Now that I have my welder, bender and a few other tools it is time to start fabricating some parts for the Beater. Before I start building major safety items like bumpers and roll cages, my first project is a little less important as far as safety is concerned. While I’m mechanically inclined and have a lot of knowledge with working with vehicles I have never done any major fabrication. This is a new and fun experience for me. I have looked and read here and a lot of other places to see what others have done and try to combine the best of what’s out there as I start building my stuff.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/cuttoff_saw_02.jpg

So New Years morning I started building my sliders. I purchased 40 feet of 1.5” square .120 wall tubing at a discount from Industrial Metal Supply along with some other scraps for this project. I took a few measurements and started cutting away .I kind of liked Dustin’s sliders the best but I wanted a little more foot room to climb up into the Beater. This is what I came up with.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_001.jpg

I then made a matching one for the other side.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_002.jpg

After welding them together they are a perfect match.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_003.jpg

After talking to Crawler he mentioned his full length sliders kept him from removing his front fender to replace it I decided to buy a bag of bolts to make it removable.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_004.jpg

I capped the ends with ¼” plate to beef them up since that’s the most likely place I see them getting abused.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_005.jpg

After some cutting and grinding (and cutting off the scary points) they are starting to look good.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_007.jpg

Now to position the first one in place. That wood box is older than me but is used for all kinds of things.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_008.jpg

The bubble levels are not to make sure they are level, just even. The ½” scrap pieces keep it level.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_009.jpg

The back mount. 1/8” piece is there to keep the e-brake line from binding. (mount bracket slipped in pic. I fixed it before welding).

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_010.jpg

The front mount. A lot of fun where nothing is square.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_011.jpg

It’s almost done but I don’t like the thought of only two bars going to the frame. It needed a little beefing up.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_012.jpg

I am now satisfied with them. I primed and painted them gloss black. I wasn’t happy with that so I sprayed the drivers side flat black and added safety grip tape to the top. I ran out of it so I will get more tomorrow, make the passenger side match and bolt them on.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_013.jpg

I expect final photos of them sometime this weekend.

"HOLY FLOCK OF ANGLE MAGNETS BATMAN!!!"
http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_011.jpg

I really like the shape.:rockon
http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_003.jpg

Nice looking, how do the Maggets work? do they hold up well?

how do the Maggets work?
They are attracted to ferrous metal.:goodfinge

yeah thats the product of working byyourself. you find all kinds of creative ways to hold crap before welding.

looks good none the less. personnaly Im not a fan of all box sliders but hey thats just me. I could have bent up the tubes for you and sent you those.

i really like em... look similar to the ones i have in my head

The magnets hold up reasonably well. Just don't put your face directly under them. I bumped the slider once while crawling out and it came crashing down. That coulda hurt. :shocked

Thanks Dustin. I have a bender I just wanted something a little different and a little more room to get a foothold. BlancoBronco has a pair of yours so I was able to see them first hand. :thumbup

"HOLY FLOCK OF ANGLE MAGNETS BATMAN!!!"

:histerica :histerica too funny.


hey Beater, in your opener you mention 1.5" .2 wall, was this correct? Sorry, anal me again....I would have to check the metal place on-line, but I don't recall seeing a .2 wall....typo perhaps, missing the .120?

They look good. I was thinking the same thing about the "maggets" :toothless

looks good...thats what im going to have to do cant find anyone around here to bend tube

Look great!! But did you buy out 3 harbor freight warehouses of angle magnets?....Hey do whatever works. Putting my bumper on by myself was a little challenging.

Josh

:toothless i bought four of those magnets from harbor freight when they were $1.99

Yea, yea, yea. I have three pairs of the HF magnets. I buy them when they are half price. They do come in handy.

I got the drivers side mounted. (well almost) two of the front bolts are about 1/8" from fitting in. I am too tired from drilling the first 8 holes in the frame right now to fix it so I will continue tomarrow.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_014.jpg

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_015.jpg

Nice job. If those were mine, I would finish it off by cutting a piece of mild steel checker plate to fill in the centre section (where you step). If you really want to get fancey fill in the remaining (front and back) with aluminum checker plate, that would look really cool

Those look really good, now go test them out

Nice job. If those were mine, I would finish it off by cutting a piece of mild steel checker plate to fill in the centre section (where you step). If you really want to get fancey fill in the remaining (front and back) with aluminum checker plate, that would look really cool
I was thinking the same thing when I saw pics of it mounted. I only own one magnet it was 7.00 and its the smallest they make :banghead it doesnt hold anything square for me but the biggest one is like 36.00 here.

looks dayum nice beater

[B]hey Beater, in your opener you mention 1.5" .2 wall, was this correct? Sorry, anal me again....I would have to check the metal place on-line, but I don't recall seeing a .2 wall....typo perhaps, missing the .120?

