EP.40 - CUSTOM TREE BAR FABRICATION- WJ JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

Follow along as I design and build a set of tree bars for the WJ project. We have really been enjoying the WJ and already took it from Florida to Canada, a few trips up into Georgia around Florida. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. If you are interested in any of the products used in my videos please use these links to purchase them from AMAZON. Any purchase through these links helps out my channel tremendously. Thank you!
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[@tylerhite9287]

My favourite Jeep build 👆🏼

[@camhemmerich8855]

Reminds me of the rear tail light guard bars on the 1997 Mercedes ML230 from The Lost World Jurassic Park. Very awesome.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I am not familiar I will have to look it up.

[@BuffBodzMia]

Sir. You are a bad ass, love your work. God Speed to you.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much! Good luck on your projects.

[@jamesdewer]

I was a Hull Technician in the Navy. We would spend any free time making stuff for our bikes and by memory fab. some incredible stuff. By the time we got back to port 7-10 months later we had to grind fit everything. Please keep this great content coming!! Not just the skills but the melding of need, imagination and skill. The sky's the limit!

[@Jager-er4vc]

Badass! How did I not know about those threaded inserts!? Those open up a lot of possibilities

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yes they are great just practice on some scrap to be sure you get them tight enough with the install tool. Because later if they spin when trying to tighten or loosen the bolt that threads into them they are a nightmare to deal with.

[@charleswildman137]

I love your WJ!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks Bro!

[@Paumonsu]

I like that color combination

[@digitialkryptics8602]

Must say, your welding skills are on point. Every weld bead in every video I have watched you run has been beautiful- that in itself shows how you have mastered your craft- 👍

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@vstrom9586]

Like that rivet tool, really strengthens the mount

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I ride a Vstrom650 adventure. Thanks for watching. Don't forget guys to subscribe and hit the bell! Trying to hit 10k subs this month!

[@bigprowes]

so cool !!! 😀😀😀😀😀

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

thank you.

[@chrislazos2832]

It looks bad ass brother

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks we are having fun with it.

[@jonathancartilla3040]

Learning a lot from your inputs..

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you. Glad I can help a little with your projects.

[@porfiman]

Esa remachadora es todo lo que necesito en mi vida! 😍😍😍 That riveter is all i need in my life 😍😍😍

[@jacksondasilva2102]

Excellent work, final result well achieved

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you. Few projects left on it but we are having fun with it for sure.

[@nicomercado8103]

Excelent work 👍🏼

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cliveturner4980]

love your home made stuff ! you guys seem to have a tool for every job if only i had this kind of equipment back in the day.keep building i love it !!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you. Literally a lifetime of tool collection.

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

That’s unbelievable. Work of art 🖼 dude.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much. It has been a fun project.

[@fredriklandaeus2813]

Great design. Follows the panel so good. Nice welding and fit.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@blacklisted4x485]

You should do kind of the same thing at the bottom utilizing the bottom hinge bracket making like a small side bumper behind the back wheel I think that would make it look complete

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yes I have been modeling a few ideas to finish up the rear bumper area.

[@NLJ1953]

Great professional job

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much. Sometimes when we are working on projects it is easy to skip a step, or not redo something that wasn't quite right. But in the end it always pays off if you do it right. Thanks for watching.

[@vernongambill921]

Those are cool AF

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks and they have worked well keeping small trees from snagging on my roof top tent on the trails.

[@greym6436]

Dope workmanship!🤘🏽

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[@francisbrackney2061]

Great job man!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kg2995]

Nicely done!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@davidross43]

Great piece of work!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you.

[@team_suv7778]

Man I just wanna buy all the stuff you make lol my WJ is missing out

[@ryanmerk480]

I just got a wj myself and I love watching your vids. Can’t wait to have a little more money to do some of this stuff, but I might need a new engine first. Rip lol

[@team_suv7778]

Ryan Merk lol I just rebuilt the rear ended in my Jeep fired it off after sitting for about a month and it’s knocking so I tore it down Saturday and my number 6 piston came apart so I ordered new bearings ,lifters pushrods , seal kit, sealed power pistons and rings I should have it back together next weekend

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Rivet dem very good how it work. Thanks it looks great!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yes very handy for blind holes like side panels and roof panels.

