[enkeivette]

I think I discovered the reason they don't make a class 2 for the Neon.

I was wondering if the 1/8 really wouldn't be thick enough, so I wanted to see how thick the Neon 'frame' was in comparison... it's only about 1/16 thick, no joke. Hahaha. I can't even weld on it without burning holes in it!

Anyways, I stil plan to plate the tubing and gusset it. I have the basic shape made, and I cut off the edge of the bumper mount brackets to make it fit. So to make sure it doesn't rip right through the frame rails, not only am I going to bolt it to the frame but also to the bumper. So it has a lot more to grab on to and it is better able to spread out the load. I may have the cut into the bumper to get some bolts to hang though there though :/ Which would mean almost definitely having to take the bumper cover off.

[enkeivette]

I've been welding all seams on both sides, wherever possible.




These gussets are just tacked on obviously, didn't have time to finish today.



I'm also going to gusset the rear of the receiver tube on the back.

[94cobra69ss396]

The design looks good. Is it just the picture or is the main bar bent?

[enkeivette]

It is bent! Haha, noticed that today. I guess I got it too hot!

[enkeivette]

I put it on the kitchen table to see how bent it was, and it's not bent at all. I guess it's just an optical illusion since it has the receiver tube and bracing on one side.

[enkeivette]

All done, I predrilled the mounting bolt holes and the receiver stud/ coder pin hole. But I grabbed the wrong 1/2" to finish it off. I'll open up the holes and paint it this weekend.

I decided not to plate it. If the frame is only an 1/8 thick (the 1/16 steel doubles up where the mounting bolts are), I don't see the reason to make the receiver thicker than 1/8.

Took this pic before I started drilling. I decided rather than bolt it to the bumper, which involves removing the bumper cover to drill for access holes, I'm just going to weld the freakin thing right to the bumper. I'll put a couple 6" length roll of dimes on it after it's installed. It sits right up on the bumper, so it'll be easy.

[Leedom]

Lookin' good Adam. Nice job.

[enkeivette]

Thanks dog. PS, I cut everything with an angle grinder. Hahaha.

[94cobra69ss396]

Originally Posted by enkeivette

Thanks dog. PS, I cut everything with an angle grinder. Hahaha.

Isn't that the way you're supposed to do it?

[enkeivette]

Originally Posted by 94cobra69ss396

Isn't that the way you're supposed to do it?

Are you joking?

I used to cut metal pieces with a table saw and a 10" metal blade. Nice clean cuts, no fuss. Till my saw died.