CBI Covert Front Bumper

I would imagine the Baja bar would fit perfect, considering it’s what cbi uses for everything. I was more worried about the lower price brands fitting compared to the Baja and rigid.

 

I am thinking about getting the CBI covert front bumper (paired with a Warn 10-S winch). I have a few other CBI parts and really like them (especially the full skid plates which have saved me several times).

Just wondering what it's like using the winch while in the covert bumper. For example:

• access to the freespool control
• ease of attaching the wired controller

Bumpers from folks like SSO are available with winch access holes that may make some of the above easier, but wonder if it also exposes the winch to more mud/dirt. I also like how the CBI covert bumper seems to reinforce the frame attachment point compared to other brands.

Tales of your real world experiences would be appreciated!

 

so first things first, the covert bumper is amazing. Having it now for a while and I can’t complain and happy all around. Am left wishing I would of just went full, due to my lifestystle. But very happy regardless. So, the warn will fit. From what I have read you can adjust the solenoid box to the side and have zero issues. (That’s just what I have heard) but a company Tandem Offroad makes solenoid mounts for the 3rd gen Tacoma that move the solenoid up behind the grille and very nice mount. I have that for my smittybilt x20. (There’s a company in Canada that makes extended cables for the x20) if anyone needs help with that too. Unless you can make your own. But for access to the free spool, going off my x20 you can easily access just by opening the hood and reaching down, it’s a bit of a pain sometimes, but very doable. Now what I did was took some snips and just clipped out a front part of the grill to gain access to the free spool without opening the hood.

 

@Captbrad88 Thanks, that helps!

My 30 inch Heretic light bar is currently mounted in the portion of the grill you snipped out. I may have to move the light bar down into the bumper (if it will fit) and relocate the winch control box using the tandem bracket.

 

Lucky you, the spot on the bumper uses a 30” bar so just make sure you get the light bar cut out version.

 

@Captbrad88
How much cutting was involved on the stock bumper. I know most of these bumpers are similar but I haven't seen a video for the Cbi covert bumper

I also need to figure out what to rig up for a front license plate because I live in sorry Virginia, land of taxes

Thx

 

Here's a video of the installation from CBI:


As to your Virginia land of taxes, the People's Republic of California says: "hold my beer..."

 

Not much at all, basically you rip that front plastic push bumper. You will see the lip, you just trim that off. Once you trim that be aware that plastic piece will never go back on. Sure you know that, but just for other who don’t. Then you have to cut that hold down point, that’s the hardest cut they have because it not just using a drimmel like the front. The instructions call for you to cut you inner fender, but I would suggest getting the brackets up then cut around them for a cleaner look. The amount they tell you in the video is way more than what’s needed and in my opinion kinda just look funky. Another guy posted a video, it’s a real decent video to use for sure. Also, tuffy security products makes some sweet flip up if you go with the synthetic line, if you use cable and a roller hawser I think 4wp has an option for that.

 

Go with SSO, Rigid, or hell even Body Armor.
I would caution against buying any armor from CBI. I too have been researching a new front bumper, and while people love the product, the company seems to be total sh**. Just read the forum posts and reviews online about them lying about lead times, people not getting any updates, not answering emails or calls, etc. They seem super sketch these days and take more armor orders than they're actually able to make

 

I’ll agree, lead times are wack. Rear bumper was told 4-6 weeks took 3months. Which is relatively close to their estimate. The covert was also told 4-6 but I got a canceled option version which was delivered in a week. Thankfully someone else canceled their order. But as far as customer service, pretty damn good, I called once a month on my rear, the guy always filled me in. If he was giving me the run around it didn’t feel like it, it’s a made to order item. Instructions suck, they don’t come with any, they have YouTube videos that give you a run down, but never exact on any item. If you have some common sense you can figure it out. I did have to reach out twice about the bolts for my covert, with our instruction you don’t get a bolt count so how am I suppose to know if I have the right number. Each time they helped me though my question. That’s not to take away from SSO, they are local to me and have done wonderful work on my truck, between my regear, Serivces and cmc. Their bumpers are great too, I’m just a brand guy want matching all around. They are more 4Runner based with a touch of Tacoma now, so was hard to want to go with them for a front and have a non match rear. But I can’t complain about cbi. Heck, I work offshore they worked with me for delivery to ensure I was home for it.

 

I had a very different experience.

 

As for most here I wouldn't say I had a bad experience with the company but there was not a lot of customer service. Lead time was 7 weeks. Got the covert and I like how it looks for not being a full bumper compared to others out there, but it's all preference. Somewhat of an easy install. Installed a Diode dynamic combo bar to go with. Live in WA so had to mount a plate.

 

When did you order and receive? Looks perfect
What did you use for the front plate mount?
Cant wait for mine

 

Thanks I'm liking it. Just got it on. Can't remember the exact days but it was about 7 maybe 8 weeks from purchase.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/tuffy/f...62CYej7b5SVGuaLX06_iSnxzBGlqtiGBoCQccQAvD_BwE

 

Do you have some more photos of the push bar on your truck? I’m starting to like it a bit more and more and thinking of ordering one for my covert.

 

Here's a few

 

Bit hard for me to have any empathy for ya. Was quoted 3 months on my Mobtown rear bumper, ended up taking 8 f'n months. Of course this was last year, so Covid and all, but still, it was excruciating.

 

My order has shipped!!!
What did yall use to cut off the hold down point? Can it be unbolted or is cutting off the only option

 

The small loop you have to cut, I just used a cutting wheel, then spray paint the bare metal. The factory tow point if you have that, can just be unbolted.

 

Can't help but smile!!