What've You Done With Your GX470 Lately?

I didn't notice that. Good catch!

 

Do you have a build thread? I'm trying to wrap up my coastal bumper build too.

 

No build thread for me. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

What was the cost on that Demello Al bumper? I don't see any option for Al on their website...I suppose it is order via email only?

 

A few questions...

1) What did you do where the fender liner meets the bumper. I have a few ideas, but wondered what others did...

2) How did you cut out the filler pieces from the original bumper cover? Is it just cut and pray? Did you measure it at all?



3) Did you do anything with the gap between the bumper/body under the door? I'm thinking about trying to re-install the plastic trim piece, but it looks a bit weird...



4) Did you paint or powdercoat? How concerned were you with how clean your edges were?

 

Finally started the install of the OME kit.

I wish it looked like this all the time...



Took forever to figure out how to get the ride control actuator piece of shit off of the top of the OEM shock. The tiny allen heads were sized. Ended up going the brute method with a pry bar. One side out...

 

It was a special price they had going at the time. I paid around $2200 with powder coating shipped. They do make aluminum bumpers. I'm not sure why they don't list it on their website. I called them up when they posted on IG what they had pre-built and in stock.

 

1. I cut a slit in the fender liner at the top of the bumper and I tucked the lower portion back into the bumper. I think I may have zip tied the very bottom portion back where there was somewhere to attach it to or trimmed away what was hanging down.

2/3. This part was tricky. I cut the camper into two pieces. The left side consisted of just that corner from the tire to the jamb where the plastic fastener is. The right side I kept the long piece that runs the width of the tailgate attached all the way to the right tire. Confusing huh? I retained the black trim piece to cover up the gap and it fills in nicely. If you look at what the black piece needs to be attached you will understand where you need to trim the bumper.

I measured the gap at the sides from the body to the top of the bumper every 5 inches and marked it on the plastic bumper cover. I ran some tape to connect the markings and trimmed away. It's trial and error, but a jigsaw with a short and fine blade will make very nice cuts.

4. I had it powder coated. This is my first extensive welding project (a buddy welded it and I did the grinding and finishing) and I am a novice when it comes to finishing such a large amount of surface. I smoothed what I could and tried my best to not be so picky. I needed to get it to powder coating in time for the trip to Moab this weekend so I rushed it and there are noticable imperfections at the edges. You may not see them now in bare metal, but after you paint it you will see it.

 

Awesome. Thanks. Trying to finish the bumper tomorrow.

In other news, I finished the OME lift today. Hoping that it settles in a bit and softens up some. I went with the heavy kit due to 250lbs of dogs in the back and an RTT. Without the dogs/RTT, she rides a bit stiff. It's not bad though...










Now it's time for some bigger tires...

 

Just me, my gx, and hells gate.

 

Doesn’t look hard

 

The more I look at that rear bumper the more I want it

 

Finished up a cooler tie down and a lunch table that still works for a sleeping platform.

 

Got one sooooo close to being done...

 

I was trembling the whole 20 minutes it took me to get up.

 

Jeez! Did you slip off the wall? I drove right up it with my open/open Tacoma without atrac. Had a great spotter though.

 

I hear that the longer wheelbase vehicles have it easier going up. I inched my way up and slowly slid off the right side wall. No damage though. A couple of nerve wracking wheel lifts later I got up. It was our groups first time in Moab so we just went at it. Afterwards I spotted my buddy in his 4runner going up and he did slip off the wall, but only got damage to a rear door handle and mirror

 

Yeah, long wheel base definitely helps. I was with a FJ cruiser group and 2 of them slipped off the wall and had to be winched up. Props to you guys for just going at it!

 

Thanks! It was one hell of an experience!

 

You guys weld your own Coastal rear bumpers?