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“Thank you sir, may we have another.” - The Saga of the MetalCloak Frame Built Bumper

49K views 184 replies 57 participants last post by  ss427ci 
#1 ·
"Thank you sir, may we have another."

What an awesome flaming of our first release of the MetalCloak Frame-Built™ bumper system -- you can see the original post here: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/what-do-you-think-metalcloak-bumper-826969/

The multitude of posts on all the top jeep forums, not just this one, provided an incredible pool of blatant flames, incredible ideas, and interesting concepts for improving this product... thank you. :2thumbsup:

Thank you also for all of the compliments on our benchmark MetalCloak Arched Tube Fenders™. Anyone that read the flaming posts a few years ago relative to the first (alpha revision) release of the (then Rev111) Arched Tube Fenders would say that the bumper thread did not look near as bad "in comparison". :laugh: In the case of our Arched Tube Fenders we did our best to address most of the feedback, resulting in our flagship MetalCloak product line.

As I try to do a better job describing the Frame-Built™ bumper system as well as all the improvements added in the past couple months I will try to include as much of the feedback (flame and otherwise) associated with the revisions as possible. Let me start by showing the photograph on the original post. The rest of this thread will detail the changes and what we mean by Build Your Own Bumper!


This is the original picture and first glimpse the world had of our bumper.

----------------------

First, I would like to give kudos to the best flame we received.
BossBuilt said:
"Whats a stinger? It has wings? Is it a Bee?"
Very deserving, and as you will see throughout this thread, we took your comments to heart changing the official names of our bumper "wings" to uh... Caps - Stubbie Caps, MINI Caps, Crawler Caps... etc.

Then there's the massive hoop configuration above.
Lumpster said:
"...what are the bars sticking out from the front for? I hopes its not for looks"
QuickSilverCon said:
"the front hoops don't provide any foreseeable benefit to my type of wheeling."
BoSoxGp said:
"that whole bumper/cow pusher looks like hell."
mg2000xj said:
"Ugly grill hoop kills it for me"
willy05TJ said:
"i guess it could be used to push cattle along."
cartwrigth27 said:
"I like the integrated grill guard but don't like the styling of the two forward hoops."
Why J? said:
"redesign the front horns, no reason to be there. Redesign to add some hoop support that is reasonable and you could have something."
and many more...

It was painfully obvious that the hoop system and our introductory post was a poor attempt at best.

This is a Frame Built™ system meaning that we have a multitude of trail tested components that individually mount directly to the frame of the Jeep or, as a whole, will create a bumper tailored to the needs of the owner.

There are currently 5 hoop configurations going through R&D, with more to come. And as part of our ongoing development we are open to designing hoops (or other options) around sketches and ideas from you, the end user. BTW, if you're the first to present the idea, and assuming we implement it, we will give you the first production unit for free.

So lets look at the revisions made in the last couple months and hopefully collect some more great feedback!!!


The new MetalCloak Frame-Built Modular Bumper Options...

---------------

Our design philosophy at MetalCloak is to create products with unique and original looks with greater functionality. We refuse to build "me too" products. Therefore we have to take some risks on styling and features. In general when we hear comments like "that is definitely different" we know we are on the right track. We believe we are on the right track with this Frame Built™ Modular bumper system and we will just continue to listen to your feedback and continue to improve the product.

Srooney said:
"...the YJ and TJ bolt patterns are similar why not make some small mods and such that your bumper system fits both a YJ and TJ."
Done... the new model will fit either a TJ/LJ or a YJ and the base is available in both Hot Rolled Steel or Stainless Steel. Here a similar build (stainless steel base) is shown on both rigs, using basically the same components:


Slope said:
"...dude, the front sticks out so much it looks like a diving board"
NikVallens said:
"... the bumper looks like one massive chunk of unnecessary weight."
Great suggestions!!!! We moved the front of the main base plate all the way back to the frame and moved the fairlead mounts to the front/top angle of the bumper. Yet we still kept 1 ¾" of clearance between the winch and the air intake of the front grill.


The space between the Warn Powerplant and the TJ grill

This feedback substantially improved the look, weight and price point of the unit. :thumbsup:

Matsky said:
"...my TJ has a stock sway bar how could I possibly mount any of your hoop designs."
WillyNilly said:
" u sure that hoop will work with stock fenders?"
Done! All our current and future hoop configurations allow for the use of a stock sway bar on the TJ and will not interfere with stock fenders.


Just a couple of hoop options, with more including grill guards, to come.

Why J? said:
"...Tie into the current fenders to add strength across the entire front of the jeep."
This is a good time to mention that many have suggested that we physically tie our fenders to our bumper system. But, as a matter of engineering, we are not prone to do that since our fenders are secured to the body and the bumper is secured to the frame. The movement/flex that occurs between the body and the frame during off-road experiences would wreak havok and destroy any "tie" between the body and frame.

Rubicon1000 said:
"can u put a high lift jack under the rings and jack the jeep up?"
Great point... the answer is yes there is plenty of room to use your hi-lift on the upper shackles. However, if one still wants a lower recovery point we've added a shackle mount component at the forward angle of the base plate.

http://www.metalcloak.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/2141.jpg[/IMG

Forward-Angle shackles.

