Where have all the rear bumper fabricators gone!?
- Thread starter Pierce
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If you're running 285's do you have to move the rear plate with the Slee? I like it on the hatch. Also, does Slee have its own hitch?
There are those of us out there who are happy to spend whatever it costs (within some reason!) for a custom bumper.
Even with a willing customer is it really not worth the fabricators time to make these products? It does seem like folks are going away from this.
Even with a willing customer is it really not worth the fabricators time to make these products? It does seem like folks are going away from this.
From a cutthroat $$$/hr invested - sliders are easy money once you have your jig.
**If** I was into fab work, this is where I'd start, but from there Luke's method is the $$$ model I'd follow. Cut out the parts (or even sub it out, either way) - send a prepacked box of plate & if any issue arises --guess what? IT's ON YOU.
You could sub a plasma table guy, get a office to package & done - no need for 3 phase, or even 220v & a few welders on staff, let alone finish plating (powder, paint,liner, etc) -- just a 1 man show & box & ship.
Luke fabs for sure, but kits are where I see things going, from a welder's POV.
No liability for build quality, nothing. That's a facet not yet said.
Hate on me if you want, just telling as I see it.
I don't like the lack of protection of some bumpers on the market for the rear of my 80 and lack of front fender side protection in addition to front frame rail vulnerability on some. I've wheeled enough to wear through three sets of sliders on my last rig and have a good idea of what can take real world abuse.
I found these diy bumpers. Average diy cost and good protection I'll be buying these when I'm done with PM, gears and lockers. Slee makes the only other bumpers I like but I'm digging these.
1990 - 1997 Toyota FJ80/FZJ80/LX450 front and rear weld together bumper package with all kit options
I found these diy bumpers. Average diy cost and good protection I'll be buying these when I'm done with PM, gears and lockers. Slee makes the only other bumpers I like but I'm digging these.
1990 - 1997 Toyota FJ80/FZJ80/LX450 front and rear weld together bumper package with all kit options
You must buy 4X4l abs, you really really want the 4X4 Labs it is like the best thing, there is no other beautification, for your Cruiser get it buy it you need it
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If it weren't for the timeline, we probably would have made a deal on a custom front for you.
If you are after a full custom bumper, lets talk as I stated. I just don't have anymore production bumpers remaining and don't want to reload the shelves with a 10 unit minimum order from my cutter.
J
This thread got interesting. Onur, CDan, and reevesci really nailed it. I run a business with my wife and we talk about this all the time. Seems like people think they are the only ones entitled to make money. It becomes really apparent when you deal with it 50 times a week. This further speaks to why I buy my parts from @beno
bentup.com was around years ago but closed his doors because the money just wasn't there, and the custom orders were chewing the fat off the bone. Any reason you haven't found a local fabricator and just made a one-off bumper to suit your needs?
This thread makes me happy.
There are people still trying to get and fabricate NEW parts for a 20 some year old vehicle. This is gold.
And a impressive fact about this is that EVERY day there is someone that buys a unmolested 80 to built. There are really few vehicles that allow this.
There are people still trying to get and fabricate NEW parts for a 20 some year old vehicle. This is gold.
And a impressive fact about this is that EVERY day there is someone that buys a unmolested 80 to built. There are really few vehicles that allow this.
lcgeek
Glad to meet you!
This thread reminds me of my own self-admitted attitudes towards anything I want to buy: champagne tastes and beer budget 
I did splurge (relative splurge as I'm cheap remember) recently for a new Trail Tailor bumper, paid what was asked, and was very happy to do so. Excellent quality and price fades over time but quality doesn't. Ok enough aphorisms for one post...
I did splurge (relative splurge as I'm cheap remember) recently for a new Trail Tailor bumper, paid what was asked, and was very happy to do so. Excellent quality and price fades over time but quality doesn't. Ok enough aphorisms for one post...
If you could quit spending 15% of your time dealing with cheap tire kickers then your schedule wouldn't be so backed up and you could've made that bumper to match my desired timeline!
To do a custom job, it's a lot nicer to not have a short timeline so that quality can take precedence. Most vendors will turn you down to avoid rushing a job and taking shortcuts which the customer likely won't be happy with anyway.If you could quit spending 15% of your time dealing with cheap tire kickers then your schedule wouldn't be so backed up and you could've made that bumper to match my desired timeline!
I have a relative that owns a cruiser shop called Colorado Toyota Specialists. It's for the above reason he is burned out on cruisers, and mostly just does general Toyota repairs now and makes more money doing so. Fortunately he has that to fall back on, a lot of cruiser shops have gone out of business. Too many cruiser heads want something for nothing. Good quality work and end products just plain cost a lot of money.
