2012 DeMello Tacoma Bumper feeler

We've had mix reviews of the way we have been doing our 2012-2013 Tacoma bumpers so we wanted to put it to a vote. We've also seen some confusion on weather we even make one or not.

We have been making the new 2012-2013 Tacoma bumpers very similar to our 2005-2011 Tacoma bumpers. There were only slight changes to how we cut the top of the bumper to fit around the lights and bezel.

There are three ways we could do a 2012-2013 Tacoma bumper.

1.)We can keep it how it is (pictures to follow)
2.)We can remove the kick down middle section of our bumper and just go straight across much like the FJ front bumpers.
3.) A complete re-design which will add time and cost to the product.

The complaint we hear about the current version is the metal grill support is exposed. The pictures below show it with the bumper in non-powder coated so they stand out even more. When the bumper is powder coated they are harder to see.

But we also hear the opposite that people really like the kick down section of the bumper and not to change it.

We have though made some other significant changes to our Tacoma bumpers the sides are now longer and wider and capped off making them more ridged.

Here is our current 2012-2013 Tacoma bumper.


Again it's harder to see the grill piece when the bumper is powder coated black. We just wanted to show it as honestly as possible so people can make the right call.





This is before we cut the front plate to clear the grill more. It now has plenty of clearance there.

We currently have roughly a .5in gap around the bezel and light section. As everyone knows the Tacoma bodies are known for moving and they need clearance for movement.

 

Hmm. That is a tough call. That bumper looks really good, but I must say that I do not like how you can see grill support. I think flat across would look much better but that's just IMO. Killer looking bumper as always though!

 

I would do a complete re-design.

I don't like how the grille support is showing, but I'm not sure how it would look when it's painted / coated. I am also picturing in my head what it would look like if it was flat across, I don't think (IMO) it would look good at all. I think it needs lines and curves to make it stand out and look good. I don't think it would look bad if it was painted because it would blend in with the black of the headlight / grille support. Why not see what it would look like if it (the top/middle of the bumper) was angled up a little instead of flat?

 

Just go straight across. Should fill the gap

 

I'd say a redesign. If you go straight across its kinda like the All Pro apex bumper.. Just my opinion tho

 

thanks for the input guys, I found a picture of early one powder coated.

 

Going straight acroos will save time and money, along with getting more bumpers to customers quicker. The design is already great and tons of people love it.

 

Doesn't look bad but I wouldn't want the gap, might look better with a single hoop?

 

Here is appljaxx's





His build
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-builds/195574-appljaxxs-2012-build.html

 

That's pretty sick with a light bar in the gap... looks like it was meant to be that way.

 

IMO no sense in re-designing (best looking 2nd gen plate bumper I think). Agreed with mgrade above. the gap wouldnt bother me since i'd probably put a light bar in there anyways. I vote either leave it as is or just run the top straight across for those who cant handle the gap cosmetically. I hope to get one of these for my '12 someday!

 

If I had a 12 or had to replace my bumper it would be with a demello

 

That would be the easiest solution if we were to change it. From the responses it still looks like everyone is mixed on their feelings.

Thank you for the pictures! That is what I did with my 4runner.

Thank you, right now it looks like were still 50/50ish

Thank you. We build the 4runner bumpers the same way and I put a LED bar on mine, I like the drop down section it kinda breaks up an otherwise wide and boring front end.

 

I would have bought a 5th gen bumper from you but you don't make one

 

Do u guys have a bumper for the 3rd gen. 4runner?

 

Sorry guys, just the 4th gen.

We are finishing up the Tacoma rear bumper this year and working on some FJC stuff too. We may have a 5th gen by the end of the year but as of right now nothing is planned.

 

I would leave it as is. It is a nice looking bumper.

 

Hey Jason - I have a 13 for you to prototype with...

I like the bumper the way it is... I actually like the drop down center section better than the flat top on my FJC bumper. You could always add an option for a fill plate below the grill if guys don't like the gap. That would be an easy solution to fill in the opening.

 

Thank you Sol, we thought about the fill plate but were not very keen on band aid looking fixes. If we do something it would be welded on but even with that said we couldn't come up with a clean way to make it look "right".

 

I personally don't really like the gap. I'd like to see all gaps kept as close to current body gaps as possible. I hope to get a Demello bumper in the next year or so for my 2012.