Is that you, "Bolt Face" ??????

[Runs With Scissors]

So there I am, sweating like a “Whore in church” trying to get my Rhino unstuck from a snow drift while trying to get out on the ice to slay some Perch.

Well after about 3 hours of digging-pulling-tugging and such, we finally get her out.

So I decide I’m too old for this sh1t…..I need a winch.

One problem is that the Rhino does not have a good/strong point to mount a winch to the front, so I need to make a “bracket” that will accept a standard 2” receiver, so I can use the winch on the front OR the back.


Well don’t just stand there “switching thumbs” man……Lets get to it.


So I throw it up on the hoist……..(BTW for anyone considering putting a hoist in….just do it man….you wont regret it )

Then I access the area I think will be the “strongest” and begin to formulate my ‘plan”.

These lower bolts look pretty big, and I decide to incorporate them into my design.

The vertical holes on these "upright supports” will serve as some sort of “cross beam” attach points.

So its off to the Alro “metal store”……( My new favorite store, cause the “scrap pile” is getting low)

I make a “bee line” for the “clearance sale” section, cause at $1 per pound, it’s just too hard for me to pass up.

I am envisioning, a horizontal piece being bolted in place with a 2” receiver “poking out” like this

This way I can use the winch in the front, or the rear if needed.


Well my first problem is how the hell am I going to access/use those “big bolts”. The “clearance section” only had 1/4 inch x 1.5 x 3’ rectangluar tube, so thats what I’m using.

(Yes, ….I am fully aware that this tube is going to be “stupid overkill strong” for this application…..but as the saying goes…."money talks, BS walks” )

So I decide to mill some “access slots” for the bolt holes, and the plan is to weld the tube shut, then drill matching holes for those existing vertcal holes and use a piece of “all thread” to secure it horizontally.


Off to the Chi-Com mill…….


I take some careful measurments, then mark up the tube.

Then after a few passes, I run upstairs and grab a socket to make sure it will pass through the slot.

Then I flip it over and drill/mill the holes…..I go a little oversized to allow for some “slop” in my measurements

I have found, over the years, that trying to be too exact can be a "lesson in futility"

 

[Hugo Habicht]

Hmmm.... is it possible you forgot a "subtle detail" in your story?

Looking forward seeing the end result !

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Looking good so far…….

Now I "test fit” it……..

Its a little tight, but it seems like it fits well.

I cut a section of the 2” tube, drill the hole and chamfer it a wee bit, in preparation of a “full weld"

I was going to just weld it on, but I figured I best “test install/uninstall” it, so I decide to “tack on “ the receiver part and try to remove it.

MAN, am I glad I did not weld it right off the bat. it turns out to be a “smidge” too long to get in/out.

Now I’m feeling “all proud” of myself for not being stupid and just welding it in place.



Now it’s time to get creative with the Horizontal Bandsaw and grinder.

But WAIT…………Nothing is ever that easy.

Apparently those Chi-Com switch's only last about 30-35 years

So after counsulting my "OSHA safety manual"

It’s decided to Hotwire that bitch…………So just like that movie “Gone in 60 seconds"

Houston……..we have ignition…...

Looks good and now it fits like a glove………...

 

[jimh406]

Looks like a fun project. I went the easy way for a combined Warn winch/snow plow mount for my Polaris Ranger. Just short of 9 years and still going with some bending/straightening required for the plow mount "ears". Yeah, I was plowing a bit too fast.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Hmmm.... is it possible you forgot a "subtle detail" in your story?

View attachment 170240

Looking forward seeing the end result !

Hahaha….nope.

Thats from working on the car.

 

[McMXi]

@Runs With Scissors , very interesting project for sure. I might be a bit slow here but is the idea that the rope or cable will run backwards under the Rhino for a rear pull?

When I read the title of the thread I thought it was going to be another firearms discussion.

 

[skeets]

Mama that man has a booboo, can he have a cookie?
Nice build so far! And the lift, yeah that would be a real trip but some genius didn't take they in to account when he built the pole barn, I cant call it a garage because they will raise the taxes on it

 

[Lil Foot]

Sorry, can't seem to find any detailed pics:

 

[Lil Foot]

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Now it’s off to the CNC Plasma cutter to knock out the “end caps” from a plate of “mystery metal"

Now for the “fun part”……..TIG WELDING!!!!!!!!


I clearly need some practice, but it’s dosen’t go too bad.

It’s not NASA quality, but it should be “Rhino good-nuff"

Sadly though…..The welds need to be “ground down” to make it fit…….

Well now it’s time for another “test fit”, and I decide to bolt her in place before I try to locate and drill the Vertical holes.

She’s looking pretty good, so I am stoked.

Now here is where things get “scary”……While I was putting it in, I “slightly boogered-up” the first thread (or2?)…….

Now normally this would not present a problem, however; I don’t have a damn 12 x 1.25 tap.

