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The stock rear bumper on the '73 was bent, and among other things dented the tailgate a little by having the tailgate rest on rubber bumpers on the bumper when opened.
Since I had to remove the bumper anyhow to install a receiver hitch I acquired from Mark Young (EagleMark) while at the BinderBash a year before, I thought it was time to whip up another rear bumper.
The first thing I noticed after pulling the bumper was that the rear crossmember (like almost every Scout out there) was cracked.
I welded up the cracks, then cut the round access holes out until they had a flat bottom flush with the top of the frame.
I cut out the holes so some 1.5x1.5x.188 square tube could be put inside the frame and bolted down tight to the frame.
Then some 2x4x.120 was test fit.
I marked where the stock holes in the frame were so I could drill out the 1.5, then I welded nuts inside.
Here's how I weld the nuts in place..
See the small hole for a plug-weld?
It also helps that the nuts barely fit inside some 1x1 square tube after I file down a two corners.
The squares then slide inside the 1.5 and get plug welded in place.
The rear most bolts are 3/4" diameter, so the nuts welded directly into the 1.5 tube. To make access easier for the welding operation, a 45'd the ends.
I also added gussets.
You'll also note I added a 2.5" receiver tube (for 2" stock) to the center, and angle cut the ends of the 2x4 tube.
For kicks, I welded this left over piece of 3/8" flat bar to the back of the bumper, which I then drilled and tapped for a 1/4" NPT fitting in case I wanted to use the bumper as an air tank.
More gussets, and the ends are capped. Ends were capped with 2x1/8" flat, which was welded on, then hammer-bent around the corner to make the entire end-cap one piece.
One more test fit before painting.
And then installed.
Photo Gallery
For those wondering about that stock receiver hitch - you use square U-bolts at the front to go around the frame.