Novice welder attempts to DIY a steel front bumper

[@slyflea]

That’s a fine piece of DIY “bumpering” right there! Clean. Light. Functional. Exacting! 😀 Plenty to be proud of!

[@Aspecto5]

This was the video I've been waiting for for my Frontier. Perfect minimal setup that gives an excellent approach angle. Thanks for letting us see this. No way am I going to spend $2000 getting a bumper up here to Oh Canada.

[@gi7892]

"I'm not a welder, fabricator and I don't know what I'm doing but... I'm the guy that isn't afraid to take my Subaru where most would fear taking their land cruiser or jeep and do amazing things with what I have, not what I wish I had or by spending a suitcase full of cash. Great job. You are an inspiration!

[@MC4D.]

For the winch part of this vid; I get how some will want a budget winch but sometimes when it comes to certain tools/equipment, the reputable option is the better choice. A saying I heard once and adapted to slowly goes; "pay once, cry once"

[@strangerfingerboards]

buy once, cry once sounds better lol

[@joma13344]

I got an Ironman 4x4 synthetic 12k winch on my frontier that I like. They have a store in tualatin too.

[@LEDCOLIGHT]

Great job Donald 👍And we're so glad to be part of the build, so clean and functional! Looking forward to more testing on the road and enjoy the lights!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! I can't wait to see them in action!

[@milesb4231]

Love the fact that you took this on. You are doing more with your budget setup than I've been doing with a full TIG setup. Nice job!

[@jaycerd24]

Badlands apex 12000 winch is awesome. Had it on my gladiator. Used it several times. Never left me stranded.

[@DeepOwl1073]

It looks really good. I love the minimalist approach.

[@robbergstrom943]

Nice looking bumper Donald. For us the point of the winch is to work every time we need it so it might be worth it to go for a mid-priced option that is waterproof and proven like a Smittybuilt X20. But we have friends who have had great luck with the Badlands winches.

[@Redial2416]

I know that I am VERY late coming to the dance here, but brother, you did a damned fine job and should be proud of the work you did on that bumper. I can't wait to see the rest of the swing arm fabrication.

[@danhohman]

Well Donald, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that thinks you’re selling yourself short. This build was incredible! And yea I understand it was a long and frustrating process but for those of us that are budget minded, that’s the price we pay. Of course my vote is for the budget winch. Let’s see what it can do!

[@asplenic16180]

NICE DOnald!! Again, I'm catching up but super psyched so see you just going for it again!! CAD (cardboard assisted design) is The Way!! nicely incorporated! Super clean, functional and actually just getting in there and making a product! I'm still paralyzed by analysis paralysis, on SO many projects. Nice work and again, thanks for sharing!!!

[@bigfoote4x4]

I think you did great on the front bumper👍👍. Love the direction you have gone with this build!

[@insaynbcr]

Donald, welding and fabrication takes time to really get comfortable with. I've been welding and fabricating off and on for 35 years and still have my bad days. Sometimes it's the quality of the metal outside my control shy of using something better, sometimes it's sloppy consumables, plugged gas orifice, etc. Practice, practice, practice and take notes along the way. I will say that you did a great job considering your level of experience. I really wish we lived closer than 2-3 hours apart, as I would certainly be willing to show you some tips and tricks I have learned along the way. A front bumper is no small task either. I've been lollygagging building my front bumper for my 2017 Taco that I purchased new 4 years ago, mostly because I haven't completely decided on a design yet. That and I have several other drivable vehicles that I can use while my truck is apart, so I can't use that for an excuse. I'll get it done some day.

[@bwofficial1776]

One of the cleanest and best-looking bumpers I've ever seen.

[@garyg5000]

Kudos to you! You had the guts to try and from the distance anyone will be looking at it, it looks nice.

[@bradleymyrick2315]

For someone who’s “not a good welder” that thing looks amazing, and on top of that, extremely functional. Job well done to you.

