Ok, this is both a question and a statement. I am wondering how feasible it would be to fabricate custom bumpers for the Renegade. As a welder, building a bumper is nothing all that weird, but some vehicles simply are not conducive to it. I see the bumper kits from Daystar and Madness, but has anyone really looked at the possibility of fabricating a whole replacement bumper, both front and rear? I would be interested in hearing opinions on this and also if there are any other welders running Renegades out there, maybe we could work together (even long distance) on a design. My vision is something sleek but solid with guards all the way out to the corners and a built in winch mount for the front. The rear would be similar, but would have an integral receiver hitch. Both would likely get cutouts for LED auxiliary lighting and shackle brackets. They would need to have approach and departure, skid plates as well. I am also thinking 1/8" steel? Problems that I am seeing are overall weight, mounting points, air bag sensors, and changing performance characteristics of the vehicle (making it sluggish in handling). Thanks in advance for any feedback. I am new to the forum and new to a Renegade, but I am loving both already!
I would like to see something that essentially retains the front bumper cover as low as the body-color part, perhaps trimming-up the ends where it curves down outside of the turn signals, but replaces the plastic lower portion. For the Trailhawks it would be nice if this either had a compartment internally for a winch that allowed one to bolt to the structural bumper inside, or else replaces the structural bumper and the outer cover and includes the internal winch. For the TH models it would be nice if such a bumper came with a new skidplate that was designed to better protect the exhaust and to facilitate easier access to the oil filter and drain. Right now it's kind of a pain to do an oil change, and I say that as someone with a lift to help make the job easier. Fifteen fasteners for just the skidplate is a little silly. In the back, a similar thing, where the rear bumper cover and the plastic fender well extensions are replaced with something that leaves more clearance for departure angle.
I would defiantly be interested in something like this Sent from my iPhone using ToasterJeep mobile app
I believe there is structure behind that portion. You would have to remove and replace with the mount....just haven't taken the time to remove the bumper to inspect Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using ToasterJeep mobile app
What I may do, once I get started working on mine next month, is to use foam core board to build a mock-up. Once I get the basic shape and dimensions, it's pretty easy to "trim" it however you like. I would need more information on the structure beneath the bumper cover to determine how to mount it and also need more info on the airbag sensors. Maybe someone with some tech on it can give us some feedback in these areas.
Here is where I found that picture. They are located in Ukraine. I have tried emailing with no luck in the past to inquire more about the winch mount. The email fails and is returned. There are more pictures available at this site. http://www.moparaksesuar.com/urun/renegade-master-off-road-kiti-2/
I think that's a Ukranian car dealership. They call it something like "Renegade Off Road Project by Master" but I can't find any details on who the actual builder is. I'd looked up some pictures of the under-the-bumper structure from the junkyards on car-part.com and it looks like the steel bumper that's under the cover would have to be replaced with something else in order to mount a winch. The actual factory steel bumper is too close to the cover to fit a winch. Problem is, replacing the factory bumper will undoubtedly affect its crash worthiness. It's one thing to add more to the front in front of the factory structural bumper, but this change would probably weaken it rather than strengthen it.
I have been toying with this idea since I got my Renegade. I don't have a big enough shop to put my Jeep in so I have been waiting for spring before tearing into the front end. I was getting ready to order daystar winch mount than read it wasn't for trailhawk.... I would love to see some pictures of what was under the plastic if anyone has any yet.
Ive been waiting for metal bumpers since I got my Trailhawk. I know the weight will be an issue if made from steel, and aluminum wouldn't be structural so it wouldn't be able to hold the winch mechanism/mount. Perhaps a winch mounted inside, and then just an aesthetic lighter weight metal bumper to help with approach angle and protect the body, etc.?
