My Steel Armadillo Bumper & Mods (Matt's version)

[Matt]

Promised Ron i'd start my own... and figured now's a good time to start it so this stuff isn't buried in my garage thread.

First Mod... lighted license plate frame:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20131222154125_zps06fb4e1d-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131222163245_zpsb19e514f-1.jpg

To power the plate and maintain a 4-pole plug, I used a 48" loop, cut and spliced the ground & running lights with quick release plugs so I could remove it when taking the bumper off, and tucked everything away nicely.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20131230141629_zps69a58810-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20131230143211_zps7d57940f-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20131230144631_zpsda7b34d7-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20131230144656_zpsc88885ec-1.jpg

[Matt]

Next up is a work in progress.... I got the dimensions worked out but the standard gas springs from mcmaster don't provide enough damping. I just sent a few emails out to applications engineers at a few gas spring manufacturers so i'm hoping i'll find an affordable COTS item.

The goal is to control the tire swinging motion, prevent inadvertent closing and limit how far it opens.

The bumper-end is a quick connect so it only takes a second to pop off and swing the carrier to full open.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140102190133_zps83f5881c-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140102190110_zpsfd7800b1-1.jpg

[mrnavy2]

Wow.pretty cool .. but I have a question. I do see online Plug n Play for wiring harness. Which just plugs into your tail lights. How come u did not go that way?

[Matt]

I think you're talking about the trailer light harness which is what I already have. This was a $4 method to tap into that to power my license plate light.

[Matt]

I was having trouble finding a gas spring that damped sufficiently in extension so I went a different route. Since the carrier wants to swing open, I put a 100 lb extension damper on instead.

- It prevents the carrier from swinging open really fast
- It actually lets the carrier open on it's own, but you can open it quicker
- It limits the carrier to 90 degrees rotation, but has a quick disconnect to open all the way

[LWM]

Very Cool.

[Matt]

Very affordable too :)

I'm going to try eliminating the bracket and threading a ball directly into the bottom of the carrier; i'm not happy with the strength of the bracket and I think it will also look cleaner.

If the direct threads don't work, a rivet nut might be an option to increase the surface area and add more threads. I'll beat it up for a bit and find out.

[pjmjr508]

looking great

[The_War_Wagon]

looking great

GOTTA second that. Since putting the multicarrier on my RC, I want one - BADLY - on my Jeep!!!

[Matt]

Ok I got a better video up. Uploading pics now too so I can show some closer details. Really happy with how this add-on turned out.

Here's the "Details" I posted on youtube... :p


The ball bearing hinge on the tire carrier not only swings open fast, it also rotates well beyond 180 degrees which is not always desirable (especially when parked on the street where it may swing into traffic).

This upgrade enables the user to open the tire carrier. Although it's not a spring, the tire still opens under it's own power, or you can make it open faster by moving it yourself.

For ease of closing it only damps during extension. While closing there's enough resistance to prevent it from slamming, but not enough to make it difficult.

Lastly, the bumper-end of the damper has a quick release for those times when you do want it to open 180 degrees (such as loading groceries in the parking lot like all of us Commander owners do)


http://youtu.be/XwpfbxHyfp8

EDIT: ... i really should've ordered a large hoodie! lol

[Matt]

Some more pictures. It's pretty much hidden from the rear and not in the way once its open.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110193422_zps8c0c044f-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110193435_zpsa79b97fe-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110192816_zps51ee3746-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110193358_zps28920078-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110192808_zpsc6016a33-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110193349_zpsa77a8d1c-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110193337_zps7ee1f7a9-1.jpg

[Matt]

And another upgrade.... the wheel studs that come with the tire kit aren't long enough if you're adding a bike carrier.

Problem solved.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110180702_zps3e9a13d1-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110181007_zps871c283e-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110182244_zps25ba1e9f-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/01/20140110182258_zps3c78bce8-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Ok I got a better video up. Uploading pics now too so I can show some closer details. Really happy with how this add-on turned out.