I started this project at “Zero Dark’Thirty” cause I could not sleep, so the only place that is open at 0600 is Home Depot…….So I quickly “calculate the odds” that HD will have a tap this size, and even though the odds are way, way, way against me…..What do I have to lose?


So I drive over, and walk in, wearing my “homeless guy apparel” and walk over to the “tool section”…...

As soon as I do, I hear a voice from behind me, and the following evolves…………..

Bolt Face: (BF from here on out): Can I help you?

Paul turns around, and BAM!!!!!!!

I am instantly greeted by this lovely creature……(not actual pic….but damn close )



I sh1t you not…..She scared the F__k out of me……….(I visibly stepped back, reaching for my side)……..

Luckily, I caught myself before anything happened, and I quickly regained my “bearing”…...

I stammered for a second, then asked her(?)

Paul: Where do you keep your taps?

BF: This way…..

She politely walks me over and shows me the “abysmal selection” of taps (certainly not her fault though)

Then curiously asks me what I am working on…...

Paul: A Yamaha Rhino…..

BF: Oh well, you see our taps will not work for automotive work…..They are too soft. See you need special “Automotive taps”….They are labeled 11.8 not 8.8. Blah…blah…..blah…..

So she begins to explain to me basically how wrong I am…….But the really crazy part is that I get the feeling she is doing it with the best intentions…….I mean the way she was politely explaining herself was, well…a little endearing…..

I took a breath, and as I was about to give her a “tongue lashing” about how wrong she was about EVERYTHING!!!!…… “it" happened…...

Just like the “Grinch” I smiled and felt my heart grow 3 sizes, and at that second, I decided to just “smile like a jackass” and say things like…..

“Oh really?” and

“I had no idea”

I think I even threw in a …..”tell me more”……...

She was so full of shit, that she could not have been more wrong, about more things, in a shorter amount of time……But at least she was trying I guess…….

After about 4 minutes of listening to her “drivel”, I decided to just say “Thank you for the information” and walked away smiling/laughing/crying/shaking my head…….

Needless to say……There is reason “mail order” is taking the place of "Brick and Mortor” stores…….So I will have to continue this story, cause I had to take it back up north for a planned fishing trip…..

To Be Continued.

 

[Lil Foot]

Similar installation but on Lil Foot:


Neither has to be particularly strong, as they are both relatively light vehicles.
Lil Foot weighs a lot more than the Rhino, and has pulled out maybe 2 dozen vehicles, some full size.
All aluminum winch mount/bumper.
It is only attached with (4) grade 8 5/16-24 bolts, and it has never moved.
YMMV.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

@Runs With Scissors , very interesting project for sure. I might be a bit slow here but is the idea that the rope or cable will run backwards under the Rhino for a rear pull?

When I read the title of the thread I thought it was going to be another firearms discussion.

No, I decided to mount the winch so that I can use it on the front or back, by disconnecting it from the receiver like a trailer hitch ball mount.

See below above for “Bolt face” reference though

 

[McMXi]

No, I decided to mount the winch so that I can use it on the front or back, by disconnecting it from the receiver like a trailer hitch ball mount.

See below for “Bolt face” reference though

OK ... now I'm up to speed. I have receivers front and rear on my F-250 but don't have a winch to move back and forth. I have a fixed Ramsey winch on my Jeep but really should get a winch to use with the F-250, F-450 and gooseneck trailer. Another item to add to the wish list I suppose.

 

[GeoHorn]

I’ll never understand the level of self-abasement amongst those who deface themselves thusly.

(Is it that they fear others so greatly …that they deliberately make themselves repugnant…so-as to ward-off others?)

That degree of psy-disorder evokes a wary response from me, and I avoid such people entirely. There’s nothing to gain from any association with them, IMO.

I would be inclined to assist them but doubt they’d be interested, so I don’t and avoid them completely.

(I know. It’s perhaps a failing of my own.)

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Mama that man has a booboo, can he have a cookie?
Nice build so far! And the lift, yeah that would be a real trip but some genius didn't take they in to account when he built the pole barn, I cant call it a garage because they will raise the taxes on it

I can’t claim any “intelectual high ground” either……The hoist was an after-thought.

Actually, when I built the house, I was a practicing “professional mechanic”, so there was no need for a hoist…..I had plenty of access to hoists.

So when I built the house, the "upper part” of the garage was just storage.

When I was no longer a “professional mechanic” I wanted a hoist, so I had to “Re-Engineer/reinforce” the joists, cut out the ceiling, and re-drywall it.

You should have seen the look on my wifes face when she pulled up and the garage ceiling……. was on the floor (and me with a Sawz-All in my hand )…….hahahahahhaha…Classic

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

My first sxs was a Rhino 660 and still going strong! those motors are built proof.

for our winches we went with Yamahas mounting plate. Kolpin sells similar. Good on you though for going custom. Here is diagram on how yamha / kolpin knock off tackle the project.

