Dissent offroad aluminum front bumper! (1 Viewer)

[triumphdog]

Hi,
Do you have these in production yet?

 

[benc]

Not yet but soon!
As long as I can get my hands on aluminum with the current shortage.

 

[Bruneti]

Ben - This coming weekend will be one year since you introduced this full-aluminum option and started the list. I know that we've had the opportunity to change to an aluminum/steel hybrid bumper at any point in time, but the full aluminum option is absolutely ideal for my purposes (any many others). I've watched threads on cool new products that you've rolled out and completed for the 100 series community, but this product has not progressed to completion.

I'd like to propose that you put some thought into where this product is going, and report back to this thread on your plans and timing going forward. I would like to understand where this currently stands in your product development priorities, and when it will be released for sale/production.

Thanks for what you do. Keep making great stuff.
-Tim

 

[benc]

Ben - This coming weekend will be one year since you introduced this full-aluminum option and started the list. I know that we've had the opportunity to change to an aluminum/steel hybrid bumper at any point in time, but the full aluminum option is absolutely ideal for my purposes (any many others). I've watched threads on cool new products that you've rolled out and completed for the 100 series community, but this product has not progressed to completion.

I'd like to propose that you put some thought into where this product is going, and report back to this thread on your plans and timing going forward. I would like to understand where this currently stands in your product development priorities, and when it will be released for sale/production.

Thanks for what you do. Keep making great stuff.
-Tim

Tim, still in the works. I do have a full aluminum prototype but as of right now the aluminum market has put damper on aluminum production. As it stands with the current aluminum situation the price for a full aluminum bumper would be high. I have invested a lot of money into aluminum fabrication equipment so I'm hoping the aluminum will settle down soon, as of now that is really the only hold up.
Thanks.
Ben

 

[THRNBCK]

Doesn't look like the aluminum market is going to get any better with trumps tarrifs in place..

What are your projected prices? The nose of my 100 has an itch that only dissents aluminum can scratch.

 

[Kabanstva]

I want the aluminum front bumper and roof rack but now I am scared to ask how much that will cost haha!

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Tim, still in the works. I do have a full aluminum prototype but as of right now the aluminum market has put damper on aluminum production. As it stands with the current aluminum situation the price for a full aluminum bumper would be high. I have invested a lot of money into aluminum fabrication equipment so I'm hoping the aluminum will settle down soon, as of now that is really the only hold up.
Thanks.
Ben

Hey Ben,

I know it's early, but with the tariffs and increased prices, how big of an effect is it going to have on the pricing of your products? Pretty vague questions I know, but figured it would be an on place to ask it. I have been on the fence about a front bumper, just hasn't been high on the priority list.

 

[benc]

Hey Ben,

I know it's early, but with the tariffs and increased prices, how big of an effect is it going to have on the pricing of your products? Pretty vague questions I know, but figured it would be an on place to ask it. I have been on the fence about a front bumper, just hasn't been high on the priority list.

My supplier says steel is settling down a bit, we are likely looking at a 10% increase on steel products and 20-30% on aluminum.
It's tough right now as the prices are literally changing everday, whet I get metal quotes they are only good for 1 hour. Makes it very hard to put a price on anything. I typically can absorb about a 10% fluctuation without changing prices but as of now my steel has gone up about 35%. Projection on aluminum is upwards of $3 a pound by mid summer. The newest skid prices reflects June prices for aluminum.

 

[benc]

I want the aluminum front bumper and roof rack but now I am scared to ask how much that will cost haha!

It's looking like the racks will go up about $100. The bumpers at current pricing will be around $1600.
I was hoping to keep them around $1300 but that is not possible currently.

 

[GorData]

I am interested in hybrid for an LX470.

 

[KraziAzn]

sub...

 

[Joe Bob]

I am interested in hybrid for an LX470.

+1

 

[BEG]

@benc I know you're neck deep in finalizing the no-cut rear bumper (and aluminum option, hopefully), but I'm curious if there's been any progress on the aluminum front?

 

[benc]

@benc I know you're neck deep in finalizing the no-cut rear bumper (and aluminum option, hopefully), but I'm curious if there's been any progress on the aluminum front?

There has not. The biggest set back now is aluminum prices. I'm not sure if people will be willing to pay what I would need to price it at.
My plan is to build a heavy duty aluminum front built from 1/4" aluminum if there is enough interest.
The cost on that at current prices would be a starting price of $1575. Which really isn't that bad, however prices are changing constantly so I would have to do it in at least runs of ten and would need commitments.
These would be light but would not be compromised in strength from the steel.
Looking at about 60-70 lbs if built from 1/4"

 

[Kabanstva]

If the 1/4” aluminum will truly be co parable in strength to the steel than I’d be interested.

Will the new rear bumper also be made from 1/4” aluminum (on the aluminum version of the bumper)?

 

[benc]

If the 1/4” aluminum will truly be co parable in strength to the steel than I’d be interested.

Will the new rear bumper also be made from 1/4” aluminum (on the aluminum version of the bumper)?

Yes,

 

[BEG]

There has not. The biggest set back now is aluminum prices. I'm not sure if people will be willing to pay what I would need to price it at.
My plan is to build a heavy duty aluminum front built from 1/4" aluminum if there is enough interest.
The cost on that at current prices would be a starting price of $1575. Which really isn't that bad, however prices are changing constantly so I would have to do it in at least runs of ten and would need commitments.
These would be light but would not be compromised in strength from the steel.
Looking at about 60-70 lbs if built from 1/4"

I'd pay it. I've not needed the additional strength of my Ironman front, thus far, and I don't think any additional peace of mind is worth the weight penalty I'm carrying around. I'd be willing to compromise for 75% of the strength of the steel, given how I've used it (mainly for additional tire clearance, winch mount and hi-lift holder, which goes away with the addition of the rear bumper). If you say there's no strength compromise, that's just icing on the cake. I'm really after the weight savings to keep as much free GVW as possible and extend the life of my AHC.

 

[Kabanstva]

I’m looking to get all my bumpers on and ready to go before hih next year. Would you realistically have a product ready to go in aluminum before then Ben? Trying to see which way to go here, steel or aluminum.

 

[benc]

I’m looking to get all my bumpers on and ready to go before hih next year. Would you realistically have a product ready to go in aluminum before then Ben? Trying to see which way to go here, steel or aluminum.

I realistically should but can not make any promises yet.
Honestly right now I just have to play it by ear on the aluminum. If prices go up much more I'm not sure it's worth it.

 

[Kabanstva]

I realistically should but can not make any promises yet.
Honestly right now I just have to play it by ear on the aluminum. If prices go up much more I'm not sure it's worth it.

Yeah I am leaning on steel fronts and rears. I am yanking all the AHC crap out of my truck this spring and won't have to worry about weight being an issue anymore!