DeMello Gauging interest in an Aluminum front bumper

[jdemello]

We received a lot of positive feed back at the Overland expo recently and a lot of request for a aluminum version of our steel front bumper.

We wanted to extend that here and see how many people would be interested in a aluminum version of our bumper.



Here is the aluminum Tacoma bumper as reference.

 

[broken wrench]

I talked to Tim I think it was at jambo about this. He said you were already thinking about it and to give you time to catch up on stock. So you have a buyer here , I need to go with my sliders I just out on.

 

[Engineer]

While I am firmly in love with my current SSS Hybrid bumper I have always thought you nailed the full front bumper the best of all. Offer it in Alu. and if I ever make the switch it would almost certainly be that direction.

 

[Off-choader]

I'm not buying a bumper for a while but when I do it will be an aluminum

 

[mwray8909]

Yes I'm very interested with a 3 hoop

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[MNT4R]

Yes please! But if you do, please make sure that it fits a 2010 to 2013. Can't wait!


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[jwkilgore]

Cost, looks, strength, weight, ground clearance, functionality (high-lift points, shackle points, light mounts, etc.) and winch access are all factors. Everybody puts different weights on each factor. So far no manufacturer has hit all the points for me. Some excel in some aspects but flunk others.

The biggest problem I see with your 5th Gen 4Runner bumpers is winch access. Clearing a snarl by reaching in through those holes in the side would be a huge pain, IMO. Note that I've only seen pictures and never in real life.

 

[jerad]

Id definitely be interested in an aluminum version, love the 3 loop. Can you make a matching rear? I like the heafty rear, but won't buy it due to the latching design using pins.

 

[jdemello]

Cost, looks, strength, weight, ground clearance, functionality (high-lift points, shackle points, light mounts, etc.) and winch access are all factors. Everybody puts different weights on each factor. So far no manufacturer has hit all the points for me. Some excel in some aspects but flunk others.

The biggest problem I see with your 5th Gen 4Runner bumpers is winch access. Clearing a snarl by reaching in through those holes in the side would be a huge pain, IMO. Note that I've only seen pictures and never in real life.

It's tough to give good access but still keep it secure from weather as well as sticky fingers and trouble makers. The holes offer enough space to get in there. The only real thing you have to do on most winches is it let free spool or lock it. Most are remote controlled now so plugging in a controller isn't much of an issue for most.

We have gone back on some models and made more access points but currently their isn't much room on this bumper. The winch sits behind the grill mostly so more access would be hard.
thanks for the input.

 

[Dravur]

I am interested when I get my bumper for my new 4Runner. I had the Rally bumper on my FJ and it was great. Jason makes good stuff.

Even though he has never made a bumper for my Tundra.

 

[trapshot68]

Though not in the market for one at the moment (but eventually), yes.

Got your sliders and super happy. Even went to your shop to pick them up and have them installed. Would love to buy more stuff from your company.

 

[mrblah]

Im definitely interested in a aluminum bumper and the lack of options is what has stopped me from purchasing a bumper.

Now if you can make it like your old bumper/shockworks where you use a filler plate below the headlights it would be much nicer than cutting half the OEM bumper cover.

 

[Jaydub514]

Personally I have two requirements for a full front bumper, and I think others may share this sentiment-

1. Aluminum
2. No cutting of the front cover!

I know during your first version those headlight fillers turned out to be a nightmare, but other companies have nailed that contour pretty spot on since then.

I feel like if you guys could fulfill those two requirements, and keep the trademark DO style- you'd see a ton of interest!

 

[Dravur]

I don't think there is any way at all not to have to cut the bumper. Otherwise, you are just making a metal front face, and that would be pretty weird looking.

 

[sn_85]

I don't think there is any way at all not to have to cut the bumper. Otherwise, you are just making a metal front face, and that would be pretty weird looking.

I thought Pelfrey's and MetalTech's bumpers were no cut. The Pelfrey comes in aluminum and is pretty nice looking IMO.