My bad. I even typed it in Word first. I blame spell check. :toothless

Edited the top post

Nice job. If those were mine, I would finish it off by cutting a piece of mild steel checker plate to fill in the centre section (where you step). If you really want to get fancey fill in the remaining (front and back) with aluminum checker plate, that would look really cool

That sounds good but in reality it would end up full of dirt and stuff and never get cleaned out. Then my bro would see the dirt and stuff and use it as an ash tray and all the other smokers on the trail would laugh then do the same. Then I would step in the Beater and wonder what that smell was as the butt that stuck to my shoe was burning another hole in my carpet. I would end up using the fire estinguisher to put it out and have to buy another one. :toothless :rofl:

I disagree, 90beater. You know checker plate is simply a plate with a raised rough surface right? I don't think it would be hard to clean and it wont track any more dirt in your truck than the way it is now. But, it is your truck, and it does look good the way it is. Besides if you ever change your mind it can be done then.

You got me thinking of maybe taking off my nerf bars and installing something similar this spring. If I do, I'll show you exactly what I mean. :thumbup

You got me thinking of maybe taking off my nerf bars and installing something similar this spring.

That's a good idea. If you don't you'll eventually do this.
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/209432/fullsize/DSCN2128.JPG

Which leads to this.
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/226278/fullsize/Out%20with%20the%20old.JPG

And ulimately this, which is where I should have started in the first place. It sort of pissed me off when I realized that after my sliders were all said and done the whole project still cost less than buying those damn NERF bars. What a waste those things were. Oh well.
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/226284/fullsize/DSCN2342.JPG

I know what you mean, the nerf bars on my last bronco didn't hold up too well either. I notice we both damaged the one on the pas side. :toothless

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/255252/thumbnail/last%20bronco,%20bad%20day%207.jpg (http://www.supermotors.org/vehicles/registry/showmedia.php?id=255252&original=1)

My current bronco had the nerf bars on it already. I don't off road like I used to so most of my projects are slow to get started.

can you e mail me the plans to make a set for my 89 bronco.
thanks mark
markmarley_1@msn.com

OK Waltman, I thought you meant to inset them. On top would be OK but slippery when wet. I was originally going to use exruted(sp) steel. It would give a good grip plus make a good boot cleaner on those muddy days.

1989bronco. I didn't make any plans but I guess I can draw something up.

I got all 16 holes drilled and all bolts nuts on and tightened. My arms and back are sore and my head hurts from bumping it more than once but they are on and done. It's Miller Time! :drinkbud

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_017.jpg

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_016.jpg

I like them the way they are. I wouldnt want to add any more unneccesary weight with the flat stock. Just throw some replaceable grip tape on there and be done with it.

Those look sweet, good job... They look awefully similar to my set up... My dog slipped jumping the the truck one day and almost broke his leg (slipped through the space in the slider) so I slapped some diamond plate on the top of mine....

looks really good.:thumbup

came out real nice...

:toothless i bought four of those magnets from harbor freight when they were $1.99
I use the four I had so much, I bought four more last weekend ... when they were on sale for $2 each. :toothless

I never use my magnets. I only have two. I find it more of a pain than anything else, you have to keep knocking it around to line up your plate with your mark. But several months ago I came across these magnets that essentially have an on off switch on them. They aren't quite as strong as the other magnets but if you have to square up a lot of plates, it is the way to go. They are a little pricey, but I think are well worth it.

those are hella cool man, if you do throw up some plans, I seriously wouldn't mind some measurements sent my way. In the pricess of planning up some for my lady's bko. Serioualy looks sharp man. BTW, I put skateboard tape on my comp guns, little heat really helps them to stay on there well even with heavy use. Through some on the wheel wells of my dad's trailers, big difference.

ill give you measurements....take your tape measure and measure how long you want them between the wheelwells. measure from the frame to how far you want them to stick out past the body. and I beleive the tube sizes where already posted..... there you go, easy enough. if your capable of fabricating these on your own you should be able to figure out the measurements to build them

The reason I made this post is to show off what I can do now that I have the tools to fab up my own stuff.

