bend to the depth indicater on the bender. For custom pipes we made patterns out of welding rod. That Huth takes me back to my days at Midas.

[@UnholiestJedi]

Love the new words you introduce into the world! Eyechrometer & inspectigate are just art.

[@Alpaca_Lackey]

I was waiting for the Eyecrometer...

[@hawkie333]

That bender is a thing of beauty!

[@mrbuttons1243]

I love it when the banjo music kicks on.

[@Minionmoto529]

Paul's little personal touches like the hoop make the bumper that much better

[@reddog543211]

The front bumper looks amazing!!!.. eyecrometer is off just a little bit on the tailpipe but quickly rectified... Great job!

[@douglasminor2559]

Sweet bender! Is the shop getting a little cramped? Maybe an expansion in future? Those "Knock Down" bumper kits are definitely a big time saver.

[@timothygeiger437]

From the videos it looks like Paul's shop is all steel building? I guess it might be easy enough to add on, don't know where though😂😂 I'm sure Paul would love to have more room😂😂 I wonder if there's some way us viewers could help him get a bigger shop? Someone could ask them if they would want too, then if they approve, set up a go fund me account or something? Maybe get in touch with Matt from Matt's off road & recovery? His whole crew & his family are very good friends with Paul & his whole family. Matt might coordinate something?😊

[@stormchaser5822]

Perfect way to start my Sunday with a Fab Rats video

[@lennyk.2161]

And MATT'S OFF ROAD RECOVERY. I have to flip a coin 🪙 to figgure out witch to watch ..

[@drewsturm486]

Dude, this is soooo cool seeing you doing what you love and do best for a living now! And getting cool new equipment to help too! That bender is legit!

[@joebehling5151]

Hello from Hartford Wisconsin. That Bender is made in Hartford Wisconsin. Kool show keep up the good work.

[@paulbell1522]

Man Paul I'm a huge fan!!!! I immediately hit the like button before I even see the video. I work the way you do, on the fly. Engineer, build and sometimes rebuild on the fly. All my designs are in my head. So FAB RATS is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!!!!!!

[@bretspaulding1959]

Where do you get the bumper kits? They seems affordable compared to a couple sites I had seen.

[@silveravnt]

2nd

[@mrbodo69]

JCR Offroad

[@silveravnt]

@@mrbodo69 Thanks! Too bad they only have bumpers for Jeeps :(

[@jhaedtler]

Love the bender Did you get bend cards with it. They have the measurements for making factory pipes! Makes for fast replacements! And easy to modify to fit your needs! Thanks for the videos!

[@joeJrbill]

THANKS FOR TAKEING ME ALÒNG WITH ALL UR PROJECTS..ITS FUN.. GOD BLESS EVERYONE AT UR SHOP & HOME...

[@Defenseless_Duck]

I can't ever get enough of watching Paul from fabrats I tells ya! I'm always bored at work with nothing to watch until you guys upload another video. But in the mean time I rewatch all your guys videos regardless (= love you guys keep up the good hard work(= you make me happy just know that!(=

[@hunterbrock2347]

I haven't known how I felt about the past few bumpers with the slight bend in the center of the push bar but this one came out pretty decent I'd say. I would've wanted the inner supports to be angled in but that just me. Glad to see you're always expanding the capabilities of what you can do in your backyard shop. Keep up the good work.

[@rayjon237]

Rustoleum tractor paint in semi-gloss black works great for bumpers and if you buy it by the case it is like 4.25 a can from home depot online....

[@johnhalter7287]

I like you don’t edit the mistake, everyone fabricating makes them. It’s part of the game, that tubing bender is a dream machine. Nice job on front bumper.

[@jenniparker1]

I know it's not completely triangular, but with that hoop design and the straight up and down elements of the stock grille, I'm getting some definite Darth Vader vibes from that front end, lol.

[@androidethic]

I thought the same thing. Looks like darth vaders mask.

[@trevorboyd6158]

Glad I wasn't the only one to see the dark side...