[quote=QuickSilverCon] "The thing is way too wide"[/quote]
[quote=BoSoxGp] "i wouldn't buy the "removable wings", look like they would hang up on the approach."[/quote]
[quote=Andy M] "i would like to see a stubbier end cap...that one looks a little wide for me"[/quote]

This was already part of the original design, but we did not show our "Crawler Cap" cap in that first thread. Here is a look at a couple of few different cap options. There will be more to come based on customer requests.

[IMG]http://www.metalcloak.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/2122.jpg



The real purpose of this thread is to better explain that the Frame Built™ Modular bumper system allows for hundreds of configurations with new options being developed every week -- our modular bumper system will continue to evolves and improve based on your feedback.

So let us know what you want, what you desire, and if it makes sense we will add the option.

Recent suggestions we are developing include license plate bracket, new fairleads, hi-lift mounts, light mounts (recesses), grill/hood guard, steering box skid plate, end caps for stock fenders, recovery hooks, marker lights and more!

Finally … and possibly most importantly

rubicon1000 said:
"very expensive"
BoSoxGp said:
"id never pay that much for a front bumper"
Quicksilver said:
"Hopefully you can bring the price down"
Cartwrigth27 said:
"And the price for a base stubby seems a little high"
NikVallens said:
"Very high price"
Hughes16 said:
" for almost $1,000"
stwilson74 said:
"...Reasons for disliking the bumper: 1) Price..."
DJ404564X4 said:
"for the seven hundred odd dollars your charging, you can get a whole lot of bumpers."
Okay, we got it... Thanks! We recognize that we missed the mark on price. :doh: The recent revisions presented here, thanks to your feedback, have substantially reduced the overall production cost of the system. These reductions in cost translate into a substantial reduction in the price of your build.

Here are just some of the builds we've already shipped to customers across the country.


With our 20% sale, these pre-configured builds range in price from $200 for the Stealth to $600 for Ezzy's Build.

What's your build? Maybe your bumper will be our next pre-configured offering!

For a full list of our current builds and to BUILD YOUR OWN BUMPER, go to:
MetalCloak TJ/LJ/YJ Frame Built(TM) Modular Bumpers

-------------------

At MetalCloak we strive to create American-made uniquely styled products, with more features, improved functionality and at a reasonable price. With every new release, we strive to hit the mark on all our goals, but that's not always the case. But, over time, we will listen to you and make the improvements necessary to hit the target! Thank you for your review and we look forward to your continued flames, uh, feedback. :2thumbsup:

Doug
"jeepineer"
MetalCloak Engineer
 
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#72 ·
Any release dates on any more bumper accessories Matson?

Come on....You know you wanna tell us...:rofl::laugh:
LOL! We are definitely coming out soon with our next options... but we have a couple really hot projects to complete first. :2thumbsup:
 
#73 ·
I cant wait to see what you guys have up your sleeves next! I just might have to feed my newly found MetalCloak addiction with some rocker gaurds...
 
#74 ·
I just might have to feed my newly found MetalCloak addiction with some rocker gaurds...
We'll be happy to oblige! BTW, I think your signature is awesome! Semper Fi.

:2thumbsup:
 
#77 ·
What is the difference between these two popular Frame-Built Bumper configurations? One weighs in at 40 lbs, and one is only 23 lbs.



The question for you is... how?

:2thumbsup:
 
#85 ·
Aluminum :D



Ace, that sucks... Good luck getting it back! I hope the thieves rot in hell...
 
#86 ·
How possible is it to have the stubby bumper with it running up along the grill and up under the fender. This would help protect the grill and fender but leave the tire clear to get on an obstacle
I like the idea of the bumper being as narrow as possible. I planned on cutting my stock bumper down. I like being able to get my tire on an obstacle without out anything I the way but what concerns me is how vulnerable it makes my fender. I wouldn't want a stinger sticking out any further than the bumper. Often for uphill pulls I will situate myself behind and up against a tree to keep myself anchored. Having a stinger sticking out would be in the way. I have armor on my jeep but never seen a front bumper worth buying. Seem they are all too big. If I want a stubby bumper I could just cut down the stock bumper or even remove it. By adding minimal but effective grill and fender protection that would be of value to me. As far as material, wouldn't have to be aluminum and as far as finish don't. Even with powder coating I will have to touch it up with a rattle can. Don't need to waste money on powder coating.

How possible is it to have the stubby bumper head up along the grill and up under the fender. This would help protect the grill and fender but leave the tire clear to get on an obstacle. Lines show the bumper.

________OO _________ bumper is just below fenders

tires \__Winch__/ tires
 
#88 ·
Sorry if this an obvious question but does a winch bolt DIRECTLY to the bumper? Do I need a winch plate? Is it also possible to get the bolts matte or powdercoated so they're not all shiny? I love the bumper but not the "WWII airplane wing rivet thing" going on. I've got a black jeep and want very little shiny things on it.

really nice work!!!
 
