[cooperhw]

No, "I don't plan to weld to the pumpkin". It could be done by a very skilled welder following a strict pattern after heating the entire pumpkin, and slowly cooling it down, etc. but not by me. I was just looking at the option.
I will probably be installing a crossmember and pointing the bars inward to where they intersect (imaginary lines) near the front bumper.
I have not ruled out the parallel bars and panhard yet either. Should have something in place by tomorrow evening.