[@harryellingsworth8302]

I saw those Pre-Made Bumpers and wondered how good they would be, may give it a try, Love the idea of training the young, and just what you said, now you can make money so you can eat. nice video Paul, you are the Fab Rat

[@gerryhartung736]

First payment on pipe bender. My dad used to say, if you don't make mistakes, your not working. The sign of a journeyman,. Is a man who can correct his own mistakes.

[@carlmedleyii]

“Inspect-igating”…I love learning new terms from the Fab Rat Channel!!

[@pamhodges4973]

I am amazed at how much you get done- your fab skills are great- wish we had somebody like you in N.C.!!!!! Enjoying your videos, very much- Bob H., N.C.

[@rmeav8er677]

I know this is an older video, but Paul, you forgot to install one of the most important parts to that front bumper, the tie in plates. At 13:20 you can see them still on the floor. The unibody of these XJs need those tie in plates if you do any serious winching to help spread out the load.

[@edwinschlee8374]

Pretty good welding for a14year old! Good to learn a trade which more kids need now days!

[@moabwheeling1305]

Really nice bender Paul ! Now I know where to go for all my pipe bending needs haha . Jayce did a excellent job on welding up that rear bumper ... But look who his teacher is . Looking forward to your next video . Take care and be safe to you guys.

[@roba379]

Hm. Angles on that front hoop look off, like the passenger side needed to dip more under the headlight... but that could also be the angle the camera was at? Once it was painted I couldn't see an issue... Good job as always!

[@roba379]

Ah..yup. camera angle. Freeze it at the end when camera is centered and it's mint!

[@scottsimpson5094]

Got my Fab Rats tee shirt and decals love them. Next summer I’ll be out that way and hopefully be able to stop by. Take care and stay safe.

[@tevehaku]

It's so cool to see Paul get new toys for the shop! Good job!

[@bobcats905]

I bought almost the same style of pipe bender and built exhaust for 17 years in our small town on the US/Can border town. Made a ton of money making dual exhausts for almost anything. Have fun, I sure did.

[@markreetz1001]

Up is down, top is bottom, you'll figger it out! The way you were fabbing that pipe looked like every exhaust shop I've ever seen!

[@ThatPhilBurgGuy]

Love my weld together bumper. Got it from Move and didn't have a single issue putting it together and it looks great.

[@nickblodgett9532]

I used my wood splitter as a pipe bender used 2 rollers and a 10" rim

[@UtahOutlander]

Love watching these little projects!! Also love the good old bartering system! 👍👍 You're gonna need a bigger shop soon! Keep up the great work! PS...not a fan of that front hoop, though. Too tall? Too "archy"? Just doesn't look right, imo. But maybe Gary likes it? 👍

[@snr2707]

You’re going to need to re-do that hoop Paul. You’re too good a designer and fab man to let that one go.

[@Klamath1970]

That hoop looks like shit! He could do a lot better.

[@snr2707]

@@Klamath1970 well I wasn’t gonna be that way about it but it does look bad 😅

[@UtahOutlander]

That's probably the first piece Paul has fabricated that made me wrinkle my nose a bit. It's not the worst I've seen but I'm not a fan of that hoop.

[@spacemanski]

It's horrible

[@dfsmachinist5941]

Yea, every time I half ass something for friends/family, I regret it every time I get to see it, and eventually end up redoing it...

[@shannoncrittenden7231]

Love seeing self employed progress! Are you gonna use the shop stretcher on your building for more convience in near future??

[@wildbill2703]

What manufacture did you order the bumpers from

[@travisreich9442]

@@wildbill2703 jcr offroad has some, you can also find the same ones they sell on eBay for significantly less

[@wildbill2703]

@@travisreich9442 appreciate it

[@travisreich9442]

@@wildbill2703 the ones from ebay don't come with instructions, but if you look on jcr's website you can find them there and print them out

[@chrismalfroid4856]

I can see with that well together bumper that you put things together like I do not the directions unless necessary but got to see the picture of what it looks like cool beans

[@wrtrmike]

An idea for future bumpers: if you were to mount lights on that bar, it would be cool to bore a hole under the connection point on one end of the hoop and a hole at or near the underside of the top that you could then route and conceal the wiring for the lights.