To OP, I don't have plans for a bumper for right now but when I get one it will definitely be aluminum.

 

[Jaydub514]

I don't think there is any way at all not to have to cut the bumper. Otherwise, you are just making a metal front face, and that would be pretty weird looking.

Th original design was no cut, with the fillers under the headlights. Also, a few different companies make a full front that doesn't require cutting and look pretty good.

 

[Leucifer]

A single hoop in aluminum would definitely make my short list. I'm not keen on the 3-hoop, just a personal taste thing. Bumpers are definitely a thing where I think the weight-savings of aluminum make sense.

 

[jdemello]

Im definitely interested in a aluminum bumper and the lack of options is what has stopped me from purchasing a bumper.

Now if you can make it like your old bumper/shockworks where you use a filler plate below the headlights it would be much nicer than cutting half the OEM bumper cover.

Personally I have two requirements for a full front bumper, and I think others may share this sentiment-

1. Aluminum
2. No cutting of the front cover!

I know during your first version those headlight fillers turned out to be a nightmare, but other companies have nailed that contour pretty spot on since then.

I feel like if you guys could fulfill those two requirements, and keep the trademark DO style- you'd see a ton of interest!

Ahhh the fill plate. The short answer is we have been working with another company to make a fiberglass fill plate, also maybe offered in carbon for those that want to the best.

We have never seen a fill plate that looked "perfect" or even close to the factory plastic that's been cut. Not knocking another companies choice to do a all metal no cut bumper, but the more we see 4runners and the more that go off road. We feel comfortable with our choice not to do a "no cut" bumper. We just don't see the need to add the weight along with the potential for metal to head light and fender contact.

Everyone knows the body on frame late model SUV's and Trucks move a lot independently of each other. we like having that soft plastic as a buffer between a heavy steel bumper and a set of very nice headlights or fenders.

The other issue is cost. a fill plate will always need to be painted to match the body color, adding cost to an already expensive add on.

That being said, we are working on the fiberglass replacement piece for those that don't want to cut.

A single hoop in aluminum would definitely make my short list. I'm not keen on the 3-hoop, just a personal taste thing. Bumpers are definitely a thing where I think the weight-savings of aluminum make sense.

Aluminum makes sense for a lot of people, as long as it's in the right application. We feel aluminum is best suited for the "overlanding" style of off road. Less rock crawling and more camping and light off road. Aluminum is also expensive to do right so we are tipping our toes into the water verses jumping in

 

[Leucifer]

Aluminum makes sense for a lot of people, as long as it's in the right application. We feel aluminum is best suited for the "overlanding" style of off road. Less rock crawling and more camping and light off road. Aluminum is also expensive to do right so we are tipping our toes into the water verses jumping in

I'd be inclined to agree on the overlanding v rock crawling debate. For overlanding, the upgrade is insurance for those less-likely "oh shit" scenarios. For rock crawling, raw strength is going to be the key.

That is true. Al is not cheap to work on or work with (unless doing really small projects and fabrication). Last I checked, for Ford dealerships to upfit their service shops to do body work for the newer F-150's, there's a $100k + overhead to get equipped.

In any case, looking forward to seeing what you guys offer up! Thanks for sharing and asking for feedback!

 

[jdemello]

I'd be inclined to agree on the overlanding v rock crawling debate. For overlanding, the upgrade is insurance for those less-likely "oh shit" scenarios. For rock crawling, raw strength is going to be the key.

That is true. Al is not cheap to work on or work with (unless doing really small projects and fabrication). Last I checked, for Ford dealerships to upfit their service shops to do body work for the newer F-150's, there's a $100k + overhead to get equipped.

In any case, looking forward to seeing what you guys offer up! Thanks for sharing and asking for feedback!

We've already been making aluminum bumpers for FJ's for a while. We learned a lot. We learned enough to know not to go to quick with releasing new versions of it.