Who wants a plate bumper?

[Kyle Reese]

Nice.
I am in the market for a rear bumper w/ tire carrier, hi lift jack bracket, and rotopax.

I personally would like to see a lower profile version of our stock bumpers. A side step cut on driver / pass, square baja led reverse / work lights....and possible winch mount for the rear. (Trailer hitch of course too)

same with me except for the rotopax

 

[pluton]

Personally, I'd be interested in something that was a chunk cheaper than an ARB($800). Otherwise, the ARB will be OK.

 

[Killswitch]

I would definitely be interested. I've been checking out both Schrockworks and CBI and I like both. Also like the swing out spare carrier. I'm interested to see what you come up with!

 

[kolelt]

Definitely interested also. Would like see to a clean low profile front bumper with winch mount and a rear clean low profile/tire carrier.

 

[814runner]

Interested, would be dependent on weight and price.

Ditto

 

[masson74]

Props for doing it yourself. However once you build one complete, i think you will find that what other companies charge is not unfair whatsoever once you take in to account the material, labor, packing, shipping, etc etc that goes into producing them.

I've seen and personally been a part of that mindset and seen what it actually takes to fabricate bumpers that will fit and arrive in one piece when shipped across the country and bolted to a different vehicle than you built it on.

Either way, i wish you luck in the endeavor.

EXACTLY what I was thinking.

 

[zachmik0]

I'd like to see this w/ D rings and a sturdy platform for a winch. the pic of the rear is nice. I'd be interested in any thing you build though too!

 

[Bijan]

Maybe you can send me pics of some of the things youd like to see? As far as a winch mount for rear...would using the hitch mount work? or would you want to mount a winch back there like on the front? Lights on the back are a great idea and will be in the works. Lower profile so as to not scrape when wheeling?

Stock bumper in picture 1:

CBI bumper in picture 2:

If you can make that less bulky, and more slim line + able to have accessories...you're golden.

Only issues would be fitment tests for all models.

Picture 3: 2nd gen bumper...
This is ultimately what I personally would like to see for a 3rd gen rear plate bumper (w/ accessories)

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

You should so try and do one in aluminum it would be so interesting

Sure but 1 u have the cool factor and 2 heck I'm not going to kiss rocks with it but I was thinking weight reduction.

 

[lhoy12]

I'm interested in a rear bumper with a solid tow hitch. How quickly will you be able to build out bumpers? Seems like the biggest complaint here is that fab work is quoted at 6-8 weeks out for delivery, but real delivery time turns into 4-6 months. Don't get me wrong, I understand you cannot rush perfection, but I also don't believe it's good business to take on more than one can handle. Have you thought long term about how to deal with rapid growth of your business if you pump out great bumpers at a decent price? I'm excited to see what you come up with!

 

[A.Wilson013]

OP- I can start a new account on a forum and talk about all of these great things I can do/plan to do, all my experience, etc.

However, all of that is pointless without.....................

PICTURES!!!

Let's see what you've done in the past.

 

[wake_rider]

I must say that I've never been a fan of the ARB bumper because it's just so... chunky. However, that modified picture of it is, IMO, the best looking plate bumper I've seen on a 3rd Gen. Nice work. If you could mimic that at a reasonable price, I'd definitely be interested.

Couple that with a reasonably streamlined plate rear with a solid hitch receiver and tire swingout, at a price south of 1k, and you would have a hoard of followers throwing funds at you.

I'm really interested to see what you come up with! If nothing else, the conversation will get good in here.

 

[jasonochs25]

WOW! Go to work and this blows up! Thats great! Everyone keeps saying "cant wait to see what you come up with", but as I stated before, most of these bumpers look the same, with subtle changes here and there. It WILL be different, but to what degree, I can't say.

