An actual bumper for the VX!!

[Joe Darlington]

The Front Winch Bumper for the VX got moved down on the priority list, there seemed to be more interest in VX cupholders than a bumper... If there is real interest in a "ARB/Road Armor" style bumper, I will move it upon the list of things to build and produce a prototype bumper in the near future.

I am retired military now and I supplement my retirement income building products for Isuzu's, don't really want to be spending $500+ on materials, not to include the labor and time building/developing a product that no one intends to buy... This happened over on Planetisuzoo/4x4 Wire, a bunch of people wanted rear steel bumpers for the newer Rodeo's. Then I spent the time and expense to produce a really nice rear bumper and needless to say, all the people that said they would buy one, didn't. It took 2 years to sell the first one and fortunatly since then I have sold quite a few.

If people are serious about wanting a Front Winch Bumper for the VX, then speak up so I can guage the real interest for the bumper.

There has also been mention of reproducing the front bumper reinforcement bar that goes behind the front bumper cladding, if this is something that is wanted also I could look into reproducing that also...

[nocturnalVX]

Hi Joe!
I really need a replacement for the front bumper supports as mine rusted off a while ago. I wish I lived a bit closer to you so that we could brainstorm over a few beverages, but 15 hours one way is a bit much.
I have always likes these types of bumpers on jeeps, and wonder if there is a way to tie in (or replace) the bumper supports with something like this without doing away with too much of the front cladding.

I will have to plan a weekend road trip to see you and go over some options...

[JoFotoz]

Hi Joe, I got your e-mail...

If people are serious about wanting a Front Winch Bumper for the VX, then speak up so I can guage the real interest for the bumper.

Obviously as per my mail I am seriously interested, my ML320 "brush guard" maxes out at skateboard and cyclist deflection !!

I'd be looking for an ARB style..WITHOUT winch.
I'd prefer a tow ball receiver in front as I intend to use a plate mounted winch that can be employed fore and aft as required.

How many orders would you need, what kind of price...and what would be the timeline.

I see no point in doing another one off ( as per my ML320 mod) for myself...
... if you are on it!

Having said that, I'm looking at may (Moab) as a deadline....and I worry about shipping costs.
Perhaps a modular/semi built "kit" that is easier/cheaper to ship....
...but can easily be welded together after shipping might be a good plan?

Thanks mate...

Jo

[VXorado]

I'd be looking for an ARB style..WITHOUT winch.
I'd prefer a tow ball receiver in front as I intend to use a plate mounted winch that can be employed fore and aft as required.

How many orders would you need, what kind of price...and what would be the timeline.

I see no point in doing another one off ( as per my ML320 mod) for myself...
... if you are on it!

Having said that, I'm looking at may (Moab) as a deadline....and I worry about shipping costs.
Perhaps a modular/semi built "kit" that is easier/cheaper to ship....
...but can easily be welded together after shipping might be a good plan?

Thanks mate...

Jo

Agree & Disagree with Jo... as usual

I would rather have a winch mount built in. A winch on a portable plate will take up a lot of room in my small cargo area since I still want to retain the rear seats. I'm flexible with the design as long as there's room to add a permanent winch plate into the bumper.

I need a winch by summer, Moab being a good deadline for me as well. I'm planning on building some kind of winch carrier in the next couple months unless yours will be available.

With a design, price & details, I would be happy to commit to a purchase.

[JoFotoz]

Yup...given design/price/delivery etc I'd commit too...

Agree & Disagree with Jo... as usual

I would rather have a winch mount built in. A winch on a portable plate will take up a lot of room in my small cargo area since I still want to retain the rear seats. I'm flexible with the design as long as there's room to add a permanent winch plate into the bumper.

I need a winch by summer, Moab being a good deadline for me as well. I'm planning on building some kind of winch carrier in the next couple months unless yours will be available.

With a design, price & details, I would be happy to commit to a purchase.

....and I would think a design allowing either winch option should be very possible.
A dedicated winch plate plus a tow ball receiver is not outrageous!

I hear what youre saying regarding a mounted winch, but the flexibilty
to pull from the rear ()...is important to me for solo off roading.

jo

[pbkid]

Yup...given design/price/delivery etc I'd commit too...

....and I would think a design allowing either winch option should be very possible.
A dedicated winch plate plus a tow ball receiver is not outrageous!

I hear what youre saying regarding a mounted winch, but the flexibilty
to pull from the rear ()...is important to me for solo off roading.

jo

The + about having a receiver in the front instead of a winch plate is that the bumper can be much 'tighter' or slim to the front of the vehicle. Winch plates take up a lot of depth, plus then you can move the winch front to rear as mentioned.

I personally love the receiver in front instead of the winch plate because the bumper is much more snug to the front of the car. They gave me both options when I had my front bumper built and the custom guy explained that he can really make the bumper fit the vehicle better if it doesnt have to be 8" deep. Thats what makes a lot of the ARB style ones look funny from the side....