So I got a bug in my butt a while back and decided I wanted to replace my front bumper. But with what? I didn't like the Plate bumpers because most of them look to big, bulky and heavy on the front of a 4Runner and the Baja-Style bumpers look to unfinished because they expose to much of the rough frame work that is not meant to be seen under the fancy sheet metal and plastic covering. Then I found the concept while surfing this site. I have to give credit to JacksonRally. He cute off the bottom half of his bumper and fabbed up his own bumper. I loved the look so I decided to pursue his design.
So here we start with a perfectly fine functioning front end designed by very talented Toyota employees.
I pull out the angle grinder, tin snips and other assorted tools and begin the demolition process. Removed the fog light. Taped and straight line on the bumper with painters tape to guide my cute and went at it. Watch out! That bumper plastic is molten hot after it has been cut. Have a few scares to prove it. Oh, and my wife came out at least two times during the process to inform me that I'm an idiot. She just didn't understand my vision!
Now I have a truck with half a bumper and no welding skills so I need to find a fabricator and prep the truck for a new bumper install. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted the bumper to look like.
One small project I had to take care of was relocating the windshield washer reservoir. I could have just painted the white parts that stick way down low black but I wanted things to look clean. So I found this kit on Amazon and fabbed a bracket for it.
http://www.amazon.com/ACI-99300-Wind...sher+reservoir
I finally settle on Brad at HotMetalFab in Sacramento and we worked up a design for the bumper. Now that I knew what it would cost I had to save some money and get my wife used to the idea that it was necessary. That means I bought her some jewelry and other gifts.
Last weekend Brad made my bumper. Yesterday and today I finished it with a coat of primer and then Rustoleum Bed Liner.
I'm very happy with the final product! Now I'm on to installing UCA's, Rock Sliders and a new Roof Rack. Then I'll be done. HAHAHAHA! Yeah! Right!
Today
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