Some of you have mentioned weight reduction. That comes at a price, and I dont mean money. I mean it would involve using thinner materials and such. I was going to do mine out of 14gauge, but that might be too light for some of you folks that "really get into off-roading" it's going to take some time to find what people really want. Heavier duty bumpers are going to cost more and weigh more due to material being used, but I really think 14 Ga. will satisfy "most" of us. I saw a build on here where the guy used 3/6" plate...12 ga is around .109" 3/16" is .187" 14 ga is .083". Of course the winch mount and box would be a lot thicker

 

[jasonochs25]

I live just south of you in Granbury and might be interested depending on what you come up with. I have been drooling over the CBI hybrid front / rear bumpers. They look clean and do not weigh much. IMO weight is a front issue with bumpers - especially on DDs.

Pm me and we can figure something out. I am going to need a newer 3rd gen for fitment...and maybe an extra hand can get you a bumper!

 

[jasonochs25]

OP- I can start a new account on a forum and talk about all of these great things I can do/plan to do, all my experience, etc.

However, all of that is pointless without.....................

PICTURES!!!

Let's see what you've done in the past.

I guess a persons ideas and word isn't what it used to be any more. I'll dig some pics up if I can find any.

BTW, I'm not trying to get rich, or even start a business doing this...I just dont see paying 2000-2500 for a front and rear bumper that I can do in my garage...and help a few others out if they want one as well.

 

[jasonochs25]

I'm interested in a rear bumper with a solid tow hitch. How quickly will you be able to build out bumpers? Seems like the biggest complaint here is that fab work is quoted at 6-8 weeks out for delivery, but real delivery time turns into 4-6 months. Don't get me wrong, I understand you cannot rush perfection, but I also don't believe it's good business to take on more than one can handle. Have you thought long term about how to deal with rapid growth of your business if you pump out great bumpers at a decent price? I'm excited to see what you come up with!

Turn around time is a tough one. I'm not doing this to get rich or start a business doing it, but, with that being said, I dont think it would be hard to do one bumper every evening when I get off work. Once I get some fixtures set up, another table, etc. I was going to flame cut the parts for mine...but its looking like I may get the parts either laser or plasma cut from my old employer to get things going faster. Like I said, once I get a fixture, they'll go pretty quick. I wont be making promises on times until I get logistics of the whole picture figured out.

 

[GhostRing]

If you do get your fixtures/jigs dialed in, don't forget the DIY kit crowd...
plenty of us can weld, but don't always have the time to fab a bumper from scratch.

 

[jasonochs25]

If you do get your fixtures/jigs dialed in, don't forget the DIY kit crowd...
plenty of us can weld, but don't always have the time to fab a bumper from scratch.

Very true! But, I have to start! Great idea though. Thats kind of my problem...I really dont have time to fab one from scratch! I'm hoping that the time im off for the holidays will give me enough time to get a good design that everyone will like and get one together. Then fixtures, then ...GO!

 

[MTD]

I hear ya! and thanks! One thing about me...I have such a hard time putting a price on ME! Meaning I seem to never put labor into the mix. I do a LOT of welding and favors for people for free. Its just me. I still think I can do one for less than 1200 bucks though LOL.

Shipping is going to be hell. They'll have to be crated and shipped via truck, which isnt cheap. Youre also right about the fitment. MY 97 might be the same year as YOUR 97, but things dont always work that way...holes are off, different trim levels, etc.

Regarding that aspect...I'd hope that people will see that these are made by hand and that there may be discrepancies, but many will not, and, in turn, throw a fit.

Thank you for your response! The idea isnt dead, but youve giving me a few things to think about!

Have you seen 4xinnovations or Addicted offroad, they would be closer to $900 mark shipped, maybe less. I have a hard time believing you can beat that at a low volume.

Good luck with your build though! I am sure its gonna be neat no matter what!

 

[jasonochs25]

Have you seen 4xinnovations or Addicted offroad, they would be closer to $900 mark shipped, maybe less. I have a hard time believing you can beat that at a low volume.

See thats just it. Youre looking at 100 bucks for material, and thats pushing it! Youre saying it cant be done for way under 900? wheres that other 800 going? in someones pocket (minus an hour of welding and shipping)