MetalTech front bumper!

CreeperSleeper · 11-19-07, 05:10 PM

After talking with LT at MetalTech for a couple months about a front bumper, we finally got it done. I’m not planning on running a front winch on my rig, so we bobbed the frame to mount the bumper as close as possible. Everything turned out exactly how I wanted. I couldn’t be happier! Thanks again, MetalTech!

Please let me (and MetalTech) know what you think. If the response is good, they may be using this basic design, but making it bolt-on and adding a winch cradle! I think it would make an awesome production piece for people who want a better approach angle than an ARB, but still have the strength…

AKcruiserfreak · 11-19-07, 05:14 PM

That thing is very nice! Do you have a figure on the price? It looks lighter than an ARB. I might have to sell my ARB if they make a winch cradle tough enough (and big enough) for my M12000.

TK

CreeperSleeper · 11-19-07, 05:18 PM

Mine was built on the truck, so I have no idea about weight. However, I will bet my left nut it's lighter than an ARB!

No idea on price yet for a production bumper, we need to see if you guys want it first! As for the M12000, I'm sure that can be accomplished...

jfz80 · 11-19-07, 05:32 PM

Nice, very nice! of course you guys would break this one out the day i order my ARB after a year of looking for a used one. I like that nice minimalistic approach, although id still want a winch up front.

edit: looking again it seems you could place the winch box low ( like _/ in profile ) and plate from that existing crossmember piece up to the first tube, main crossbar, in prototype. This looks to be enough depth for winch and surface area for a fairlead/hawse. In addition i would like to see plate inside the side triangles as well giving more full appearance in front elevation. Again three thumbs up for the effort

CreeperSleeper · 11-19-07, 05:37 PM

That's why the production bumper would have an optional winch mount. I, personally, didn't want one.

chibo · 11-19-07, 06:20 PM

I want that.

Wrench · 11-19-07, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

That's why the production bumper would have an optional winch mount. I, personally, didn't want one.

Why would you not want a winch?

It could save your ass!

FJason80 · 11-19-07, 08:24 PM

Love it! That looks great, and doesn't look overly beefy. Awesome job!

mxtaco48 · 11-19-07, 08:26 PM

I would buy it if the price is right

CreeperSleeper · 11-20-07, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrench

Why would you not want a winch?

It could save your ass!

Okay, I don't want a winch mounted in the front...

CreeperSleeper · 11-20-07, 11:09 AM

Good to see some positive response on the bumper! I will let MetalTech know and see if we can get them into production.

C6H12O6 · 11-20-07, 11:10 AM

Very nice. Those rock shots were Lil' Rubicon, no? Looks like a totally different experience when it's dry.

I've seen the bumper in person. Very cool. It is almost nice enough to draw attention away from the rest of the truck.

CreeperSleeper · 11-20-07, 11:48 AM

Yep, Lil Rubi...

Walking Eagle · 11-20-07, 11:57 AM

nice to see more are embracing the stinger style - though I'm wondering where the a/c drier would be if you had one in the stock location.l

Nay · 11-20-07, 12:10 PM

The concept is excellent. Light weight and the strength of tube protection.

Remind you of this one? I like the small stinger that gets just above hood. You can always see exactly how far you are to hitting that parking lot street lamp

BTW, the M12000 won't fit between the frame rails, so you can't design a tucked up bumper like this with a 12K winch.

CreeperSleeper · 11-20-07, 12:30 PM

I didn't figure it would sit between the frame rails... I'm sure it can sit on top! Like I said, mine would be a resemblance to the styling. I wanted mine tucked way back. As for the stock A/C drier, the production bumper would be built to protect that. The bottom tube on the wings will look more like the one on Eric V's old 80...

fowldarr · 11-20-07, 12:34 PM

I'm not a big fan of the big stingers, but I like the concept. If the price was right, I"m sure they'd sell

PandaEG2 · 11-20-07, 12:39 PM

NICE!!!

Walking Eagle · 11-20-07, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fowldarr

I'm not a big fan of the big stingers, but I like the concept. If the price was right, I"m sure they'd sell

in my best AC/DC.....