For those of you that have asked and have the ability to fab up your own set of sliders I will send you a link of a graphic to the measurements I used to create my sliders. I know Dustin makes a living by building and selling them and I mean no disrespect to him so I will not post it here. If you like them and have the ability to build you own PM me and I will send you the link, I have no intention on building any more at this time so if you want the same style built for you contact Dustin and I’m sure he can build them to your specifications.

actually I dont make a living from building stuff, I do it on the side for fun and a little extra cash. well i was living off it for a while when i was between jobs but thats another story.

I dont mind if you give them out, they are your design and feel free to distrubite how you see fit. sorry if my post made you feel like I was trying to stop you from doing that. its not, it just irritates me that people always ask for measurements and "plans" I dont know about you but I dont make offical "plans" when I build something. I have notes but thats about it. It just bothers me people ask for plans an measurements so they can build a set. Well if you capable of making them should you be capable of figuring out the measurements yourself??? serouisly! Now if it was something a little more complicated I could see it, but on something as simple as sliders??

I have to agree with dustin, plans are okay and everything, but depending on kerfs of blades, types of cutting tools, etc, plans will only get you "close". Sliders, (no insult intended here) are not tough to make, but definately make a good first project with a welder.

.... there you go, easy enough. if your capable of fabricating these on your own you should be able to figure out the measurements to build them

i've been sitting here wondering why people don't just measure there own.... these are soooo simple.... it's not like measureing moving suspesion parts and discussing it.... and it's all right angles.... pull out your damn tape measure:whiteflag

:stupid

i've been sitting here wondering why people don't just measure there own.... these are soooo simple.... it's not like measureing moving suspesion parts and discussing it.... and it's all right angles.... pull out your damn tape measure:whiteflag

You gotta pull out your tape to measure the metal anyways:histerica

those look real good

actually I dont make a living from building stuff, I do it on the side for fun and a little extra cash. well i was living off it for a while when i was between jobs but thats another story.

That’s cool, I knew you were in between jobs at one point recently I didn't know your current status. Glad you found somewhere else. I just didn't want to step on any toes.

I looked at pics of how others made them and I got a brief look at a set of yours, then with the idea in my head I picked up the steel that was discounted but in the size range I was looking for. When I got home I measured between fenders and started cutting away. The only plans I had were in my head.

If it will help someone get an idea from where to start I was willing to spend an hour or so drawing up the dimensions I ended up with. I can see where if you got asked it a lot or for every project it could get annoying.

Only thing I can see wanting dimentions for is H-150's sheet metal break, not really dimentions but the thickness of the metal, its not on a bronco, just a table so you have no relative points. I mean hello if a pair of sliders goes from wheel well to wheel well you can see how long it is in a pic.

I mean hello if a pair of shoes goes on sale....
You're such a metro :goodfinge

^^^ Dammit^^^:goodfinge

You're such a metro :goodfinge


you feel the heat off that BURN?:whip
ace

90 Beater those look good I like em.

I have a set like Dave's bronc 90 designed (pic below). What do you guys recomend for steel thickness and changes that could be made to make them stronger. I am designing these a little bit early and I hope to be building and installing them this summer.

thanks
Adam

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/283410/fullsize/sliders.jpg

use poop pipe :goodfinge

90 Beater those look good I like em.

I have a set like Dave's bronc 90 designed (pic below). What do you guys recomend for steel thickness and changes that could be made to make them stronger. I am designing these a little bit early and I hope to be building and installing them this summer.

thanks
Adam

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/283410/fullsize/sliders.jpg


Damn nice looking drawings there, somebody is a lot better at CAD than I am. Your pics look better than the pic I had in my head when I was building them. I used 2" square tube with 1/4" wall thickness for the square tube parts and 1 3/4" with .120" wall DOM for the round part. Had Carolina Rock Shop bend the bent parts for me and fabbed the rest myself.

OK so here is the drawing I made. If you make them off this plan post a pic so I can see them.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_sliders_018.jpg

NICE PIC! If anyone has trouble building them now....
90Beater, why was (G) 1/2" longer than F? Was your frame out of whack, or were you just going for a look?