[@phill-w]

Amazing craftsmanship 😁👌

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@DANEMSPRINGER]

Just wanted to say thank you for the great videos man! Especially the WJ stuff.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that.

[@billjcanada]

Nice work

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dirtlifemagazine]

Glad to see you use nut-certs, was a little worried when I saw you use selftaps lol

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yeah that was just temporary. Thanks for watching.

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

Looks freakin sweet!!👍👍

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks 👍

[@brossovitch]

Looks amazing. Great work. I wanna buy you a ZJ for custom fab projects! LOL

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I would love to do an old Grand Wagoneer! Thanks for watching.

[@Redlegst1r]

Dude that's one sick WJ. Pretty sure I'ma be ordering a lot from you!! Dying to get that window mod on the side rear windows.!!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much.

[@kevinclevenger8741]

i like it .man i wish i could fabricate the way you do !!. i need to get past first of year so can get stuff from you.

[@wieslawsmialek966]

Super super pozdrawiam Polska

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you for watching!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

You get a like just for showing how the nutsert tool does its thing, but you get a subscribe for the fab work....ahhhhh, and then i saw the burnt orange chopper at the end 😍😍😍 she's sweet......

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks for watching. I used to have a custom chopper shop back in the day. I still have a few laying around.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

@@SpiralDesignWorks Nice.

[@machomanOOOOHYEEEAH]

It’s brilliant. Only thing I would do differently is use smooth dome head bolts through from the outside to the inside and put the nuts on the inside panel to eliminate theft.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I did use smooth button-head bolts. There is no access to the inside of the panel to put regular nuts. So rivnuts were the only solution. I can't imagine someone trying to steal them off the jeep but who knows?

[@mackjones7688]

Unless someone is willing to drill out thier own WJ and install rivnuts. I really don't see anyone bothering to steal these bars. That goes for a lot of his accessories though. Custom is cool, but thieves generally want something that can be sold easily. If he was rocking a gladiator or 2020 JL with these tree bars and they were 100% bolt-on install. Someone might steal the whole vehicle and strip it down to the chassis. Installing rivnuts was the best option. Pulling out his interior trim and butchering the inside panels doesn't make much sense in this situation.

[@nvlvdave]

Another sik-ass addition to your awesome rig.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks 👍

[@Snow0255]

Just stumbled upon your channel. I like your welds man I mig and stick weld 4in & 6in on the mountain for my snowmaking system but I want to get into tig welding cause those welds just look so good

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

mig is great and fast. I'm not the greatest at it. But TIG is my favorite. Total control, no sparks, really nice welds. Go for it you will love it.

[@Snow0255]

@@SpiralDesignWorks I really like the tree bars you made. Makes me want to do a exo cage on a truck

[@duraidhamed1784]

Graet Job Man Amazing /Baghdad 7:30 Jan 11 😎🚙👍👏

[@DrewEmc2]

Something else to do to the WJ tail light guards & Dana 60s & 70s on portals!

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Probably going to do TONS on the next one. Keeping this one more highway friendly and low budget.

[@1Nine7Zero]

Nice work. It is functional but where the mount points are, it will damage the area as it is a thin sheet of steel panel.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

The sheet metal is thin. But each part is attaching at multiple angles and many bolts to spread the load. The bottom brackets are also on the pinch weld which is very strong area. Going on 2 years now, 15k miles or traveling, trails and off roading with no issues.

[@1Nine7Zero]

@@SpiralDesignWorks Awesome. Liking the vids.

[@glenbrandon9497]

Put some rock sliders on it and do you them in orange to match.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I have stainless boat sides in the works.

[@athikerguy4life]

Any worries about the mounting point near the door just crunching in the sheet metal? I’m not sure how thick the sheet metal is there but that would be my biggest concern

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yeah I think a good hit would dent it pretty good. There really no access to the inside to put in a doubler plate or anything. maybe you could have wrapped the bracket into the door frame for some added support. Best bet is to keep it off of the trees.

[@davidgillettuk9638]

Could you put a drop of silicone on the rivnuts to ensure they’re watertight? I’m currently driving a mint ZJ but would get a WJ if I could do this, brilliant work sir.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thanks for watching. In the video you can see I paint the holes before I install the inserts, then I put a dab of sealer on the bolt as I did the final install.

