Whitson Metalworks

I spend most of my time on T4R.org but figured there may be more tube fans over here. This was my first foray into tube bumpers. I build roof racks, and roof racks, and roof racks... so i wanted to see if it was possible to add something else to my line-up. this first one took a good while to complete but hopefully, if i feel like it again, the next wont be so bad. I wanted a hybrid design that truly looked like a hybrid, and that ended up looking good. i worked in the expanded metal inserts specifically to cover up the "ugly" that most tube bumpers leave on display. the led signals are tucked in behind the mesh and look pretty sweet at night time. i wanted the hoops to follow the lines of the front end, this was a PITA to dial in, but im very happy with the end result. Everything is .120 wall 1-3/4", the main support is 2x4x3/16" and the plating is 1/8". weight is around 75lb. and it has room for a winch, though i do not own one yet. attaches at 12 points and is rock solid.

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

that looks fantastic - great work!

Forgive me...I see 8 mounting points (4 each side where it mounts in the middle to the frame mounting piece you built) - where are the other 4 mounting points - the sides I assume?

Nice and clean - and unique!

Ocell

Real nice! I like the mesh a lot.

Whitson Metalworks

no prob, check the 5th picture down, you'll see i added a hole to the top of the frame and welded a nut to the under side of that. i also tied into the "wings" sticking out from the body mount right in that area also. so 2 on the front, 2 on the bottom, 1 on the top, 1 on the side wing thing, X2.

ThatGuy1295

Looks you wont have any trouble expanding your business. Nice work.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

You might want to give us a hint just in what part of the world you are in???

I gotta ask what did you use to cut the expanded metal ??

If have some jobs coming up not sure what would be the best.

I am not a big fan of tube bumpers but it looks pretty good.

Whitson Metalworks

i edited my details with a location, flat-a$$ florida lol. i cut the expanded metal, and the plate with a plasma cutter. before i had the plasma i just used the grinder and cut-off wheels.

ThatGuy1295

But if you dont have a plasma cutter, I used a mag 77 with a steel cut off blade. Worked awesome, and speedy.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I have all of the above and then some.

Performance1

Looks great! Too bad FL is so far, would love to upgrade my 4Runner.

J2F42C

I am partial to Whitson's roof racks myself. Nice fabrication across the board no doubt.

Mtn Mike

iTrader: (1)

I usually don't like tube bumpers on 4th Gens but I'm liking your design. Questions; where would a winch go?, and when will you be offering them for sale and at what price point?

Whitson Metalworks

Thanks guys. Im assuming you meant 4th gen taco since all i have to build on are 3rd gen runners. Im working out how to build a jig so i can reproduce this thing without so much eyeballing and measuring. I built in a winch plate, just dont own one so i left the front solid, simple fix down the line.

Mtn Mike

iTrader: (1)

Cool. Oops yeah I meant 3rd gen 4Runner. Keep us posted with your progress.

Whitson Metalworks

started on the rear a few days ago. i thought it was going to be easier but these d#$m tubes with 3 bends, rotation, and a compound mitered cut on the end, WTF!!! i need better tools! i wish i was happy with blocky styling and 90 degree bends and joints, custom tube work is exhausting but i'm liking how it looks. all thats left are braces on the side wings and tidying things up. i'll be using the mesh again on the sides and putting a piece of plate to fill the gap in between the bumper and the body of the truck.

EFI85

love those bumpers good work dude !!!