[@OcRefrig]

Good vid. That Front Square Bumper Came out nice! That must be the truck you were talking about in your other video about the one with the hoop on the Front end. i have a friend that owns a muffler shop and i see him use a piece of metal rod kind of like a coat hanger to get his bends to line up on the pipe bender. i see him take the small rod under the car & bend it the way he wants it to look and copies that by laying the rod on the pipe as he bends it on the machine.

[@burronorteno]

who makes the front bumper kit?

[@marka.2715]

I got mine off ebay. The box says Yikatoo.

[@Buck1954]

When I was in an off-road club, it was one day of Jeeping and 6 days of fixing stuff. The front bar reminds me of a Big Mouth Bass.

[@1beltfed]

I think those pre-made bumpers look good. Note for the maker. Perhaps put stickers saying Top and Bottom on them. I'd also put stickers on each part so the instructions can be extremely clear on what attaches to what. Maybe its pretty strait forward but I like detail and doing that would be imho, an excellent service. Thanks for another great video.

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for the video! Nice work on the bumper. You guys are gonna have fun fishing Ed's truck outa the forest. All the best from Wisconsin!

[@skidjumper]

Love the old forest service fire shirt! My army buddy bummed one off of me for welding.

[@davidwindels4650]

You guys are awesome. Video evertyhing on the recovery with Matt and his crew!

[@josephfarnworth9789]

The best part of my Sunday is fab rats thanks for the day

[@adry9657]

May have been mentioned, but those extra drilled chassis plates get bolted to the outside of the chassis for extra strength and to take up the gaps you'd have without them. I literally just made this bumper up and figured that out haha

[@snippy7432]

All the bumper kits I see for my 3rd gen 4runner are about $550 and up. That's looks good and a bargain. Who / where did you grab those from? Alternative for me currently is plasma cutter and welder time.

[@dsauce8780]

I hope these folks know how lucky they are to have you around. Looking out for your community!!!

[@cahammer]

I’ve always been skeptical about those weld it yourself bumpers but you made them look good now I just can’t wait to see more of the golden nugget recovery with you and Matt

[@henrycarlson7514]

Thank You for showing what my Cherokee should look like , I do miss my 4 door though . Happy trails

[@morgansword]

I admit those flat bend yourself bumpers are the most practical way to do it. I kinda like a d ring in the middle of the raised hoop for a brush guard or just what I really don't know what to call it but a snatch block or other can also tie off there and it holds up okay. Nice work, I know how you think on some things I guess as you do like stout. Towing ones self to recovery or just a good place to hang off of is part of it all ... right....

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Like that, wheeling a day, fixing a week. Great video, love the shop work. Cheers.

[@centexsho3579]

Good job! Bending exhaust tubing is a lost art. You go into a shop and they tell you "we can install any kit you want" but ask for a custom bent system and they stare at you.

[@charlesward6511]

Built one for my 91 XJ, but the instructions did not make to the shop with the kit but figured it out! Building the rear soon.

[@Ridefastorgetpassed]

Bad ass bender !!! I did custom exhaust for about 4 years its not easy . Whats worse is when you get a cheap customer that wants new stuff welded to old half rusted out pipes .

[@nicksshop2418]

That’s the newer version of the pipe bender I got love it trying to start my own exhaust shop

[@christopherlaboy9377]

Sweet XJ, and love the work. I was looking at the Coastal Off-road bumper kids - Now I just need to pick it up for next year and drop the rigs off at your shop...

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

Me and my brother got a bumper kit from SRQ and it wasn't that bad to assemble and burn in. Definitely a time and metal saver.

[@dyson9422]

I bet Paul saved about 80 lbs. on the front and rear bumpers.

