Front bumper question

My factory front bumper needs to be replaced. I did a Google search and found that I can get a primed metal replacement for about $100, but have to admit I’m a bit wary of the quality of the piece. If I did this stock replacement, any recommendations on where to purchase a good quality replacement?. Of course it would have to be painted to match, so that’s going to add to the overall cost.

I was also thinking that this might be a good reason to going with an aftermarket winch bumper instead, but thought I’d ask for some opinions here first.

 

The stock look is nice, I would recommend using OE parts when you can. That said there are several options for aftermarket bumpers available, see the following thread:
tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-offroad-bumper-options-gallery-w-pics

Keep in mind that an aftermarket market bumper will likely require a bit of modification to the truck. When I put the All Pro bumper on my truck I had to weld some brackets to the frame, and do a windshield wiper fluid reservoir relocation. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Thanks Wadar. I’ll take another look through that bumper thread. If I decide to keep the stock look, do you know if the OE part is still available?

 

You can replace just the chrome portion. The front bumper is three sections with brackets holding it all to the frame. I think i bought the one in this link. You'll likely need to replace the brackets and associated nuts, and some of the plastic clips holding the bottom and top plastic portions of the bumper.

$140 CarPartsDepot Front Bumper Face Bar New Chrome Bumper Cover Comaptible With 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck TO1002174 52101AD030

https://www.amazon.com/CarPartsDepot-Replacement-341-44374-10-TO1002174-52101AD030/dp/B00B9EZROU?keywords=chrome+bumper+2002+Toyota+Tacoma&qid=1672090175&replacementKeywords=chrome+bumper&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&vehicle=2002-76-1037------------&vehicleName=2002+Toyota+Tacoma

See post 33 in my build thread.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2002-tacoma-rust-belt-restoration.769596/page-2#post-27616428

 

^^^
This… got wrapped up on a big drive home today.

 

I got the center section of my bumper. My truck had a painted bumper, not chrome (I think it has something to do with the trim level). Anyway, the part I got is primed in flat black. Local body shop wants $900 to paint the part. That’s not happening. I figure I’ll give this a go myself. Is the Dupli-Color Lunar Mist in a spray can a good match? Also, for prepping the metal, what grit sandpaper should I use? Thanks.

 

Lol, find another body shop. that's ridiculous. I'm having a custom bumper powder coated for $300.

You can also order an OEM color kit with Primer, Paint and Clear. I've used it for smaller pieces and it works great if you take your time and follow the instructions.

https://drcolorchip.com

 

I was going to start working on the bumper today. The box that the bumper came in says ‘BLK POWDER COATING’. How do I prep this for point? I was hoping to just scuff the paint, but the powder coating reference has me a little confused.

 

I would scuff, prime, then paint.

 

So I got the old bumper assembly off. Now I see why people replace the entire assembly. Maybe an ARB bumper is in my immediate future.

Back of bumper completely rusted. As are all the bolts that hold the filler panel and the valence. As I banged on it huge chunks just fell apart.

 

I’m assuming I need these brackets no matter what I decide. I think I need to cut them off.



I also need both of these corner bumpers.

 

Here’s how she looks

 

Those corner things. I’ve never bothered to put on.

I’ve changed probably 4 01-04 fronts from hitting deer and pigs, my advice;
Get the galvanized clips and nuts from napa that secure the valences, the plastic plugs for the top piece can be sourced by Amazon

I had the OEM Toyota brackets at like 80 bucks a pop and the cheap ones from rock auto, no real difference there.

when it comes to quality. The aftermarket non oem stuff is fine, just don’t get the cheapest one

 

also have experience with those paints

you’d be better off getting the harbor freight gun, a pint of lunar mist, and some 2k clear and doing it yourself, I’ve had multiple cans of that shit be all different.

 

Ok. Thanks. I’m going to spend some time with a dremel tomorrow to cut away all the little rusted bolts to try and save the filler panel and valance.

 

This arrived last night. An ARB bumper from Summit Racing. The wife gave me a gift certificate for Summit for Xmas that just about covered 1/2 the cost. I got the textured one I think. I haven’t opened the box yet. I’ll start a thread on the install once I get some time to do that. I know there are some helpful links on these ARB installs.

 

Very nice! The ARB on my truck is one of my favorite mods that I've done. Be warned that a winch install is a bit of a PITA due to having to reclock the winch.

 

OK thanks! Unfortunately, I broke one of the fasteners that holds my toolbox to the bed rails when I removed the pallet that the bumper is on. I didn't realize it was tucked under the toolbox a couple of inches and when I lifted it with my pallet forks, the force broke one of the plastic mounts.

 

I was going to start my ARB bumper install today but have a question. Actuality, I’ll probably have lots of them. The first is that my truck had an aftermarket trans cooler. I’m assuming this can’t stay where it is with the ARB bumper:

 

Question 2: 3 of the 4 nuts that hold the stock crash bar in place are completely corroded. Cannot get a socket in them. Do just cut this bar off?