Got it done (mostly) after countless hours of hard work. Still think I'm going to make the skid part angled down "V" shape, fix the kinks in the light hoop, maybe a lower bar that goes across under the expanded metal and some light tabs for a led bar.
Tools/equipment used/total price:
Hobart Stickmate LX - 1/8" 6010, 3/32" 7018 rods.
Hobart EZ 125 fluxcore - .030" wire.
Harbor Freight pipe "kinker".
Dewalt 4.5" grinder.
Chop saw.
Total cost (metal, rods, wire and paint) right around $100 even.
Not to bad for $100 and only about 20 hours of work. And it's SOLID, already lifted the front up off the ground from the top bar on the side of the bumper.