I have no idea. It might be where I placed my forward arms, but I measured it many times and both sides were the same. I kept thinking that the frame should be strait to the body but apperently on the 90 it's not.

In the forward area the frame tilts up (why I used the magnet farm) so I assume it also narrows at that point. Visually you can't see it but you can definately tell by measuring it.

One thing I didn't meantion is I had to make a cut on the front fender mounting brackets and bend them in on each side to get the sliders to fit under the rocker panels.

yes the frames well more of the body not the frame are totally out of wack. After I wheel mine each time the slider clearance from the body changes on each side. maybe that has something to do with the trails Im on and most of the body panals not lining up anymore?

yes the frames well more of the body not the frame are totally out of wack. After I wheel mine each time the slider clearance from the body changes on each side. maybe that has something to do with the trails Im on and most of the body panals not lining up anymore?

I've noticed this too. But for sure, when first installing the slider, the front arms on my needed to be just a hair longer, both sides. Unless folks don't care about exactness, really if they get your piece kit in the mail, when they go to weld everthing up, that's the time to carefully measure the frame out for the legs, and cut/adjust your legs before welding.

Well if you capable of making them should you be capable of figuring out the measurements yourself??? serouisly!:rockon very true.

Jar 73186....Most everyone is using either .120 round tube or square. Now, you can do .188, and it's what I was actually wanting, but that was harder to find, would have likely been much more fun for David to bend, and of course heavier. I have seen the .120 bend (Crazed has bent his in one spot). You can't go wrong with the .120 tube. Many sliders are only using two small "legs" between the outboard "push off" bar, and the actual slider under the body. Again your choice, but the more little pieces you add, the more time consuming it is to build. Under the body, many simply use 2x2 or 2x3 .25" rectangular tube. I wanted a slightly lower profile, and so went with some 1.5 x 3" rectangular, however, you can't get that in .25 only .120. I've seen several legs designs, ending with .25" feet attached to the frame, and I'm a fan of bolting here.

yes there is a .5" differnce between the front of the frame and the rear of the frame where the sliders mount.

and like was said you can bend the .120 wall tube but it takes a HARD hit. Ive bent mine but only ever so slightly. its not even noticable for the most part. to do this I took a extermly hard hit(bone jaring, gave me a headache, wtf type hits) Im talking the whole truck coming down on one slider and this is all that happned.

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/283539/fullsize/PA110076.JPG
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/283540/fullsize/PA110078.JPG

.....why was (G) 1/2" longer than F?


Because the frame is narrower at the front. It tapers in right around the body mount, just forward of the door. Go look, and you will see what I mean.

Damn nice looking drawings there, somebody is a lot better at CAD than I am. Your pics look better than the pic I had in my head when I was building them. I used 2" square tube with 1/4" wall thickness for the square tube parts and 1 3/4" with .120" wall DOM for the round part. Had Carolina Rock Shop bend the bent parts for me and fabbed the rest myself.

Thats what I needed to know. If you ever need help with CAD just PM me I use it enough that I can get around and do some crazy things with it. I still need to finish make rough drawings of my front and rear bumper.

Adam

Do these really work as a step? By looking at the pictures, its hard to belive that they would hold up by just two brackets onto the frame. I'd like make make some for my f-150 so I probably wont have a problem encountering the ebrake. I might make another for the bed part of each side.

They work just fine. I step on them each time I get in the Bronco. I've alo had the entire weight of the bronco on them with a high lift jack. What more do you need. ;)

They work just fine. I step on them each time I get in the Bronco. I've alo had the entire weight of the bronco on them with a high lift jack. What more do you need. ;)

Same here...I use them as a jack point also.

i wish mine were beefier than 120 wall, like 154 or 188, cause mine are dented to shit. Havent torn them yet tho,

i wish mine were beefier than 120 wall, like 154 or 188, cause mine are dented to shit. Havent torn them yet tho,

its cause your hardcore yo

good enough for me


its on my to-do list after my bumper!

I just got 48 feet of 1.5 inch 3/16 square tubing, and the plate mounts/endcaps delivered to my house. 150 bucks.

I wish I had looked at it before it came. That stuff is TINY!!! The pictures make it look so much bigger.

Tiny but strong like bull.

You should be able to bash the crap out of your ride and not have to worry about your rockers now.