New Front and Rear bumper thoughts

[mikesean76]

I went to a local friend and asked for him to design me some bumpers for the LX. He is a mechanical engineer by trade and does a lot of work for Jeeps in the local area. He has a small business and only works b/c he enjoys it. Only advertisment is pretty much by word of mouth.

Here's the criteria I gave him:
-For the front I wanted a ARB like bumper similar to the 100 series style, but with out the grill railing. I also wanted it to be winch capable.

-for the rear I wanted a simple design with the hitch reciever built in, tow hooks, hold my spare tire (swivel style) and still be able to mount my mud flaps-i think it looks empty without (used pics of slee's as an example).

He gave me a quote of $850 for both-i think that's preetty good. He gaurantees the bumpers for the life and has not had to repair any to date.

I was wondering if there were any other pratical ideas or recomendations I should add before I give him the go ahead.

 

[GarnerFJ40]

See if he'll go down on the price he makes two, cause I'm looking for new front and rear!

 

[little_joe]

On the surface that seems like a great price for 2 bumpers built to spec. I'd dig a little deeper: what materials is he using? how do they mount? have you seen his work, how are his welds and general fab skills? etc etc etc

I guess if all that checks out, this could be a great deal for you Mike.

 

[southerncruiser62]

Well consider this, you can pick up a weld together kit for around $575 from 4x4 Labs, and then find a used ARB possibly for the front and know that there are "BOLT" on bumpers, with a proven reputation behind them.....however you may be going for a one off look in which case you want to use your friend.

 

[lt1fire]

Sounds good

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Was that you today going down Raeford Rd at around 1545 ? I was in the 60 going home from work.

 

[mikesean76]

See if he'll go down on the price he makes two, cause I'm looking for new front and rear!

I would need a pretty sure answer if anyone wanted to go in with me on the custom bumper before I propsed the idea to him. He's a retired navy engineer with a mechanical engineering degree and only works b/c he likes it. His only advertisement is by word of mouth and if you are in a hurry this is not the guy. I have seen his work and am very impressed.
I gave him my requirements and since he is the subject matter expert I will let him make the design. He usually designs it on his CAD software with all the specs before he starts his fabricating-so I will be able to view a 3D product before he starts.
I am looking for a bumper that flows with the design of the truck better than a prefab. I am confident he will make a good product. Looking for suggestions on what's pratical, nice to have or necessary mods for front and rear before he starts heavy on the design. Thoughts?

Was that you today going down Raeford Rd at around 1545 ? I was in the 60 going home from work.

Yes-Sent PM

 

[GarnerFJ40]

Hmm I like the Slee rear bumpers with the tube rear quarter panel protection, a hi-lift mount would be good, rear auxillary light cut-outs would be even better. Front, same as you, winch capable, and maybe some tabs for extra spot lights... But that would be in a perfect world... I also love the Slee that Jon has on the front of his, the low profile tubes...

 

[lt1fire]

How much would he charge for just the rear??

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Is this the owner of Wilson's Offroad Engineering ?

 

[mikesean76]

How much would he charge for just the rear??

I can ask. I'll let you know. I think he took his jeeps wheelin this weekend.

Is this the owner of Wilson's Offroad Engineering ?

I am not sure of the shop's name. He works out of his own gargae at the house off of morganton. Same place?

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Does him and nis wife run an offroad school everyonce in awhile ? They run some jeeps ?She used to work at Walker Auto Parts if it is the same ones.