[@bradleymyrick2315]

From a distance ;)

[@taco472]

I have been metal fabricating things since I took my first shop class back in the 60’s (just a clue to my age) and I think you did a great job on that bumper especially for your experience. I like the way you made that angle around the fender, it’s actually stronger than if you had cut both ends to the proper angle and welded together . I think you rang all the bells; 1. Finished and protected the raw edges of the fenders. 2. Light weight . 3. Place to mount a winch and lights. 4. Good looks, fits the look of the truck. 5. Inexpensive. (Sounds better than cheap) Now think about that rear bumper for a while, they’re usually must simpler. I recently made one for a Wrangler out of just a straight piece of 3x4” x 3/16 wall tubing. I just turned and boxed the ends similar to what you did. I welded a 2” receiver tube , that you can get at Tractor supply or Walmart, to the bottom. I didn’t intend to tow anything very heavy and already had the tubing other wise I would have gone with 1/4” wall which would probably let you exceed the towing capacity of the Frontier. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! For the rear bumper, I want to add swing-out arms and some other functionality, and having seen how long this relatively simple front bumper took me, well...I would have to give up video editing for a month, and ultimately I think I would experience more frustration than fun. :-)

[@chadlane6261]

I'm not expert and don't own one but read great things about Apex wrenches from Habor Frieght. Matt's off road recovery uses them. Just a thought since you mentioned budget build. Definitely something to research.

[@gerryhartung736]

You did good. You only have to please yourself. Now you can stand back and say, wow, I can't believe I made that . No one will see the welds passing by on the freeway!

[@conniewaite1996]

You should wear orange during hunting season. Hey,you did a nice job on that bumper!

[@outofbounds218]

Love the budget rout Donald, especially the fact that it looks professional. Thanks for all your content and the honesty accompanied by your how to videos. Makes me much more comfortable to taking on these tasks. Marry Christmas.

[@davidmorello676]

Bro you did an awesome job...don't sell yourself short. Bumper looks great. I like those big bugeyed lites. Keep it up.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The bumper looks clean Donald! Great work!

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

I would call your level of welding skill as hobbiest, same as myself. As one hobbiest to another, I cannot judge your plan nor execution not being present next to you. Most excellent result! That's off to you. Weld on, umm, rock on (off road).

[@njlillegard]

There’s a reason it’s called Shotgun Creek! Helpful video demonstration of why I won’t be DIY for metal work. Good work.

[@brianconnor1810]

Great job. To be honest when you need a winch its when you "Need" a winch. Its one item i wouldn't cheap out on for a trial and see exercise. Buy a warn winch, it will work when you need it.

[@TyMoore95503]

Thanks, Donald. You did some really good welds there! Nice fabrication work! Well done. My $99 Harbor Freight Wire Feed, Gasless, Clueless, Slagtastic welder produces some of the most horrendous welds I have ever seen. I am sure it was not the clueless, novice operator at all. Actually I have learned enough from my own failed attempts to appreciate the true beauty of a solid weld that holds and looks nice. I salute you welders out there!

[@Just4FunRC]

Looking good. always fan of DIY work, sure bought looks better but its just not the same... Well since i started watching the first vid about DIY on the forester. We sold oure outback bought a forester for the misses (stil have it) bought a XV 149hp D manuel. today i sold/traded it to non other then a Nissan Navara D40 (frontier) 2015 i test drove my old mans navara i was hooked. spent month searching and saving.. finaly found one. came with new set of 20"wheels/tires winter and summer... dont realy like those huge 20" im gonna trade them in for some 17" i think. so im rewatching every navara videos :) . from you fan in Norway

[@dlim1984]

Very cool DIY project. Props to you for taking that on. Love your "budget-friendly" content.

[@roaming-aus]

The winch in my book is not something you skimp on when it comes to your/ family safety. There is a place for budget but maybe not where safety is a factor. Love the new bar by the way.

[@Benjamin-David]

Your welding hobby paid off!

[@davidkihn770]

Nice work Donald, I think that you sell your self short on your abilities. The finished product looks great. Good job!

[@michaelblock3998]

Amazing a novice fabricator executed a bumper design better than a professional! Visibility and access to the winch/line/drum is critical. Look at Come Up!! Great alternative to Warn.

[@seb2549]

Love the bumper look, amazing approach angle and it still looks good and rugged! Thank for another awesome video! Merry Christmas!

[@pepperjack26]

Really like the bumper and look of the lights. Your welding looks strong and passes the 10ft test. Given the budget friendly approach, you did it just right. Final product looks good: $26 and very little weight added - fantastic. Rear bumper: see if one of your local muffler shops will weld what you want. Guessing you have access to a few Metal Fabrication shops in town as well. Always cool to have a one-off product. Looking forward to the new Co Light Review.

