Jimny recovery, or how do i find a fabricator?

lifechooser

I need to attach some sort of recovery points to my Jimny, but I'm yet to find something that is easy to do, cheap, and looks good.

The nearest I have found it this;
http://www.bigjimny.com/index.php?option=com_co...ars&Itemid=54

Ignoring the winch, the two shackles protruding through the bumper look fantastic and are exactly the sort of thing I need.

However, I'm a metalwork newbie and would rather leave the manufacture of something like this to an expert. I'm such a newbie, I don't even know where to find an expert, work out whether I can afford the mod, or see if there is a better cheaper way to do this.

I've looked up fabricators in the yellow pages, and they all seem to make wrought iron gates, or balconies. Would the same people be willing to do this, or do I need to find a garage. If it's a garage, then how would I find one that is handy enough with a welder? Does anyone want to guess a price for this sort of work?

Has anyone seen a neater, cheaper or easier solution? All I need is a couple of recovery points, without having to swap out the bumper.

Thanks.

Baz2236 · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:24 am Post subject:

I got some Jate Rings for a Land rover mounted through the chassis for my Jimny and use them they are strong enough to pull my mates 90 out of a muddy hole.

lifechooser · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:42 am Post subject:

Do you have a photo, and does the bumper get in the way?

parrotveasey81 · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:51 pm Post subject:

you have pm

Nathaniel · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 10:31 pm Post subject:

this would be an easy soloution for you

http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/index.php?act=...&productId=14

BUT I do not know if it will fit a jimny.

mcjimny · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 11:29 pm Post subject:

lifechooser · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:19 am Post subject:

Meanwhile, I guess it's back to plan A.

I want to have this rigged up for next time I off-road, so the clock is ticking. I can't believe that there isn't a bolt on solution anywhere Sad

lifechooser · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:30 am Post subject:

Another thought.

I've found a picture of a bumperless jimny here - http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb38/spoofer2888/jimnybump.jpg

And it looks different to the first picture I posted. The protruding bit isn't there. Is that because someone has chopped it off, or is it a part of the bumper and not the chassis, and just bolts on?

mlines · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:55 am Post subject:

I have a bolt on soution prototype for the rear of standard bumper jimnys that enables a jate ring to be fitted. I am just waiting for the prototype to be tested. We already know that the prototype is a too tight fit due to some heat bending effects during the welding so the prototype is going to need installing with a hammer. I am awaiting Jason to come over and have it fitted.

Martin

lifechooser · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:02 am Post subject:

Let me know if you want me to pop round. I'm not so far away.

dodewalker · Guest

Hi, this is not a good picture, & its not really good as a recovery point.
But as a tempory measure you can use the tie down points for recovery.

Put a smaller shackle through the standard tie down points on the jimny, (i wrap some inner bike tube around the shackle to stop it ratteling.)
then you can get a bigger shackle onto this.
(only as a temporary measure incase of requiring recovery, best get a permanent towing point tho.)

do it at both sides, & only do recovery using a 'bridle'
this fixes at both sides of the vehicle.
Towing out on one side only can damage the chassis legs.

This is for a 'gentle tow out' or being winched out,
NOT for a 'snatch recovery' & watch out for your bumper.
george

below, what the front of the chassis leg look like, before they get altered/modified to take a winch bumper.

lifechooser · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:24 am Post subject:

I think i'd have to take my bumper off to look, but those chassis rails seem to have 3 bolt holes which I assume are used to mount the bumper.

If the bumper attachment points were drilled through, then could those bolts be used to hold a plate with a recovery point attached?

I still think the best way has to be to attach something to those rails, and drill a hole in the bumper to access them.

dodewalker · Guest

The only strongish point is the end of the chassis rails which normally get chopped off.
Dont rely on any of the other metal as being strong, its not.
Its not difficult for someone with knowledge of the structure to weld suitable points on.
I would get to bothered about this quite yet.
Hopefull you are not getting yourself too far stuck. And if you are, you will be getting pulled out backwards probably.

As i said before, use a 'Bridle' to spread the forces.
Its easy to twist a chassis.

Here is the shackles on the tie down points, more suited to using to tie your dogs lead to than yanking a jimny out of mud.
But as i said previously, for carefull towing out they do.
george

ooky_123 · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:07 am Post subject:

I am looking to get up and see Martin in Reading very soon .. in the mean time, I use bow shackles on the standard points. These have prooved just as useful for recovery via a duplex strap slung between the two shackles.
I have been recovered from mud up to my sills on many occasion by these points with no issues what so ever.