[@agbhargihad7325]

I'm a little surprised you dont use backer plates on the front of the rub rail.. I have had bad luck with Riv-nuts pulling out of the sheet metal....

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Backer plate would be best. But there is limit access in that area. Thanks for watching.

[@zumezoom9593]

the welding is perfect, the support brackets looks great, the design I like a lot... only question I have what does that side tubing do? what's the purpose of it?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

often on the wooded trails it is easy to clear trees with the front of the Jeep but the rear might slide or tip as you work your way around. The Tree bar or side bar helps deflect trees and keep them off your body, roof top tent etc.

[@zumezoom9593]

@@SpiralDesignWorks oic. so it's like armor. cool. thanks

[@ChickenNoodle0404]

Who painted your Jeep like that? It's friggin awesome. Looks like rinoguard or something.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I did a couple episodes on it. Raptor Liner - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpekcp6Ke7akgtU

[@ChickenNoodle0404]

@@SpiralDesignWorks tyvm

[@MyBacktrail]

I have my WJ in the woods a lot, felling trees and towing them out. And I have bumped into some trees. The biggest problem is the rear corners, they're like a blind spot where a tree can pop out of nowhere. But it seems like if I rubbed a tree on your bar it would just push the sheet metal in? Looks cool though.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

They are pretty strong on the ends where the sheet metal bends around. But a good hit just may dent in for sure. I will try and keep it off the trees but who knows. Thanks for watching. There are a couple places making the quarter panel armor.

[@flyby4by]

I need a rear tire swing, ladder swing combo on my 88 SAS 4runner bumper

[@flyby4by]

Nobody will make one for me. Especially ARB won't but they sell a front bumper for it? ARB sells lockers, dual on board air tanks which I have all. But NO rear bumper?

[@KennyReynolds-ej7yk]

Iona oh one Jeep Grand Cherokee limited? I like how you did that looks very nice? Also where Where? they get the tip out windows on the back? have a great day

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I have about 45 videos on this build. I made the window replacement panels.

[@themidnightrambler4865]

Great videos. I enjoy them. Do you, or could you, make one of those spare tire carriers for a regular Cherokee XJ? I really like the design of that and really would like one for my Cherokee.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

We currently can't keep up with what we are already doing.

[@themidnightrambler4865]

@@SpiralDesignWorks Yeah, but I'm a real nice guy and I'm entitled. So you should be taking care of my needs, first. Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

[@davidzimmer2694]

Nice work. Scribed...

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Thank you so much.

[@chawnslopoke2619]

Absolutely awesome!! I thought about something like that awhile back that either incorporates a step into the rear bumper, or side ladders for both sides that double as tree guards or attach into the guards any thoughts? Would that be something you might want to incorporate into your design? I'd love to see it. Thank you again for these inspirational videos

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I have a rear bumper design and hopefully will get it made soon. I have been slacking.

[@chawnslopoke2619]

@@SpiralDesignWorks I gotta save up. I really like the stuff you've been doin. I'm new to your channel and I've tried to watch everything already

[@GeneralEOD]

I would incorporate ladders on both sides of the orange tire carrier. Have two steps slide down to help get started climbing and dismount.

[@racerx1690]

THE COMBINATION OF MY OCD AND BEING A BODYMAN MAKES IT TO WHERE THAT GAS LID IS KILLING ME. MOST LIKELY MISSING THE RUBBER BUMPERS,

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

correct. I put a couple rubber plugs in there for now until I find the correct ones to bring it perfectly flush.

[@lordrudimus]

Stand on it

[@Laptop_Millionaires]

Where can I get one of those tire carriers?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I made a few that I sold but they are a real pain to build. I am working on a more conventional design to be available soon.

[@sparrovski]

It is amazing what can be done with the right tools. Please loose the bells.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yeah i have been collecting my tools for 30 plus years now. What do you mean loose the bells?

[@shanemacdonald8350]

I really want to buy a lot form you.

[@BuddyNutcracker]

Do you build and sell any of these rails or the swing away tire carrier , bumper, rockrails, etc.? Really dig these.

