Which tool to cut through Stock Bumper?

[X~FACTOR]

I'd like to modify my stock rear bumper a bit. I've been staring at it a lot lately and the more I stare the more I'm convinced that it's just ugly! It sticks out way too much for my liking.

So, what is the right tool to cut this thing to size?

Thanks.

 

[BKennedy]

A butter knife might do it!

Try a electric reciprocating saw or a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade.

 

[BeauJ]

A scissor wheel perhaps. Worked nice for me on the frame. Although a plasma cutter would have been much nicer.

 

[Crankcase]

Are you just cutting the brackets? Use a reciprocating saw.

 

[jimbo74]

i say a sawzall, a die grinder, or a plasma cutter....

 

[svande8952]

Plazma cutters rock. If you can't get access to one, then......oh just find someone with a plazma cutter, it is so easy and clean.

 

[metstalker]

circular saw with metal cutting blade or reciprocating saw

 

[TheRookie]

I cant believe no one said angle grinder. Get a couple cut off wheels for an angle grinder and go to town, faster and cleaner than a sawzall. WAYYYYYY cheaper than plasma cutter.

 

[Premier]

Cutco kitchen shears.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Are you just cutting the brackets? Use a reciprocating saw.

Not just the brackets, the bumper itself... all the way around!

I do have this air grinder but it doesn't seem to move fast enough to cut through... fast enough. I need something that I could use with ease (somewhat) with minimal amount of cursing.

 

[FREERIDER712]

Angle grinder with a thin cut off wheel

 

[jasonb]

a plasma would kill the finish. they are nice for some things but not something like that. go with a cut off wheel for sure. the air nailer won't do much good on the bumper!

 

[etc]

Not just the brackets, the bumper itself... all the way around!

I do have this air grinder but it doesn't seem to move fast enough to cut through... fast enough. I need something that I could use with ease (somewhat) with minimal amount of cursing.

Sounds like a man looking for an excuse to buy a new tool.

 

[BKennedy]

Not to get off the subject, but what how are you planning on making it not stick out so much by cutting it down? Are you going modify the mounts, maybe cut off the end of the frame? The bumper mounts are right up against the end of the frame rails on my old stock bumper. Crawl up under there and take a look, you will see that there not much room. If you want to tuck the bumper inward, you are going to have to trim the end of the frame, which would not be that hard.

Did it to my front frame rails to get winch bumper from an XJ to fit.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Sounds like a man looking for an excuse to buy a new tool.

Well, not really. I'd like to use what I already have but if I need to get a certain tool to make the job 50-75% easier I will.

If you want to tuck the bumper inward, you are going to have to trim the end of the frame

That's part of the plan. Actually that would be the easiest part of this whole project.

 

[BKennedy]

That's part of the plan. Actually that would be the easiest part of this whole project.

Okay, then for the frame a recprocating saw (sawzall) or a plasma cutter will make the cleanest and easiest cuts. We cut about 6" off the front of the frame on my Explorer, right back to the first body mount, with a sawzall. It took about five minutes a frame rail. You will need the longest bi-metal blade. A plasma cutter needs more room than the sawzall, so there might be clearance issues. That should look pretty cool when your finished, like something Foose would do. Cut down the ends of the frame and drill new holes for the mounts, then trim the ends of the bumper to tuck it in nice and clean. Post some pictures when you done.

Those chrome panels behind your rear tires can be bent by hand inward and/or upward to match up with the trimmed bumper. They are made with thin sheet metal.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Thanks. That will cover the frame and the chrome guards.

I'm pretty sure sawzall won't do for the bumper. It's a very thick metal! I tried hammering it once to level with the chrome guards and it didn't even budge!

 

[jasonb]

A sawzall will cut through the bumper no problem. I know that for a fact.

 

[BKennedy]

Actually, the bumper is pretty wimpy, only about 1/8" thick in most places. Using a hammer on won't work cause its stamped steel and needs a press to bend. The frame is much thicker in most places, but is made from softer steel so it cuts easier.

 

[Creager]

Sawzall all day long man

use a die grinder to pretty it up a lil bit

that should be all you need my friend