Help me choose a front bumper

[xplore.offroad]

Little bit late to the party but I have a CO bumper on my 3rd gen. The recovery points, as Keith mentioned, are silly, but the parts fit together like a Lego set. Seriously, I didn't even get a tape measure out (you should probably get a tape measure out).

Literally tacking it up right now !!!

Turns out , welding is super simple....but laying down a good clean bead and making sure parts fit flush, now that’s a whole other skill entirely !

@eimkeith turns out the recovery shackle holes are double stacked 3/16" steel. Will that be sufficient ? twice as thick as I thought it was gonna be originally based on photos.

I'll take some closer photos tomorrow + put on a test shackle .

 

[xplore.offroad]

@eimkeith pretty sure I answered my own question with this one .... definitely needs at least 2x the thickness.

These shackle holes are too tiny.

Here’s a SmittyBilt 3/4” shackle

 

[Dezert4Runner]

@eimkeith pretty sure I answered my own question with this one .... definitely needs at least 2x the thickness.

These shackle holes are too tiny.

Here’s a SmittyBilt 3/4” shackle View attachment 9956View attachment 9955View attachment 9957

Such a weird design for the shackle mounts, and it seems like they really could use some weld washers to strengthen/ widen/ clean things up on this design.

 

[AssBurns]

Such a weird design for the shackle mounts, and it seems like they really could use some weld washers to strengthen/ widen/ clean things up on this design.

Either weld washers or a piece of tube. Weld washers would be better, but does anyone actually make 1" weld washers?

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Either weld washers or a piece of tube. Weld washers would be better, but does anyone actually make 1" weld washers?

Yeah I think you’re into something. I only see 3/4” ID readily available. I’m sure the piece tube makes more sense if there’s no off the shelf options for the washers.

 

[AssBurns]

Yeah I think you’re into something. I only see 3/4” ID readily available. I’m sure the piece tube makes more sense if there’s no off the shelf options for the washers.

Worst case is he can just weld in some thick 1" washers. Those can be found at local hardware stores pretty easy. Not as ideal or pretty looking, but it's a hell of a lot better than doing nothing.

 

[xplore.offroad]

Worst case is he can just weld in some thick 1" washers. Those can be found at local hardware stores pretty easy. Not as ideal or pretty looking, but it's a hell of a lot better than doing nothing.

Taking the tube approach.

Gonna be at the hardware store tomorrow and find something that fits nicely.

Wanna get it all done prior to laying down the rest of the welds

 

[xplore.offroad]

 

[AssBurns]

Taking the tube approach.

Gonna be at the hardware store tomorrow and find something that fits nicely.

Wanna get it all done prior to laying down the rest of the welds

Other than the shitty shackle points, the bumper looks pretty damn good. Great approach angle compared to other bumpers I’ve seen.

 

[Dukestaco]

View attachment 9986

How good are the instructions. Have the front rear and sliders in the cart waiting to buy. Had to deal with some family medical stuff so on hold for now.

Looks really good.

 

[thezentree]

How good are the instructions. Have the front rear and sliders in the cart waiting to buy. Had to deal with some family medical stuff so on hold for now.

Looks really good.

They're pretty good. If you email CO he'll send you a pdf copy.

 

[WrenchnWheel]

View attachment 9986

Looks damn good brotha. A grinder and paint make me the welder I ain't, remember that.

 

[eimkeith]

View attachment 9986

do those filler pieces under the headlights just sit on top of the bumper?

 

[xplore.offroad]

How good are the instructions. Have the front rear and sliders in the cart waiting to buy. Had to deal with some family medical stuff so on hold for now..

Instructions and pictures are actually WAY better than I expected them to be!!!

If you've ever assembled IKEA furniture before, you can follow these instructions. They also include 3D models from different views which helps, plus numbered pieces in instructions.

I got both the front bumper + skids. Gonna finishing up the skids today and flap disc the crap out of everything !

do those filler pieces under the headlights just sit on top of the bumper?

Yeah the headlight filler plates just sit up top, just gotta line them up nicely with the headlight curve and tack it in place.

 

[James C]

Looking good!

 

[xplore.offroad]

Flap disc to the rescue

 

[AssBurns]

Flap disc to the rescue

View attachment 10061

Fill those small holes then hit those corners with a DA sander, and it’ll paint up real nicely.

 

[xplore.offroad]

Almost ready to paint and I have an idea....

What if I paint the front bumper bronze to match the wheels ?

Found this : https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...ronze-Protective-Spray-Paint-313142/300472133

It would definitely be a unique look, as I've never seen anyone with a bronze bumper (let alone on a GX)





Got the idea from this Jeep, I think it looks awesome.

 

[Dukestaco]

Almost ready to paint and I have an idea....

What if I paint the front bumper bronze to match the wheels ?

Found this : https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...ronze-Protective-Spray-Paint-313142/300472133

It would definitely be a unique look, as I've never seen anyone with a bronze bumper (let alone on a GX)

View attachment 10395

View attachment 10339

Got the idea from this Jeep, I think it looks awesome.

View attachment 10425

Yeah!








NO! Never ever ever copy keep things. Satin black. It will keep that baby looking good. The bronze will be to much in my opinion.

 

[Itaro]

Color matched bumper screams “icanzmallzcrawlznowz”

But what the hell do I know, mine is color matched.



Because my truck is black