'00 Stock Front Bumper Cutoff Mod (HOW TO)

Hi! This happens to be my first thread on here but i have been lurking for a while, anyways, this is a short write up on how to do a custom cutoff modification to the 2000 tacoma bumper, in a similar way that many people mod the '01+ bumper. This mod will work for the '98-'00 bumper.

Final Product:

What you need:

Electric Grinder (made quick work of the cut and is accurate, tin snips or a sawzal would work too but not be as precise. The gasket helps to cover up minor wobble in the cut.)

Masking tape (to lay a clean line to cut along.)

Plasti Dip/Spray Paint $9 (to coat the frame and miscellaneous stuff that will be exposed)

Rubber U Gasket $9 (to line the jagged edge which you are left with after cutting, I bought some from GoWesty.com, you need about 9 feet. http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=2492&category_id=&category_parent_id= )

Zip Ties/Aluminum Brackets for Blinker Mounting (I used a combination of fab'd rectangular brackets from sheet metal and zip ties, use what you think is best.)

Socket Wrenches and Phillips Screwdriver

To Start: Remove the blinker lights, take out the bulb from the back and undo the 2 screws on each, they will come out easily. Lay down a line with masking tape to show where you will cut, I cut about an inch below the chrome pieces and kept that height all the way across. This gives ample room for the gasket to sit cleany. The gasket I used is 3/4inch wide.



There will be a white plastic piece that holds on the top of the bumper, cut off the bottom of it with a grinder. Shown already cut below. There is also a metal bracket thing next to it, this can be removed with a 12ish mm socket.



Now that everything is cut off, Tape up the bulbs and connections, and radiator. Start spraying. I like to use plastidip because its fool proof and decently durable for what i need.



Lastly, Line to edge with the U shaped gasket, dimly squeeze it on there and shimmy it until it sits evenly. Fairly easy. The gasket I got from GoWesty has a little barb shaped flap that holds it on sturdy without adhesive.

Mount up your blinkers and you are done! I used rectangular 4" long aluminum brackets and zip ties to mount mine, not perfect but it works.



I hope this helps!!

Enjoy!

-Julian