[@davidlboss]

Very nice! I like the don’t shy away from a project attitude. I read a winch review and a Smittybilt had less overheating issues than a Badlands. That was my choice. I just don’t use it enough to get a Warn.

[@scottselby528]

Shrockworks down in Houston has bumpers and rock sliders for frontiers. Your bumper looks great!

[@dsquires16]

Nice job on the front bumper and light bar. I’m inspired to do my own for my Outback if I do get the winch.

[@StacySalmans]

Nice work Donald, it looks very practical and useful. The lights look great. I've heard good and bad on the Harbor Freight winches, good luck with your choice.

[@beharford]

Excellent video, as always...thank you for taking the time to post! Excellent job on the bumper...pretty cool project. And fear not, I would reckon that it is indeed a thing of beauty, despite your self-critiques; we are always our own harshest critics, and can see every single flaw in a job, elements that are usually invisible to others :-) I hear ya on the welding. With not even a token attempt at modesty I will say that I am good at any number of DIY things...but despite some formal training, an amazing mentor and years of experience (see: mistakes and disasters) the simple task of welding two pieces of steel together eludes me. I am convinced that welding is actually art.... Thanks once again...Merry Christmas!

[@cal3201]

Older video but man I wish someone made this bumper. I want the super minimalist look you have there.

[@landminehopscotch3617]

Love the look of that bumper. It's very low-pro while looking tough. 👍

[@UnderAchievrLP]

really like it simplistic but nice. coastal offroad has some diy weld together bumpers and sliders. cost is in canadian so cheap in usd.

[@robertsmith9397]

Awesome job. It makes a perfect divide between the raw underside & the body of the truck.

[@kg4gav]

Matts Offroad Recovery and FabRats use Harbor Freight winches, and they highly recommend them. Speaking or FabRats, you should do a colab and let him do your rear bumper.

[@zackdemundo]

This isn’t bad at all. You have symmetry, clean lines, preserves the fantastic approach angle, and you left room for cup holders. Well-done. 😁

[@markbielawski]

Donald, did you consider gusseting those arms? I think it would give a little added insurance in case you bumped something on the trail to keep the outer bits of the bumper from folding in or down. Nice job, overall!! 👌

[@softroadingthewest]

That was the original plan actually. I intended to build in more support there, and I even bought the material to do it, but when I saw how lightweight it all turned out and how rigid it felt, I decided to see how it goes without. It would be a simple matter to add though and I think when this comes back off the truck to mount the winch, I'll probably take the opportunity to add that extra support after all. :-)

[@davesheber5134]

Smittybilt X2O. We went over kill with a 12.5k but then again our Frontier weighs in at 6200 pounds. Great price and we love the performance. Good Luck

[@dragthatsht]

The bumper looks good. You are way ahead of the curve when it comes to fabricating. If you keep it up and find a good mentor you will advance quickly.

[@scottymac5174]

Your new bumper looks good! More minimalist, but still offering protection. Better than the stock bumper. Some of the steel aftermarket bumpers weigh so much you have to install a front lift kit to compensate for the weight.

[@randallharmsen5802]

I must say Donald your honestly to try welding and fabrication of your bumper. Using scrap steel is a great savings. Liked how you incorporated a cap on the ends to keep out water and dirt. Using the perforated angle for your lights nicely done as well. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@fourbyforester]

great video. I can see why you don't want to do the rear bumper also. It's a lot of work, and finding out. But so rewarding when you figure it out by yourself. Great job!

[@BirdPhish]

I'm impressed....good idea and execution. Looks good. I do like my DIY projects.... but time has (huge) value to it though too, as you seem to have discovered.... so sometimes the "budget" option is to just pony up and buy something.

[@adrianw3985]

You did a pretty good job, I don't think you give yourself enough credit. A lot of so called "fabricators" would of done it about the same way you did. I did metal shop all through high school, working metal just takes practice.

[@solosaga5091]

I like the minimal design, it looks good and fits your approach to the rest of the truck. I also like that it isn't a huge overbuilt unit. One thing people don't consider is the liability that may come their way after crushing another vehicle with monstrous bumpers that replaced the "safer" impact absorbing factory units. I don't agree with that sort of litigation, but it is what it is.