[@BuddyNutcracker]

Used to own a WJ lifted 4" with 33" tires on JK Rubicon Rims. Currently have a ZJ 95 Gr Ch 5.2L V8 and FSJ 83 Wagoneer AMC 360, but was thinking of getting another WJ and doing some of these sweet mods

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yes we will be doing some more soon. I have a new design of the tire carrier and a stock headlight bumper I will be doing another run of soon. Keep checking back to www.echelondesignworks.com for updates.

[@stimmulat0r347]

!!!!! James !!!!! How do I order a pair of protective tree bars from you for my 04 WJ Lerado!?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Unfortunately I am not making much custom stuff right now. We do have all the Molle panels in stock for the WJ's. www.echelondesignworks.com

[@YosiNaturalGuerrera]

Hi did you manufacture that Wheel Rack for a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

No sorry.

[@YosiNaturalGuerrera]

@@SpiralDesignWorks Any Truly, honest suggestion?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Trail forged maybe?

[@DmiA]

And what about the legislation regarding changes in the design of the vehicle?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

There are no rules that I know of in Florida that would prohibit the type of modifications that i have done. There is a height limit but if you have never been to Florida there are some really big trucks driving around.

[@shanemacdonald8350]

What is that door called that is in place of that window ?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

IDK i made it. I have a few videos on the process. I love it though. great easy access to my stuff.

[@rngrscott]

What vocational certifications/training would you recommend to run a fab shop or do this kind of work? Also do you have a website for the parts you've created for order for my own WJ? Great videos. Welcome back.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Check out www.echelondesignworks.com for my parts. To run a shop I would take business and marketing classes. To work in the shop I would take welding , painting bodywork, fabrication type classes.

[@jasongiles1214]

Do you take customer orders from a different state? I’d like to get an estimate on a back tire mount similar but different to the one you have. I have a 99 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 4.0 that I just had rebuilt and I haven’t been able to find a pre-made mount that has the look I’m trying to achieve.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I am currently not taking on any outside work.

[@eftihismaraslis5192]

Excellent job ! Bravo. By the way what is the name of the tool that you used and how much does it cost ? Thanks and sorry for my English .

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Which one?

[@eftihismaraslis5192]

@@SpiralDesignWorksThe tool that looks like a riveter tool

[@805gregg]

I noticed how the original grew in size after the first bend, so you screwed up and bent another

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I don't think so. I do remember using two different length scraps for these bars so I may have grabbed the other one for the next scene or mixed up the order in editing. Regardless, if you do make a mistake, don't be afraid to start over or do it again. Usually we do better the second time around. You can also take some bend out of a piece with some heat if you need to make a correction.

[@blacklisted4x485]

And do you have a price if someone was interested in that rear tire carrier

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I was making them last ones just went out. But I am working on a design that is easier for me to replicate. Should be back up on the website soon. www.echelondesignworks.com

[@TheDeestube]

Are you using pulse as well? or just the pedal?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

I use both. One off stuff usually just pedal. If I am set up and doing a lot of welding I will use the machine pulse.

[@garth6367]

Do you make anything for WK’s?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

No sorry. I can barely find time to make WJ stuff.

[@bigospig]

Clean work. Have you thought about doing fab work for a profession? ;)

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Yes I have ha. But I make 3-4 times as much designing stuff. SO I don't in the shop as much as I would like.

[@myjohnsonfamily7]

How do we buy your Stuff you make?

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

The big stuff I build in batches and sell out very quickly. But everything is listed on my website www.echelondesignworks.com

[@kodykeller4379]

I noticed you said your making more of your products for sale? How would one buy them?

[@EHUDPOWER]

there is a link in the description to the store, the site is called echelondesignworks

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

yes www.echelondesignworks.com. Most of the big stuff like bumpers and tire carriers are sold out right now. I am making some design improvements for 2020 and should be available to order in February.

[@maratkhurumov7696]

Так и не понял на.уя там эти перила?????😁😁😁

[@user-mx5fw9sd3e]

скорее всего об деревья чтобы меньше биться крылом и наступать если груз какой в корзине .

[@maratkhurumov7696]

@@user-mx5fw9sd3e Спасибо

[@jamesdewer]

This bracket will outlast the vehicle. Can't you 3D print this stuff? Jk.