How should I fill in this gap?
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 331
Likes: 186
See if you can find an old hood or other bent body part with lots of flat metal. You can cut some small p[anels to cover the space. Use bolts to attach them in case you have to work in that area later. You can also mount some lights on there for when Bambi decides to do a "Bambo" on you.
I had a similar bumper on an old Dodge. It didn't have the over rider but was handy when the engine started failing. If it sat overnight I has to use Ether to start the truck. The3n if it sat for a few hours. Then every time I needed to start the truck. I finally changed the engine, it got respect even though I didn't have to stand on it anymore.
I will say one thing though, be careful driving it. That oil field pipe will NOT bend if you hit a tree. The truck will fold up instead. Does the main pipe have air fittings on it?
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 532
Likes: 38
Have not seen any air fittings, it didn't drop my front end like I was afraid it would.
I took all of our strength and a cheater pipe to get it on. I was thinking maybe
diamond plate since we are standing on it. lol Thanks for the input, I'll do some
pondering on the subject.
I took all of our strength and a cheater pipe to get it on. I was thinking maybe
diamond plate since we are standing on it. lol Thanks for the input, I'll do some
pondering on the subject.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 331
Likes: 186
Have not seen any air fittings, it didn't drop my front end like I was afraid it would.
I took all of our strength and a cheater pipe to get it on. I was thinking maybe
diamond plate since we are standing on it. lol Thanks for the input, I'll do some
pondering on the subject.
I took all of our strength and a cheater pipe to get it on. I was thinking maybe
diamond plate since we are standing on it. lol Thanks for the input, I'll do some
pondering on the subject.
Diamond plate looks good, but adds weight. You can try drilling and using a tap to thread a hole in the pipe for a Schroeder valve like on your tire to air it up. When I worked in the oil fields, we'd do that, although usually larger diameter pipe, and carry air for an occasional flat or low tire. I've even seen guys add a compressor to air the pipe up for air pressure on the trails. The old Chrysler 2 piston jobs were good for that.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 1,222
Aluminum diamond plate is available at less weight. Bolt on as was suggested. A nice standing platform when you're folded over into the engine bay.
Aluminum is easily cut and drilled unlike steel which takes more effort better cutting tools.
Aluminum is easily cut and drilled unlike steel which takes more effort better cutting tools.
Last edited by BigBlue2; May 12, 2026 at 10:52 PM.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,830
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
Did the truck it came off of have a winch?
I know some work but I think if it was higher and set back a little the gap would not be that bad.
Dave ----
I know some work but I think if it was higher and set back a little the gap would not be that bad.
Dave ----
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 190
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From: SW Connecticut
I would fab a bracket that allows a seat to be bolted on to that bull bar....facing backwards. That way you could at least sit comfortably while you work on the engine.
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More Turbo
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,242
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Yeah, more like a bracket to mount a chaise lounger and a small table to hold your umbrella cocktail.
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2015
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 331
Likes: 186
Well, SURE if you want to spend a lot of money. I'm a che...er...thrifty olde pharte. I reuse stuff until I HAVE to spend money. When my grandfather would butcher a pig, he used everything possible. If he could have used the squeal, he would have.
