My Relentless Fabrication Review

1st gen front bumper with predator hoops and D2 cutouts.
Ordered: May 25, 2014
Shipped: December 12, 2014
Total wait time: 6 months and 12 days

When I placed my order with Eric, I knew beforehand about the wait time being about two months longer than his 5 month fully fabricated bumper shipment estimation. Throughout the wait time, Eric was very quick to get back to me via PM. If I did not get a response back within two days I just sent another one and it was responded to within 24 hours. I believe Eric gets a lot of messages so some may get lost or unread. During this time I also had ordered my rear DIY bumper, I planned to paint the rear bumper myself so I thought I should paint the front bumper also to match (I was originally getting the front bumper powder coated by Eric). Therefore, I sent a PM to Eric and told him my dilemma and he was very accommodating in letting my swap powder coat for rear led flush mount pods which I was going to purchase anyway. On October 14th I got an update “The bumper is on my list of parts on hand/need to weld so it shouldn’t be too much longer, maybe another 3-4 weeks until fully complete and ready to ship.” This estimate would make the shipping date around the 14th of November. After the 3-4 week estimate it was back and forth on estimated ship dates until it finally shipped on December 12th. I will say that I now understand people’s frustration when it comes to missing estimates. I knew beforehand this would happen, but experiencing it sucks. I would have rather been told that the estimated shipping date was 8 weeks away, and then have it ship in 6 weeks rather than be told “next week it will ship” for a month. However, when it arrived the wait was absolutely well worth it. It looked amazing and the craftsmanship was excellent. I was very happy to finally have it in my hands and eventually on my truck.


When it arrived:





Test Fitting:



Painted and on truck (ended up powder coating anyways):














1st gen DIY wrap around with high clearance hitch and D2 cutouts.
Ordered: August 27, 2014
Shipped: October 3, 2014
Total wait time: 1 month and 6 days



I decided to order the rear bumper in DIY form to ship the wait time and have someone I know weld it. The estimation for this DIY kit was 2-4 weeks, mine ended up taking a little longer than 5 weeks but again there was a lot of back and forth between when the estimated shipping day was and when it actually shipped. Eric said there were issues with forming. Again, I would have rather been told a longer wait time and have it ship sooner then be told week by week. When the bumper shipped I realized it was not going to an address that I wanted. I changed my preferred shipping address in "My Account" on the online website which I thought would have changed it for the order but I was wrong. I told Eric and again he was very helpful and was able to change the address even though it cost him a bit of money. I was very thankful for that. Also, I ordered my rear bumper during a sale where you got a free t-shirt if you ordered over a certain amount. The t-shirt did not come with the bumper but when Eric realized, he got them out as soon as possible and it was in my hands about 2 days after. My rear bumper did not come out exactly how I would have liked (I should have welded it) but it will absolutely do its job and protect the truck!

When I received it:



Tacked:



Grinded:





Painted:







With lights:




OVERALL:

I would definitely order for Eric again, people may have different opinions but here is mine. Eric was always super easy to communicate with, he would respond to PM's sometimes within hours of sending them. I requested a picture of my front bumper on a pallet at fastenal and Eric remembered and I got the picture the same day it shipped which I appreciated. I also appreciated the Eric allowed me to change my order to not powder coat and swap for rear lights. Also, he changed the shipping address for me which would have caused a lot of headaches. The only recommendation I would have is to set the estimations farther then you think it will take to complete. This will keep less PM's incoming asking about their shipment and make people happier when there bumper goes out before the estimated time. I know also during this time that Eric had to "fire" one of his guys there which may have caused a delay in my front bumper.

All in all, I am a very satisfied customer and will be ordering more products from Eric in the future

Thanks! Troy

 

How much was the front bumper? Looks awesome. Would love to get one for mine

 

It was $1140 with shipping.

 

Looks good. Custom work is worth the wait.
I miss my 97 taco.

 

Yes, I agree. Quality over time.

 

X2

 

I just finished mounting my Relentless bumper (aluminum)and it is awesome!




It took a year to get it finished but it is a great design and went on real easy. fit is perfect. Eric has been a great guy to deal with and easy to communicate with for a super busy guy. I've got other stuff on order now soooo...

 

Thanks for the review Troy (and your comments too Gary, that aluminum has been a real pain!). Lead time is something we're certainly working on, new years resolution if you will. I've restructured around the shop a little in the last couple months; hired a new office assistant that is helping to get me out in the shop more, where I need to be and am more productive, so I think more manageable and on-time orders will be coming out of the shop in the future.

 

Looks awesome!

 

I ordered an aluminum front bumper 'predator' style with the full protection for my 04 double cab (after all it was the $ from hitting a deer that expedited my build), it was the DIY kit and it was a blast to build.
I had some questions on what a couple of the parts even were and Eric answered my phone call and was very helpful. I will absolutely recommend and continue buying his products. In fact I keep poking and hinting for him to do a group buy and bring back the DIY kits for a round (hint hint)!

Anyone else interested in the DIY kits should find his thread and express your interest!