Cruisin'
Out in the shop, building something cool!
Since I was contacted by the OP a week or so ago, and have been mentioned in this thread I though I would chime in and offer my perspective.
I dropped bumper production from my lineup for a couple different reasons. I downsized my shop in December because of a need to simplify my life. I had two employees building sliders and bumpers full time, but by the time I had paid the outsourcing (plasma or laser cut parts and forming), and the labour costs (don't forget that a $25/hr guy costs the employer much more than $25/hr), I had hardly anything left for me. It was a full time job keeping the guys busy, having parts lined up for them, dealing with the logistics of getting parts powder coated, prepped for shipping etc. I had barely any time left to work on paying projects to bring in income for myself.
Also, as some of you know I was involved in a very series accident just over a year ago. My cruiser sacrificed its life to save mine, but I'm still dealing with the lingering effects of a back injury, and a concussion sustained in the crash. I needed to de-stress, and I needed to reduce the physical demands of the job.
I'm now running the shop solo, focussing on building parts that have a decent margin of profit, and that I can handle by my self. Sliders and my 80 Series Skid Plates are a big component of this. I'm also pushing custom jobs like frame repairs on old rusty cruisers, and installing suspension and other off-the-shelf components. These jobs I can charge shop rate for and be competitive, so I can actually pay myself a living wage now.
I actually had two different people comment within the last week that I am visibly more relaxed compared to a few months ago. I feel that way but it was interesting to hear that it was showing on the outside.
I haven't been this relaxed in years, I have plenty of work lined up, and while its very hard to say no to great customers who are looking for bumpers, I have had to make these changes so that I can continue to service this awesome community of owners in a capacity that works for me.
Thanks everybody who has contributed to this conversation. There have been some interesting perspectives. Of course I suspect my reasons for scaling back are somewhat different from the other builders, but I find it helps to have some background on what's going on in folks lives.
Oh, and since everybody loves to see pics, I've attached one of my old cruiser after the incident, and another of the replacement that I've had the pleasure of building up in my bit of spare time.
I dropped bumper production from my lineup for a couple different reasons. I downsized my shop in December because of a need to simplify my life. I had two employees building sliders and bumpers full time, but by the time I had paid the outsourcing (plasma or laser cut parts and forming), and the labour costs (don't forget that a $25/hr guy costs the employer much more than $25/hr), I had hardly anything left for me. It was a full time job keeping the guys busy, having parts lined up for them, dealing with the logistics of getting parts powder coated, prepped for shipping etc. I had barely any time left to work on paying projects to bring in income for myself.
Also, as some of you know I was involved in a very series accident just over a year ago. My cruiser sacrificed its life to save mine, but I'm still dealing with the lingering effects of a back injury, and a concussion sustained in the crash. I needed to de-stress, and I needed to reduce the physical demands of the job.
I'm now running the shop solo, focussing on building parts that have a decent margin of profit, and that I can handle by my self. Sliders and my 80 Series Skid Plates are a big component of this. I'm also pushing custom jobs like frame repairs on old rusty cruisers, and installing suspension and other off-the-shelf components. These jobs I can charge shop rate for and be competitive, so I can actually pay myself a living wage now.
I actually had two different people comment within the last week that I am visibly more relaxed compared to a few months ago. I feel that way but it was interesting to hear that it was showing on the outside.
I haven't been this relaxed in years, I have plenty of work lined up, and while its very hard to say no to great customers who are looking for bumpers, I have had to make these changes so that I can continue to service this awesome community of owners in a capacity that works for me.
Thanks everybody who has contributed to this conversation. There have been some interesting perspectives. Of course I suspect my reasons for scaling back are somewhat different from the other builders, but I find it helps to have some background on what's going on in folks lives.
Oh, and since everybody loves to see pics, I've attached one of my old cruiser after the incident, and another of the replacement that I've had the pleasure of building up in my bit of spare time.
Really makes sense hearing all of that put into words. Thanks for sharing.
BTW Jason, I love the sliders I got from you last year. And I saw that cruiser. What a gnarly mess it was. Though it reminded me that there's not another production SUV that I'd rather be inside of during a rollover accident.
best wishes to you and hope you heal quickly, cherry picking customers and the work that is profitable is important, otherwise you end up working for free! I have had both types of customers. I try to choose those that respect my time and value my work.
Not liking some of the reviews regarding the Labs bumper spare tire movement. Although I think it's the best looking and has the most clearance, it really should be close to zero wiggle! Reached out to three custom builders on this site and struck out all three times. Guess I'll be buying a Slee...