[@softroadingthewest]

Indeed. I definitely can't mow down a deer with this bumper, but I don't really want to be driving a bulldozer around either. :-)

[@om617yota8]

Love it. Looking forward to seeing what winch you wind up with, as I'm in the market as well. Also, don't worry about the Instagram welding inspectors. Go take a look at the utility trailers at your local home improvement store; your welds are at least as good as those. Structural or pipeliner standards simply aren't needed for most projects, and what you did is 1,000% functional.

[@brianwilliams3146]

Looks great, simple, & unique. You hit a home run!

[@04JALD]

You did a great job Donald. Love how that bumper looks.

[@edwardcalleja4102]

I just met your channel today, really well done! I never imagine I come across a mate like you that keeps the budget so low and DIY. I Just so this one about the fabrication of the winch bumper awesome idea, really very well done ! Please try the rear one too and consider a rear winch ita a game changer on a new level. Tc mate and thanks.

[@dustinrichter1432]

Check out the Rough Country winch. Comparable price to the harbor freight winch but with a real Warranty.

[@Go4Lo]

Looks real nice but I'm thinking the outer ends of the "arms" won't stand up to any real hits. There is a lot of unsupported leverage on them. My bumper has clipped a few trees in it's day and protected the fender. It all depends how and where you go offroad.

[@softroadingthewest]

Agreed...I actually intended to build in more support there, and I even bought the material to do it, but when I saw how lightweight it all turned out and how rigid it felt, I decided to see how it goes without. It would be a fairly simple to add though and I think when this comes back off the truck to mount the winch, I'll probably take the opportunity to add that extra support after all. Thanks for watching! :-)

[@madcratebuilder]

The front is starting to look like my ZR2, great job on the fab work. The large lights look very nice. You can't go wrong with Warn, BUT the low cost units on the market have a lot of happy owners. I went Warn because I found a new/used Zeon for half price. Your welds look like you gt good penetration, don't worry about pretty.

[@mikeoldham]

Love the bumper. The frontier is looking awesome.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Mike!

[@blackpearlvoyager4174]

That is some damn fine welding and Fabrication considering you're self taught. It's always inspiring watching you and I can't wait for your Owahee trip with Jason. Finally got to meet him not long ago, seems like a decent fellow. Merry Christmas!

[@cskearney0926]

Love the bumper, Donald!

[@seansangvannguyen9266]

I don't have a frontier, but I'm definitely going to take some pointers for my 4runner. Something, nice, simple and minimal.

[@jeffmorris739]

Your garage looks like mine. We even have the same harbor Freight tools. Hey they work right? I think it looks great and nobody has one like it so well done sir. You have given me so many ideas one of which I am building this week. I liked your tarp awning so I am putting it together. Mine is slightly different but from your basic idea. Thanks again.

[@silver_rd1545]

It came out great dude! Nice work getting it all together. I dig the slim look of it.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Shawn! I've got all kinds of nitpicky complaints about how this turned out, but I am perhaps my own worst critic. Oh, wait, this is KZbin...I'm sure a harsher critic will be along eventually, haha. :-)

[@jgtaylor2201]

The bumper turned out looking really nice. I like the minimalist styling. I know Warn has a great reputation, but I have never owned one because I just can’t bring myself to drop that much money on a winch. I’ve used a Smittybilt for several years and I haven’t had issues. I think winch brands are like vehicle makes and models- everyone has to decide what best fits their own needs, wants, and budget.

[@kwilson2195]

Great look on the bumper.

[@djlinde3]

Looks really cool and light weight!

[@sylverK]

Man, your bumper looks great! nice job!!!

[@007twm]

Very nice end result. Merry Christmas.

[@mikepierson3097]

That is a great looking bumper, Donald. Great job. 👍

[@GRID-DWN]

Looks great Donald. Happy Holidays

[@89faul]

So, in my experience, now is the time to take a welding class or find a fabricator friend who will teach you. You have learned the basics, and have some projects under your belt, it's a great time to get outside help.

[@frankansley7941]

Donald, it looks very good! Have a good Christmas!

[@walthowell6741]

Harbor Freight winches are a real bargain. I was once told if your not going to be using your winch for rock crawling then buy the Harbor Freight Winch. You can buy three HFW for the price of one Warn Winch.

[@jessewiren2731]

You did just fine. Looks good. I build my own winch bumpers.

[@metaxaanabeer]

Bravo! You found out some things and have a neet-o bumper to boot. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@henrikm4657]

Nice job! 👍 You know, even if you’re not an expert welder, you got it done, it’s functional, light weight, and looks good. I think you got the right approach with using the professionally made winch mount for the structurally critical stuff, and adding on to it. If it’s in our budget, get yourself a multifunction welding machine so you can MIG weld. It’s much easier than flux core, and the results usually look better.

