Custom Tube Bumper build 1999 Tacoma

Hi TW,

I thought some people on here might appreciate it if I posted some pics of the tube bumper I built for my Tacoma. I like building things for FREE so I got some steel from a buddy of mine and went to town in the shop. He had some 2x2 square tubing and I since I haven't really seen anyone build a taco bumper out of square tubing, I decide I'd give it a shot.

I am fairly proficient in SolidWorks, but I was able to design and build the bumper in about a day without it. I'd like to note that there are a few things I would like to add to the bumper, so consider it not done yet.

Things I'd like to add:
-3/8" plate pad eyes for attaching cables/shackles/etc.
-Hoop bar sticking up from front (lol I have no idea what those are called but maybe you know what I'm talking about)
-a couple of stiffener bars for looks
-winch mount on top of frame mount


The first thing I did was remove the tired old plastic bumper:


then I measured the frame mount, and made a platform to build my bumper off of. I used 3x3 angle iron and punched holes for the bumper mounts. I also added some side plates using 3/8" plate, and punched holes for the bumper mounts. this took a little while to think about and I didn't decide to take pics until I finished. but heres the finished product:





Next, I decided to make the main tube bumper, which I wanted to go with a really low profile look. I don't really like the look of the bumpers that stick way out, but that is my own personal taste. The first step in this process was making a template out of cardboard:


once I was satisfied with the shape, I transferred my measurements to the table, where I could fab up the bumper:




I used a forklift to hold the bumper up to my truck and check it for fitment, as my buddy decided to take a break. Cheap labor I tell you!!!



Once I had the shape correct, I held it in place with the forklift and welded my support tubes underneath the main bumper. I plan on welding more for a cool look, but it is really sturdy as it sits. 1/4" wall tubing and all welded with dual shield















I got all the steel off of my friend who bought a lime green flatbed for his power stroke and cut the rack off. Although power stroke guys may like lime green, I couldn't look at the eye sore for another minute and sprayed it:











truck is really dirty, time for a wash

 

Looks good man! Nice welds too
Keep the thread and use it as bumper build thread; keep adding to it as you finish your list of add ons.

 

this is just my opinion, but I'd at least add a tube on each side from the end of the part that attaches to the frame angled up to the bottom of the top part about where the corner light is. Does that make sense? Think it would give it a more "complete" look. Looks like a good foundation for a pretty sturdy bumper though. If you already planned on putting tubes there then disregard this comment and keep up the good work

 

Looking good , looks more tough

 

just wondering, would anyone be interested in this, or similar to this bumper as a weld it yourself kit? I think I could sell this as a kit for fairly cheap, and the way it goes together is simple. Maybe throw in a couple shackle mounts, and add holes to the shelf for a winch or something??

 

eltacoma sorry to dig up a dead thread but is it still possible to get one of these "kits" from you and What are you talking cheap?

 

/\ what he said.

 

would you want just the pieces cut and weld yourself? that is what I was thinking. sorry I just saw this post

 

Hey man what were the angles you used for the bumper mainly just up top

 

Omg necro post! OP hasnt been around since 2018...

I’m betting he didn't measure the angles and just followed the body lines.