 

[jyoutz]

I’ll never understand the level of self-abasement amongst those who deface themselves thusly.

(Is it that they fear others so greatly …that they deliberately make themselves repugnant…so-as to ward-off others?)

That degree of psy-disorder evokes a wary response from me, and I avoid such people entirely. There’s nothing to gain from any association with them, IMO.

I would be inclined to assist them but doubt they’d be interested, so I don’t and avoid them completely.

(I know. It’s perhaps a failing of my own.)

She looks like she had a terrible accident in an Ace Hardware store.

 

[skeets]

I can’t claim any “intelectual high ground” either……The hoist was an after-thought.

Actually, when I built the house, I was a practicing “professional mechanic”, so there was no need for a hoist…..I had plenty of access to hoists.

So when I built the house, the "upper part” of the garage was just storage.

When I was no longer a “professional mechanic” I wanted a hoist, so I had to “Re-Engineer/reinforce” the joists, cut out the ceiling, and re-drywall it.

You should have seen the look on my wifes face when she pulled up and the garage ceiling……. was on the floor (and me with a Sawz-All in my hand )…….hahahahahhaha…Classic

Im sure if she is anything like mine was a simple ahhh shyt here we go again

 

[skeets]

Now it’s off to the CNC Plasma cutter to knock out the “end caps” from a plate of “mystery metal"

View attachment 170263



Now for the “fun part”……..TIG WELDING!!!!!!!!


I clearly need some practice, but it’s dosen’t go too bad.

It’s not NASA quality, but it should be “Rhino good-nuff"
View attachment 170265
View attachment 170266

Sadly though…..The welds need to be “ground down” to make it fit…….

View attachment 170267



Well now it’s time for another “test fit”, and I decide to bolt her in place before I try to locate and drill the Vertical holes.

View attachment 170268
View attachment 170269


She’s looking pretty good, so I am stoked.

Now here is where things get “scary”……While I was putting it in, I “slightly boogered-up” the first thread (or2?)…….

Now normally this would not present a problem, however; I don’t have a damn 12 x 1.25 tap.

I started this project at “Zero Dark’Thirty” cause I could not sleep, so the only place that is open at 0600 is Home Depot…….So I quickly “calculate the odds” that HD will have a tap this size, and even though the odds are way, way, way against me…..What do I have to lose?


So I drive over, and walk in, wearing my “homeless guy apparel” and walk over to the “tool section”…...

As soon as I do, I hear a voice from behind me, and the following evolves…………..

Bolt Face: (BF from here on out): Can I help you?

Paul turns around, and BAM!!!!!!!

View attachment 170271

I am instantly greeted by this lovely creature……(not actual pic….but damn close )



I sh1t you not…..She scared the F__k out of me……….(I visibly stepped back, reaching for my side)……..

Luckily, I caught myself before anything happened, and I quickly regained my “bearing”…...

I stammered for a second, then asked her(?)

Paul: Where do you keep your taps?

BF: This way…..

She politely walks me over and shows me the “abysmal selection” of taps (certainly not her fault though)

Then curiously asks me what I am working on…...

Paul: A Yamaha Rhino…..

BF: Oh well, you see our taps will not work for automotive work…..They are too soft. See you need special “Automotive taps”….They are labeled 11.8 not 8.8. Blah…blah…..blah…..

So she begins to explain to me basically how wrong I am…….But the really crazy part is that I get the feeling she is doing it with the best intentions…….I mean the way she was politely explaining herself was, well…a little endearing…..

I took a breath, and as I was about to give her a “tongue lashing” about how wrong she was about EVERYTHING!!!!…… “it" happened…...

Just like the “Grinch” I smiled and felt my heart grow 3 sizes, and at that second, I decided to just “smile like a jackass” and say things like…..

“Oh really?” and

“I had no idea”

I think I even threw in a …..”tell me more”……...

She was so full of shit, that she could not have been more wrong, about more things, in a shorter amount of time……But at least she was trying I guess…….

After about 4 minutes of listening to her “drivel”, I decided to just say “Thank you for the information” and walked away smiling/laughing/crying/shaking my head…….

Needless to say……There is reason “mail order” is taking the place of "Brick and Mortor” stores…….So I will have to continue this story, cause I had to take it back up north for a planned fishing trip…..

To Be Continued.

View attachment 170280

All I can say is it is a dmn good thing you live so far away, cause I dont want to drive through the big D unless I have too,, I have clan there so you know I know

 

[Lil Foot]

My first sxs was a Rhino 660 and still going strong! those motors are built proof.

for our winches we went with Yamahas mounting plate. Kolpin sells similar. Good on you though for going custom. Here is diagram on how yamha / kolpin knock off tackle the project.

View attachment 170293

I used that same (or very similar) plate when mounting mine.