Home Built Grill Guard

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Jan 15, 2009 | 03:05 PM

Iowa460

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Joined: Jan 2009

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Home Built Grill Guard

alright guys, aside from my electrical issues, ive been wanting to build a custom grill guard for my 87 F250. i want it to replace the factory bumber and have some vertical bars for protection and looks. Does anyone have any input? what size steel, how, plans, suggestions, anything. I have a general idea and im fairly mechanical, im just looking for some advice from someone whos done it.
Thanks

Jan 15, 2009 | 05:59 PM

blakem_85

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Joined: Sep 2003

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I'm looking to do the same thing for my '96. I work in a welding/fabrication shop so materials aren't a problem, and we've built countless bumpers for various types of oilfield equipment. I was thinking of making a steel "frame" out of angle iron on the outside edges then using aluminum plate as a filler to keep the weight down. I'll put something a little heavier in the middle for mounting brackets and tie loops and such. The weight may not be as of much concern to you as your truck is a f250 and mine is a f150, just don't want to sag the front of the truck because the bumper is too heavy.

Jan 15, 2009 | 06:08 PM

Saleenguy

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: BC Canada

I was looking at some after market bumpers recently, because I am buying a new F350 before the end of the month.

The prices are insane, and I still see nothing that meets my neds.

I will be building front and rear bumpers for it withing the next 2 or 3 months.
Not sure what your time line is like, but once I build mine, can post pics, and see if you like them.

The bumpers for sale in the aftermarket are just priced out of line IMO.

Jan 15, 2009 | 06:14 PM

Saleenguy

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From: BC Canada

ps. yes it will have a grill guard to for all our moose and deer on our highways.

Jan 15, 2009 | 08:12 PM

Fordenthusiasts

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Kingman, Ks

I have also thought of building a bumper and grille guard myself, kind of like a Ranch Hand Front Replacement. There is a member on here by the name of Josh88Ford who built two bumpers for his pickup. I am trying to incorporate his design into something for mine. His pickup is the 87-91 body style so it is a bit different, but it will just need some modifications to fit.

Here is a link to his build. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...per-build.html

This is the second one he built. It is a pretty in depth thread with a lot of pictures.

Jan 16, 2009 | 11:32 AM

Saleenguy

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From: BC Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordenthusiasts

Thanks for the link.

Jan 16, 2009 | 01:19 PM

zxwut?

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 1,964

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From: Fort Worth

This is my father's truck. I built the front and rear bumpers and the auxiliary diesel tank in the bed; it's something I did as a hobby for extra money. PM me if you want info on materials etc.
-Rob