He's got a big stinger, she's got a big stinger, But I've got the biggest stinger of them all!

C6H12O6 · 11-20-07, 02:28 PM

I'm picturing you in a schoolboy outfit hopping around your office playing air guitar.

Eeewwww...

CreeperSleeper · 11-20-07, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C6H12O6

I'm picturing you in a schoolboy outfit hopping around your office playing air guitar.

Eeewwww...

ROFLAO!!!

Nay · 11-20-07, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

I didn't figure it would sit between the frame rails... I'm sure it can sit on top! Like I said, mine would be a resemblance to the styling. I wanted mine tucked way back. As for the stock A/C drier, the production bumper would be built to protect that. The bottom tube on the wings will look more like the one on Eric V's old 80...

How do you keep the bumper tucked up nice and tight with a big winch up top of the frame rails? The bumpers on the market that are built to increase clearance are all rated for the smaller winches purely from a fitment perspective. This includes the FOR bumper above (which isn't really "on the market"), and the Slee shortbus bumper.

In any case, I think the market here isn't about the M12000. If you are an M12000 guy then you aren't prioritizing stripping weight, adding every millimeter of clearance possible, and designing more around rock crawling, and those priorities are what will sell a well designed tube bumper over the ability to fit a huge 150 lb winch.

I think a production version should come with a winch plate because 80 owners are nuts about winches. For the smaller winches that can fit between the frame rails you can produce a winch bumper with clearance that is improved over stock without adding any material pre-winch weight.

There is a good market for this - 80's are already too heavy, and bumpers like ARB tend to be relatively weak on the wings in order to keep weight manageable (and they are still heavy) whereas a tube bumper can handle impact/deflection without damage to a much higher degree without the need for excessive weight.

I'd like to ultimately see a version for people who have relocated their AC dryer into the engine compartment (or just ditched the AC system), but that will most likely be a local custom build for me.

Bring it to market - it will sell.

CreeperSleeper · 11-20-07, 03:31 PM

Good thought process, Nay... I'm not 100% sure how Mark will end up doing it.

Nay · 11-20-07, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

Good thought process, Nay... I'm not 100% sure how Mark will end up doing it.

When he's done and it's selling, the same idea applies for the rear

Low weight, improved clearance including a tire carrier, reasonable side protection...it's all there just waiting to be put out on the market.

Lots of guys looking to add strength without compromising weight while maximizing clearance. No reason you couldn't keep an integrated high clearance hitch for towing in the process, and tube keeps the production costs down.

This entire segment of the market is missing today.

11-19-07, 05:14 PM	#2
AKcruiserfreak IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Pole, Ak Posts: 560	That thing is very nice! Do you have a figure on the price? It looks lighter than an ARB. I might have to sell my ARB if they make a winch cradle tough enough (and big enough) for my M12000. TK __________________ 1971 FJ-40 2" shackle lift, 33" BFG,PTO winch, lots o' miles, con fer roof rack, safety yellow, weber 38dgas 1973 FJ-40 parts rig with a 350. 1993 FZJ-80 110k, cdl switch, 7-pin mod, new ecu, ARB/Warn12k, Wild Country TXR 285's,Astrostart autostart, 1" Slee spacers.

11-19-07, 05:32 PM	#4
jfz80 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: la punta alto TLCA# 16634 Posts: 1,420	Nice, very nice! of course you guys would break this one out the day i order my ARB after a year of looking for a used one. I like that nice minimalistic approach, although id still want a winch up front. edit: looking again it seems you could place the winch box low ( like _/ in profile ) and plate from that existing crossmember piece up to the first tube, main crossbar, in prototype. This looks to be enough depth for winch and surface area for a fairlead/hawse. In addition i would like to see plate inside the side triangles as well giving more full appearance in front elevation. Again three thumbs up for the effort __________________ 95 FZJ-80 Lifted, Locked, armored, blown and bigelow enhanced ; single digit MPG wondermobile w/ no gas tank at the moment 72 FJ-55 IPOR bumpers/sliders, SOA, 3'' BL, 8274, and a big ole F'n engine, 35's Last edited by jfz80; 11-19-07 at 05:41 PM.

