Bumper recommendations

[Climr]

Hey guys,

I'm in the middle of a build and just learned that Slee is not currently producing their bumpers and doesn't have a timeline on when they'll be available. I was set on a short bus and their rear, but given there isn't a timeline I don't want to delay the build indefinitely. So what are some options you guys would recommend? The 4x4 labs rear seems like an easy alternative (unsure of lead time on that too), but their front bumper is too extreme for me. The ARB seems kind of vanilla and I'm not a fan of the bars. So what are some front options that maybe I haven't heard of? Or should I just run the stock bumper for a while and wait for Slee?

 

[BILT4ME]

Just wait for Slee.

You'll wait that long for anyone else, anyway. So, get what you want and be patient.

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

Just wait for Slee.

You'll wait that long for anyone else, anyway. So, get what you want and be patient.

X2

 

[G-Cat]

X2

x3

 

[cahill]

x4

 

[MoJ]

I’ve heard a rumor Slee is in the midst of developing a new design.

 

[Bludozer]

I’ve heard a rumor Slee is in the midst of developing a new design.

Not sure if that is true about the Shortbus but it is definitely (at least a rumor) about the rear. If true, I'm excited to see what changes they make.

 

[jjdeneen918]

Delta Vehicle systems designed a slick rear bumper.

 

[lcgeek]

@reevesci builds nice bumpers, might be worth a chat

 

[Climr]

I like that one, but it doesn’t seem available either.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

@reevesci builds nice bumpers, might be worth a chat

Thanks for the plug J,

I'll have my new 80 rear out in a few weeks. Cross between this last custom I built and the Labs.

J

 

[Cruzerman]

Can you tell us what you are planning to do with the rig? And are you looking for protection from rocks or deer? Are you going to be wheeling or more overlanding? Or is this a street rig / daily driver and you just want that offroad look? I feel that you need to tell us what you are looking for in a bumper for an educated recommendation.

 

[Climr]

Sure, it’s mostly a street rig (although not a daily) with 1-2 per year overlanding trips, no plans for hard wheeling... but of course I want the right look and have a lot of money wrapped up in a full restoration and mods so not wanting to compromise. Not worried about protection or approach angles as it won’t be getting that kind of abuse ($5K paint job!)

I like some of @reevesci’s work, but unclear if he is currently selling or making a front 80 bumper. Is he doing custom stuff?

 

[Biggreener]

Sure, it’s mostly a street rig (although not a daily) with 1-2 per year overlanding trips, no plans for hard wheeling... but of course I want the right look and have a lot of money wrapped up in a full restoration and mods so not wanting to compromise. Not worried about protection or approach angles as it won’t be getting that kind of abuse ($5K paint job!) QUOTE]

Pics?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Sure, it’s mostly a street rig (although not a daily) with 1-2 per year overlanding trips, no plans for hard wheeling... but of course I want the right look and have a lot of money wrapped up in a full restoration and mods so not wanting to compromise. Not worried about protection or approach angles as it won’t be getting that kind of abuse ($5K paint job!)

I like some of @reevesci’s work, but unclear if he is currently selling or making a front 80 bumper. Is he doing custom stuff?

I sold my front design in the main sale. The new rear was not purchased as it was not in "production" and I have liberty to produce it as I deem fit. I can make one-off front customs but they cannot look like anything I've previously made or sold (@lcgeek front) Even if the bumper is "similar" I won't reproduce. I can't even make two of the same one-off custom per my agreement.

Don't forget the awesome front from Costa Fabrication--- @RDC76 this would be my choice on a current production front.... Excellent craftsmanship, MUD vendor and awesome person.

 

[Box Rocket]

Nothing wrong with waiting for the Slee bumper. It's one of the best there is. If you don't want to wait, there are some other good ones out there. For available production bumpers, the Costa Fabrication would be my choice if you don't do the Slee.
You can always go custom if you find a fabricator you like. I got the pieces for my bumper from @I Lean and welded it up myself. The tube work was not included and I did that on my own so it's different from the few other bumpers he's made. But I love it.

IMG_1082 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

 

[MoJ]

Not sure if that is true about the Shortbus but it is definitely (at least a rumor) about the rear. If true, I'm excited to see what changes they make.

Poorly worded on my part....the rumor was referring to the rear. As far as I know the front/short bus is available now. I really like mine.

 

[Delta VS]

Delta Vehicle systems designed a slick rear bumper.

Thank you much! We are about to receive prototype 2 front/rear material. Won't be long after that before they are ready to sell.

 

[MoJ]

Thank you much! We are about to receive prototype 2 front/rear material. Won't be long after that before they are ready to sell.

View attachment 1745963 View attachment 1745964

Your design capabilities are outstanding. One question, what about visibility to the turn signals?

 

[Climr]

Wow, the Delta stuff is beautiful. @Delta VS Need a nice rig for one of those prototype sets? I'll have a nice rig done in ~6 weeks. Either way, if you have a timeline of availability PM me!

Here are some pics of my restore in progress. 97 40th anniversary sage