Exo-skel?
 

I am fresh into the Hummer world. I just bought my first Hummer last week and have been searching quite a bit on some custom projects.

First thing I am wanting to tackle is an Exo-skeleton with an integrated roof rack made out of 4130 chromoly steel.
1 3/4" .120" wall is probably my choice I will make the exo out of.
I have a Baileigh RDB 050 tube bender and a diversion 180 TIG and ready to build as soon as funds allow.

Has anyone built something like this? pics? I have not found any exo-skeleton H2's

Unless you can take the exo off and send it to heat treat (find a big enough facility to heat treat that) post welding, it is not worth making out of Chromoly. Standard DOM tubing will be more than sufficient.

I was worried about the extra 40% of weight from the Mild Steel over the chromoly. But it looks like Mild steel will have to do.
Chomoly isnt suffecient enough due to how flexible it is you think?

Serge did what you are talking about. Don't think he is on this forum though.

I'll have to keep an eye out for him. Thanks

I attached a picture but if you google image search "hamster hummer h2" you will see a bunch more.

It is by far one of my favorite hummer h2's.

alright 3rd attempt at a post... keep clicking off of it and lose all my stuff. I plan to make one this coming summer for my h2. i dont have a bender or welder or anything yet but plan to get them to do this stuff next year.

imo 1.75" OD tube is too big, i plan to use a 1.25 or 1.5" OD scd 40 to make one this next summer. you can get just as good of strength out of the smaller tube and it will be lighter by comparison to a 1.75. plus that is a big pipe and imo would look out of place.

I plan to get all my 45s, 90s, and 30 degree bends done elsewhere if i dont have a bender this summer. i will drill holes in them for bolting bungs in. I can then buy straight sections and cut them as needed for lengths and bolt those to the angles and bungs. this will allow them to come apart easily for changing if they bend. i would never hard weld a frame on it. im sure you would not do that either.

i am looking for a solid works model of an h2 right now so i can design one to my liking. I am a design engineer by trade so i have access to solid works and a way to make prints for building. if i can get it all mocked up how i want, i can have it built by anyone. a frame that will bolt together would be easy to have made.

just my .02 though,
steve

Exo cage H2 SUV

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/a...8&d=1257723707

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...1/exocage1.jpg

Google Image Result for http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa383/mb30sdl/Exo%2520cage/IMG_0617.jpg

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_1062.jpg

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_1066.jpg

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_1028.jpg

Searched

exo cage h2 on google for the pics above. there are more on there that i didnt post.

I plan to do something like this one
http://www.hummerxclub.com/forum/dow...e.php?id=12134

i want to do the grille guard, rack with lights, and the sides with the 1.25.

i wont use it as a real cage though most likely. my h2 doesnt see that much off road to where it needs a full cage. mine would be more for looks since it is my collection car and not an off road only rig.

steve

Will be awaiting your build thread... Love innovation..

Right down the road from you Blindell. Sent you a message to your profile.

I replied. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Thanks Steve for all the info and pictures! Its helpful for sure.
I like some parts of the exo's that you posted. I plan on doing my build for the exo/roof rack towards the end of winter.
I think I'll be sticking to 1 5/8" tubing due to me already having the die and saving $300.
Ill keep you updated when this will all start to happen.

Thanks for the info and the picture! Ill be checking it out