11-19-07, 06:20 PM	#6
chibo IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 901	I want that. __________________ 97 FZJ80 - Beat. Other go-fast toys.

11-19-07, 08:24 PM	#8
FJason80 pwn n00bs Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Truckee, Tahoe, CA TLCA# 17089 Posts: 371	Love it! That looks great, and doesn't look overly beefy. Awesome job! __________________ 93 FZJ80 - Locked, ARB front, MileMarker 12k Winch, Kaymar Rear, OME 2.5, 33" MTRs, LightForces, Safari Snorkel, Slee Wiring Harness, etc.

11-19-07, 08:26 PM	#9
mxtaco48 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vidor, TX DIXIE Posts: 218	I would buy it if the price is right __________________ 1995 WHITE FZJ80 Locked/stocked n' ready

11-20-07, 11:10 AM	#12
C6H12O6 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Beaverton, Oregon TLCA# 16307 Posts: 763	Very nice. Those rock shots were Lil' Rubicon, no? Looks like a totally different experience when it's dry. I've seen the bumper in person. Very cool. It is almost nice enough to draw attention away from the rest of the truck. __________________ If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. Steve the Fly Fishing Science Teacher 1995 FZJ80 ~ Lockers, winchless ARB, 2.5" OME, bent-up, rattling, leaky Borla exhaust, MetalTech Sliders, multiple oil leaks, 285 Revos. http://web.mac.com/stevenlent/cruiser/cruiser.html

11-20-07, 11:57 AM	#14
Walking Eagle Too Full of Shit to Fly Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,649	nice to see more are embracing the stinger style - though I'm wondering where the a/c drier would be if you had one in the stock location.l __________________ '97 LX450 - locked, Mickey Thompson MTZ 315's, J's, Rancho RS9000XL 14" shocks, RSC remote shock control 3" front drop brackets, 1" body lift, FOR custom front bumper, and a plethoria of rock lights Owner fabed rotating slider steps, rear bumper / winch and hitch, front and rear extended shock mounts, front spring spacers 1.375", front swaybar drops, rear bumpstop drops, rear swaybar extensions - 'If I can fab it, I won't buy it!'

11-20-07, 12:10 PM	#15
Nay IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The Learning Cliff TLCA# 16030 Posts: 2,112	The concept is excellent. Light weight and the strength of tube protection. Remind you of this one? I like the small stinger that gets just above hood. You can always see exactly how far you are to hitting that parking lot street lamp BTW, the M12000 won't fit between the frame rails, so you can't design a tucked up bumper like this with a 12K winch. Attached Images __________________ 1995 FZJ80 - F.O.R. 3.5" lift - 35" trxus MT - 5.29's - Custom SROR Tube Bumpers - De-plasticized - Dented - Dieted

11-20-07, 12:34 PM	#17
fowldarr IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SE Idaho Posts: 537	I'm not a big fan of the big stingers, but I like the concept. If the price was right, I"m sure they'd sell __________________ Damn the man, save the Empire! 84 FJ-60, nothing special....yet.

11-20-07, 12:39 PM	#18
PandaEG2 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: El Monte, CA Posts: 118	NICE!!! __________________ WTB Front Brush Guard - 1991 Land Cruiser WTB 40th Edition Side Moldings My rides: 1991 FJ80 3FE- OME 851/860, OME N70/N71E, OME Castor Bushings, OME Steering Damper, Man-A-Fre 30mm Coil Spring Spacers 1995 Honda Del Sol-Fully JDM www.trdparts4u.com

11-20-07, 02:28 PM	#20
C6H12O6 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Beaverton, Oregon TLCA# 16307 Posts: 763	I'm picturing you in a schoolboy outfit hopping around your office playing air guitar. Eeewwww... __________________ If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. Steve the Fly Fishing Science Teacher 1995 FZJ80 ~ Lockers, winchless ARB, 2.5" OME, bent-up, rattling, leaky Borla exhaust, MetalTech Sliders, multiple oil leaks, 285 Revos. http://web.mac.com/stevenlent/cruiser/cruiser.html