I would like a more solid point, but for now, the standard points will do (I donot use Kinetic Energy ropes for recovery), all recoverys have been done using 4 meter straps as the Jimny is light weight enough to be hauled out

Rich. · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject:

sainter4x4 · Just got MTs Joined: 07 Jan 2009 Odometer: 103

first of all nice phto rich duno where u got that pic from good car though heard it is very capable

2nd of all i would never use the tie down points as on my last jimny thay were the only recovery point and i was able to get it stuck and when it got pulled out it riped the hanger off and toor the chasis

G187EEV · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:04 pm Post subject:

^ the blue Jimny above used to be mine... One of my very early cages and bumpers... The cage was built and fitted to another Jimny before it ended up on that one...

Nice to see it's still about...

Rob

Rich. · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:27 pm Post subject:

Yer, i hear it breaks alot though? Smile

For anyone reading, sainter4x4 is the mate i was talking about and the owner of the blue jimny above.

Wow, that jimny has really got about like Smile

Rich

G187EEV · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:04 am Post subject:

Rich. · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:10 am Post subject:

Yer, hes fitted harder springs now, as the Pro-comp's were too soft really and it was terrible on road.

Rich

Henry. · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 5:08 pm Post subject:

Is this any good?

http://www.offroad-armory.com/jimny.html

greenjimny · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject:

here's the front of mine, picture taken behind the stock bumper, i've trimmed the bumper more since then
grind off the old tie down points. 10mm plate cut and drill hole.
get someone good with a welder and get it welded in good and proper. a few beer tokens should sort it. was trying to snatch a disco out a few week ago, these didnt budge at all, niether did the disco

the only problem is they a bit low so when you;re over the axels in sticky stuff its a bit tricky attaching the shackle
you can just see them on the second pocking down under the bumper

lifechooser · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:17 pm Post subject:

That looks good, nice and simple. Do you ever leave a shackle on there permanently? I guess it wouldn't cause any problems.

dodewalker · Guest

Little people with sticky fingers steal shackles in the dark, when they are left fixed to vehicles in the street.

I usually use a thick zip tie to hold the shackle in place to stop it rattling/jangling
& a smaller but strong one to secure the pin in place.
these are easy to cut off if you need to.
you know whats holding it on.

The zip tie will break if you need to use the shackle anyway.
Underneath the car, if you are leaving the shackle on, you can also use some fuse wire or what ever just to wrap around its fixture position.

This sometimes keeps the little sh*ts under there just a minute more till you get your boot up their jacksy.

One you have had a couple of shackles pinched, you will probably start putting them on, just before going off-road. much cheaper.
george

greenjimny · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject:

yes basically what he sez.
they get nicked too easy so only fix them on when offroading. you could leave them on while offroading but you still need to get down and dirty to attach the straps

lifechooser · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:51 am Post subject:

Yes, I should've been clearer. I meant while offroading. If I attached a strap and tied it to my roof bars while offroading, would I cause any damage if I tried to drive the attachment point through a slope? But now I think about it, it's no different in location to what I have as standard.

dodewalker · Guest

Sorry not meaning to be cheeky, but its kind of obvious.

If you scrape a webbing strap or rope etc between metal & the ground/rock etc.
You are liable to damage/weaken it. Making it unsafe to use.

Keep it out the way & it should be ok.
Loads of people keep there recovery strap etc fitted, so its quick and easy to get towed out of water mud etc.

Just dont have the attachment in a vulnrable possition for damage.
george

an example on someone elses jimny.

lifechooser · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:55 am Post subject:

Gotcha. I have much to learn. I'll probably attach the strap before entering mud/water, and remove it for the hilly stuff. Thanks for the advice guys.

dodewalker · Guest

Have fun.
You really shouldnt need to worry too much about getting stuck.
Just go out & learn to read the ground etc & take things slowly or at a safe speed.
Nothing indestructable,so drive to enjoy, not wreck your vehicle.

On the wading front.
Remember your air intake is in the drivers side wheel arch.
Dont go wading without having dealt with this.
Bringing your intake up higher with a snorkle or similar.
Seal up the airbox. (allow air intake tho, just not water)
Get shot of the paper air filter for one that will not disintigrate at the first sign of wet.
Water proof electrics etc.

Remember water will/can enter your rear brakes/hubs,axles etc.
These are not all problems, just things that need dealt with to safe you damage & expense.
george

spoofer · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 10:56 pm Post subject: