Brother Rob and I got started on our Luke bumpers on Saturday, just in time for CM07. Will try to do a write-up of the kits after the trip, but a couple of quick observations. The angles are greatly improved, shots from the side, the ladder used for scale is 26" tall.
I don't know if he is going to produce the kits, but they are a cool project to build. A ton of work, lots of mig wire and grinder wheels, but the result is very rewarding! Working all day Saturday we got mine all done but the "trim Parts" and Rob's main shells done, hoping to get Rob's swing out done this week. A shot of the underneath structure.
Our club did a "test" group buy for a stack of kits, don't know if he plans on selling any more of them? They are very nicely done, very little grinding needed to make the parts fit. The kit is just that, a pile of precut parts that you that you, fit, weld, grind and finish how you like.
You probably want to just contact Luke for details on kits/group buys. IIRC we had a total of 6 bumpers in our group buy, all shipped to one location in Phoenix.
Has anyone contacted 4x4 labs to see if they are going to sell any more kits? They look awsome. It looks like you can tow w/ them. You guys that did them, would you hook a 5,000 lb. trailer to them and feel comfy?
I don't want to step on toes, but I'm curious about the cost in relation to buying a complete bumper. Are we talking half, 2/3rds, less than half? Just a rough idea would be cool.
DIY Kits where in stock when I bought mine which was a big+. Cost ~ half of a pre built , cheaper shipping since it went UPS 2 boxes instead of freight but check with them for details.
I would feel comfortable towing.
I'm customizing mine which was important to me plus there are some nice options with this modular design. Weighs less than I would have thought… The stock hitch, bumper, pieces all added can't be that much lighter than say this basic shell + tire carrier . I've been able to lift the whole thing, take off, install by myself for the most part.
I used a plasma cutter and it went really quick. I did the spot welding and had the shell on after a couple hours. After I get the paint done I'll post some or you can see them tortured tested live at CM07.
The net weight difference between these luke bumpers and the other aftermarket options is probably around 50+lbs by the time you hack off that rear crossmember and considering the sleek design if the bumper.
I don't want to step on toes, but I'm curious about the cost in relation to buying a complete bumper. Are we talking half, 2/3rds, less than half? Just a rough idea would be cool.
Our deal was on the first kits, he priced them as they were being developed and that price is no longer valid, so useless. Also his bumpers are modular and the price is heavily dependent on your options. I'm very happy with the price paid, saving $$ is good. But mainly I wanted a kit because I enjoy this type of project and have some mods that are being incorporated into the build.
I don't have plans of towing, but wouldn't have any concerns doing so. Even tho they aren't "towing rated" I would class it in the "hell for stout" class. I'm a little paranoid of being rear ended, don't think it would come out well for a Civic, the bumper isn't exactly a crumple zone!
I am happy with mine. I liked the way you are able to customize the install, very sweet.
I just got it back from the powder coater yesterday. I just need to install the gas struts (need to find a way to compress them 1/4"), wire the license plate light and get three lug nuts.
I've got a few spare 60 series lug nuts (same thread pitch as 80 series acorn style lugs) You can have for shipping, if you want 'em. They're chromed, and polish up real nice with some mothers billet polish.
I'm using 4 on my bumper right now, I may have 2-4 more at home.
(3 on the tire carrier, one for the high lift holder on the ladder).
I've got a few spare 60 series lug nuts (same thread pitch as 80 series acorn style lugs) You can have for shipping, if you want 'em. They're chromed, and polish up real nice with some mothers billet polish.
I'm using 4 on my bumper right now, I may have 2-4 more at home.
(3 on the tire carrier, one for the high lift holder on the ladder).
