Front Bumper, Broken Tab, Best Repair?

[rp2000r]

2012 Pro, Hit a tree, bumper support tab broke of on clutch side.
Was hoping to weld the cast aluminium but due to heat/glue may not be a good idea..

It would be aewsome if I could just go with a aftermarket bumper and bypass the tab.

I searched and saw others with the same issue but didn't see much about repairing..

Any advice is appreciated.
Ryan

 

[Schwing]

The bmfab front bumper doesnt use the factory mounting tabs it mounts to the lower bolts for the over structure. A lot stronger and cheaper then buying a new over structure

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[2Quickrides]

Already looked at that myself, might do it as just a preventive thing, just going to make a bracket to connect from the factory tab location to the outer bolts. Easy enough and can be made out of aluminum or stainless.

Just added insurance, or in your case, a solution.

 

[mountainhorse]

The VanAmberg bumper would alllow you to mount it directly to the structure bolts.

Plus it is a must more robust bumper... and will protect your sled better.


.

 

[jakey-boy]

I've heard that entire upper assembly where the bumper attaches isn't that expensive and shouldn't be too hard to change... I would check on that as an option.

 

[yamymod]

I just broke my tab today and was searching for more info. Surely there are more people with issues. Are there other fixes for this?

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[FCR112]

I've heard that entire upper assembly where the bumper attaches isn't that expensive and shouldn't be too hard to change... I would check on that as an option.

The over structure is easy to change and under $200 if you use the aluminum option (stock on a 12) however you could easily have the same problem with your next hit if you stick with the stock bumper attachment style which some aftermarket options use too. And a couple hundred bucks for a tab is questionable to me.

I had it happen on my 12 and glued my original piece back on with the factory lords and it actually worked well. Could lift the front end of the sled by the front bumper with no issues.

That being my experience I completely agree the bracket to the additional attachment point the over structure uses is the best "solution."

The stock front bumper is a one hit wonder and the tab is the next part in line to give.

 

[philsummers21]

I bought a BM Fab bumper after my 2 little tabs broke.

 

[BigTree]

Had the clutch side tab break on mine. Set the welder to hot and welded it back on. I've hit a few trees, another sled and lifted off it multiple times! So far so good!

 

[volcano buster]

Had the clutch side tab break on mine. Set the welder to hot and welded it back on. I've hit a few trees, another sled and lifted off it multiple times (just to test it)! So far so good!

Good to know.

 

[FCR112]

Had the clutch side tab break on mine. Set the welder to hot and welded it back on. I've hit a few trees, another sled and lifted off it multiple times! So far so good!

That is interesting,

My aluminum welder guy said he wouldn't weld it because he thought it had about a 50% chance of holding due to the pot metal used and wasn't sure how the heat soak would affect the joint.

But hey if it works, it works. Good on you.

 

[Boston Racing]

The only way I would tig it would be to remove the joint, weld it then glue back together.

 

[BigTree]

Doing it the way Boston says is much much better and I can't really blame the welder you took it too for saying no. He knows it won't be perfect and up to his standards and doesn't want you badmouthing him when it breaks as it is definitely weaker than stock now. I'm surprised it has lasted this long for me personally, but so far so good.