I should talk to you about building a damper for the multicarrier on my RC... although it'll need to be a LOT stronger! I'm totin' a 36x15x10 mounted wheel, a 5 gal, jerry can, and a hi-lift jack on MY carrier!!! I dare say the box steel IN the carrier is a heavier gauge as well.

[Matt]

It probably doesn't have to be much stronger. It's all about controlling inertia. Though it wouldn't be hard to set up a dual piston design using the same parts I did :)

[LWM]

Amazing job, I should put you on the R & D payroll! :)

[Matt]

In due time :cool:

I'd be happy with a window decal for now though :p

[1USMC]

Very affordable too :)

I'm going to try eliminating the bracket and threading a ball directly into the bottom of the carrier; i'm not happy with the strength of the bracket and I think it will also look cleaner.

If the direct threads don't work, a rivet nut might be an option to increase the surface area and add more threads. I'll beat it up for a bit and find out.


Great Idea Matt !! Let us know how the ball mounting works. I'm always unloading emergency equipment from the back of mine and sometimes I'm not parked on a very level surface. I use a bungee cord from my spare tire to my L Rear wheel to hold it open. Not always convenient and I don't always want, as you mentioned to have it open all the way . Look'n Good !!

[Matt]

Will do Ron.

If we get some nice weather this coming weekend ill try to do some testing on uneven ground. We'll see how the extension damper works against gravity and such.

I'd also like to find a way to lock it open for those situations where the vehicle is leaning in a way where the carrier wants to close. (Im thinking something like a bicycle kickstand if I cant spec out a lockable extension damper)

Edit- there are bi-directional dampers but the cost was significantly higher. I dont think they'll prevent the carrier from closing but it will at least provide a slow/controlled compression for such cases

[Matt]

Here's another video. Got on a pretty good angle and it still works great!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEPxMFE2H2A&feature=youtu.be

I'm going to have to stall the latch prototyping. Had to buy a new vehicle this past weekend so we're on a "necessity only" budget until I figure out our new budget and if I'm going to have to change savings/retirement input.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Man that thing looks great and I usually dont like the rear tire carriers... How much extra clearance did you gain with departure angles or dont you know yet

[Matt]

I don't think I've gained much departure angle... but I don't think I lost any either. This bumper really is made as compact as possible and sits right up against the rear frame rail; really no room to cut any more material away.

Can't wait to get the "fixed" version on there that matches the body lines a bit better and paint it with some dupli-color perfect match paint to help blend it in. It's so nice having the spare tire our of the cargo area!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Looks pretty close, what else needs to be done?

[Matt]

The pictures look better than in-person. Jon and I already worked it out and think we found the root cause for the fitment issues (this was the first one build by his "new" fabricator and some tribal knowledge was definitely lost). This spring he's going to work out the manufacturing kinks, have a test-fit jig, and hopefully be able to pump these things out a lot quicker for customers and ensure they install quickly/easily :cool:

[Core XK]

Glad your getting all this figured out man. It does look different in person but still looks good.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[mrnavy2]

Looks very good BZ

[lekmedm]

Cool beans! Can't wait to see it.


Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

Got out for a ride yesterday.... was nice not having to put the bike on the roof!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/02/20140201083124_zps958cd429-1.jpg

[Core XK]

Looking pretty nice! I can't wait to get bigger tires :(

[H53Ecrewchief]

The bumper looks great. That looks like a pretty sweet bike too.

[Matt]

Thanks :)

Other than Jeeps/offroading, mountain biking is my only other hobby that I really spend any money on. That's actually my wifes bike... but ever since getting it for her i've ridden it more than my own bike! I'm pretty sure the bike tires are wider thank Corey's XK tires :p

[lekmedm]

Looks really cool. I can't wait to see this new set up!

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Core XK]

Thanks :)

Other than Jeeps/offroading, mountain biking is my only other hobby that I really spend any money on. That's actually my wifes bike... but ever since getting it for her i've ridden it more than my own bike! I'm pretty sure the bike tires are wider thank Corey's XK tires :p

F u

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[07JeepXK]

^
bwhahahahahahaha

[Matt]

:)

[mrnavy2]

I am also looking forward to see your new bumper set-up.