[@larryhawes8295]

I wish there was a way to give more than one thumbs up. And I will bet you that after a couple months of "not gonna do that again" you end up doing that again. I'll look forward to your next welding project.

[@RevN3]

Dang, that turned out pretty well Donald! Good job! The only concern I would have is the accessibility of the winch. I've heard of winches getting stolen off of trucks in downtown Eugene. Also, FYI I have been pulled over for having the plate in the front window by OSP. When I was at the 4x4 gathering in Monroe last summer I saw a LOT of Badlands winches on a wide variety of builds. I'd suggest going that route.

[@om617yota8]

Tack weld the mounting bolts. Won't stop someone truly dedicated to stealing your winch, but will sure make them work harder for it.

[@Justanadventure]

I agree.. Donald!! Use a cheaper winch.. that has great features. Wireless remote and such.. can get that stuff when you spend less. I've tried it before. It worked ok. But. Used a free winch that I was given. To small. But still worked. Would love to see you do I different then every other utuber.. you show that these adventures and safety gear is available for the average person on a regular income!!

[@gudfarfar]

As long as you have the earth clamp close to the welding spot, and not too near the engine or electrical panels, you can get away without disconnecting the battery in most cases. Interesting video.

[@midnightadventureswa]

Great job on the bumper and looks great

[@Justanadventure]

It would have left a big gap unless you had added before you cut.. I'm a welder the cap was better.. also.. the regular shops that weld have a device that they put on the battery to protect it when welding.. if you don't have that. You will shorten the life of a good battery or kill an older one. Disconnect the battery please. Just trying to help.. love your channel. I want every week to see a new video from you.. keep up the great work. Come to Canada!

[@fwdadventuresza254]

Great job on the bumper man! Neat, minimalistic, functional 👍🏻

[@shaftermike]

Wow---an impressive design. Minimal, clean, and contributes to the overall look of the vehicle. I like how this isn't like the gigantic bumpers that have that 'armored truck" look. I guess these outer pieces might collapse in a hard bump, but they really look good, and the winch mount looks very solid. Practical, light and good looking!

[@softroadingthewest]

You are right, the "arms" out to the sides would not withstand much of an impact. I did originally plan to reinforce that more and I think I may yet do that when it comes back off to mount the winch. I already have the materials for it. When I saw how lightweight it was and how rigid it felt, I decided to see how it goes without, but I do think it would be wise to add some further support. Thanks for the kind words!

[@schwazman1]

A lot of shops that weld on vehicles actually use what's called an Anti-Zap. It's basically a box with a positive and negative cable that connects to the battery and absorbs any voltage spikes that might get sent through the vehicle. While most shops probably in fact do not disconnect the batteries, they do have in place preventative measures keep from damaging the vehicle. I have personal experience with this.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Sure looks real nice. You did a great job on this project. Like the look, it’s clean… Thanks for sharing.

[@Dennis-1367]

I wouldnt choose a winch only based on budget. Winches can easily kill people. It is one of those items where I would go "either dont get one, or get a premium one". Aside from that, I love the minimalistic and functional bumper design. It fits, protects and looks really good. When a winch is mounted up in front, it was a good idea to keep the bumper weight low since winches are super heavy.

[@DIY_AUTO_PHOTO]

Thats actually looks great and I do like it more then bumpers out of the tubes... I am in the place now where I need/want/wish to have a front metal bumper with winch but all that been sold so expesnive so I am looking at different options on how could I make one perhaps or find someone somewhere who could help me to fabricate it in some local shops and make a video for it again ofc

[@kenstricklin1233]

The harbor freight winchesnare rated pretty high. Good looking bumper.

[@philcoursodon9299]

Nice job dude. Looks sharp!

[@TheCabrooster11]

Donald don’t be so negative about your bumper or about your fabrication skills it’s more than most people would even think about attempting, and if you’re happy with the end product then that’s what matters

[@daveoffroad7396]

Bumper looks great..! As far as winches go....don’t discount a budget friendly winch. I bought the 9000 lb Traveller winch from Tractor Supply and I am not disappointed at all..!!

[@beanburnham01]

Turned out awesome for a first time bumper attempt 🤘