[@harleygriswold7279]

I'm building my zj jeep and it's hard to find parts and im not the best at building part like u do but I love watching u guys I'm in the process of trying to figure a bumper for my jeep right now

[@EnthusiastAustralia]

You're going to be booked flat out before you know it & that shop, coming on nicely. Congratulations.

[@Bradzuzu]

Can't say that premade stuff is all bad , I always tell everyone it's as strong as it's weakest link (aka the thin body sheet metal) ... That new exhaust benders bad to the bone !! Looking forward to your golden nugget adventure with everyone :)

[@tracykooken2606]

Congrats on your new bending tool !!+!!! Those things can REALLY mess w ur head when leaning !!!!!!!!! But its so much FUN !!!!!

[@DADDYO3]

Says right there in fine print. I love it.

[@paulshannon4576]

So who makes the kits and is there one for a 2013 Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel?

[@SamuelHuff]

Looks like it's an Amazon kit from "Ecotric"

[@paulshannon4576]

@@SamuelHuff looks like they start at 2017.

[@likeorasgod]

This reminds me when I moved up to Missouri in HS to live with my grandpa. My uncle has a country weld/fab shop and he would get me and his son to do fit up and tack of this contract job he got to build metal bins. I was 15 and my cus was only like 10-11. He did the fit up and I did the painting. But hay he paid us in cash and it was more money we would of gotten in any other job as kids...lol We would always do side projects for folks around there all the time like this, bumpers, engine work and such. That how my grandpa would make extra cash on the side being retired too. It was a good way to learn good work ethics man. Now a days (I'm 45) the shop doesn't get used that much and I thought when I retire and move back up there I'm prob going to start it up again as a side job while I'm retired for some busy work.

[@randytravis3998]

looks like a another piece of shop equipment ,, soon another bay will be needed to fit the cars in the shop .Great video ,,

[@steveschwartz8823]

Where did you get that bumper from. Looks good.

[@carljorgensen2813]

Poison oak you had a great video I liked it can’t wait to see you get that out love to be helping.. when you catch it it itches a awful lot, used to get it as I was a kid I’m 75 now. Are used to take poison oak drops pier poison oak from the plant to prevent me from getting it.. it drops really work don’t know what they have today.. or as I know it won’t kill you just itches an awful lot.. Great video again..

[@eddieabernathy5998]

I'm welding up the same $250 set right now. Love the channel keep up the good work.🛠

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

what an awesome project! Well done Paul! and your crew behind the camera and the welder rocks too!

[@davidanderson3999]

Nice build, I have a weld kit bumper on my Ram V10, my kit was bent up all I had to do was weld, only cutting was the tubes that were pre bent , I don’t have bender, was wondering what brand you did, mine was move

[@cdurth]

Paul, hopefully you installed the frame tie in brackets in the front. Saw them left on the floor when you installed the brush guard.

[@alexvogt5961]

Paul another awesome video keep up the great work

[@steveleverett300]

Looks good. Everyone makes mistakes. Love you’re work

[@brownh2orat211]

Here's a tip I just learned, throw an old floor scrubbing pad in your oil drain pan, it keeps the oil from splashing out when draining, works great.

[@bray9197]

I always learn something watching your videos! Thanks for the entertainment and the knowledge! Great family friendly content.

[@PaulManningg]

I think you like filming because it gives you an opportunity to speak your thoughts out loud like a checklist.. before realizing, whoops, and having to go back 5 steps. You sound like the voice in my head, only smarter.

[@dbrown8388]

👍

[@hosshoffer7579]

That was great. Loved seeing Jayc learning some skills too. Good luck on his XJ.

[@larrysac808]

Where does the bumper kits come from😎👍🤙

[@jcusak]

I also have a Jeep XJ, I'm interested in the weld together bumpers. Where did you find them, please? Thx. Great show you got!

[@robinculkin2286]

You’re so smart Paul you’re a stand out

[@TowMan127]

Dude that looks awesome! I love watching your fab work! 👏👏👏