#89 ·
One thing I've learned in this industry... there are no obvious questions! :2thumbsup:

Yes, the base of the bumper is pre-drilled and designed to fit most winches.

As for the bolts, we are now offering Black Zinc Grade 8 Bolts as a standard with the Black Frame-Built Base. It will take a few days to get the website updated as well as the pics to show how the black bolts look, and we are about a week out on delivery of them, but you can order any bumper now and we will make sure you have the black bolts if you want them.

:cheers2:
 
#91 ·
Ahhh, yes... the not so secret rumor mill has been busy... but here it is... the New Aluminum Base for our Frame-Built Bumper System!



But wait, you say... that looks just like your Hot Rolled Steel base! And you would be right... the same 2.0 mil black textured powdercoat protects this incredible and rugged aluminum bumper base.

Made of 5052-H38 Aluminum, this bumper has, in some respects, greater strength then our own Steel base. How? As our own engineer, Jeepineer, specifies:
Jeepineer: Hot rolled steel plate A36 has a yield strength of 34,000-36,000psi dependent upon vendor. Aluminum 5052-H38 has a yield strength of 38,000-40,000psi dependent upon vendor.
When we started the Frame-Built concept, we knew Aluminum was in the future which is why we started with aluminum shackle mounts and fairleads.

Our first Aluminum bumper to hit the market... Dendrophobe's build which you can see here and follow in this thread: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/metalcloak-bumper-review-933944/?highlight=metalcloak+bumper



How much lighter is it? Comparing these two builds...



The Hot Rolled Steel version comes in at 40 lbs and the Aluminum is only 23! Which is which? You tell me! :D

Try your hand at an aluminum build... BYOB! MetalCloak, home of the Arched Jeep TJ / LJ / YJ Tube Fender.

:2thumbsup:
 
#93 ·
Ahhh, yes... the not so secret rumor mill has been busy... but here it is... the New Aluminum Base for our Frame-Built Bumper System!



But wait, you say... that looks just like your Hot Rolled Steel base! And you would be right... the same 2.0 mil black textured powdercoat protects this incredible and rugged aluminum bumper base.

Made of 5052-H38 Aluminum, this bumper has, in some respects, greater strength then our own Steel base. How? As our own engineer, Jeepineer, specifies:

When we started the Frame-Built concept, we knew Aluminum was in the future which is why we started with aluminum shackle mounts and fairleads.

Our first Aluminum bumper to hit the market... Dendrophobe's build which you can see here and follow in this thread: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/metalcloak-bumper-review-933944/?highlight=metalcloak+bumper



How much lighter is it? Comparing these two builds...



The Hot Rolled Steel version comes in at 40 lbs and the Aluminum is only 23! Which is which? You tell me! :D

Try your hand at an aluminum build... BYOB! MetalCloak, home of the Arched Jeep TJ / LJ / YJ Tube Fender.

:2thumbsup:
I want one ! Anybody wanna buy a stupid Tube bumper ? Cheap !!
 
#96 ·
UltimateCC is right in that you can easily drill holes in the end caps for mounting lights, but we are developing several options including brackets that will allow for light mounting at several points.

:2thumbsup:
 
#97 ·
I love everything you are doing Metalcloak!! I have been looking for months at what I should do next to my Jeep and I have gone from lift to bumpers to fenders and so on. One day your fenders just showed up and I have never felt so certain on a product before! Your overline tube fenders for the TJ's are my next buy for sure! :2thumbsup:

But now that I see the bumpers, I like you guys even more! I love the chance to have options on something I'm buying and your options are amazing! I also like how you can keep changing the bumper to fit your needs..

I agree with what people are saying, there needs to be some other grill guard or stinger option.. Maybe some kinda of stinger that isn't coming too far forward but at the same time not going backwards like the winch protector?

Ex:http://www.truckaddons.com/images02/exterior/bestop/HighRock_jeep_bumper/gateway_pic.jpg

http://jeep.off-road.com/jeep/data/articlestandard/jeep/342006/366984/D1.jpg

http://jeep.off-road.com/jeep/data/articlestandard/jeep/342006/366984/F1.jpg

Last thing.. I think the best thing I could see is some sort of skid plate option that comes with the bumper like some of these guys:

http://www.oramagazine.com/images/0410-oct/041001t-body-armor/02article01.jpg

http://www.truckcandy.com/TC/FourRealSteel/Images/165/KJ70006.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4493/3741/23731870008_large.jpg

All in all, I think you guys have made some great products and I'm excited to see the new things you come up with! :D
 
#98 ·
license plate plate attachment?

for those of us in states that require a front license plate, are the front bolts in the middle meant for a plate or are they just cosmetic? It would be a shame to drill my own holes in a custom bumper for my dumb license plate.

...what say you Metalcloak?

jim
 
#99 ·
for those of us in states that require a front license plate, are the front bolts in the middle meant for a plate or are they just cosmetic? It would be a shame to drill my own holes in a custom bumper for my dumb license plate.

...what say you Metalcloak?

jim
The two bolts holes on the center of the under angle of the front of the bumper are for a quick release license plate holder that should be out by the end of January.

If you buy the roller fairlead bracket and use a roller fairlead there are many companies (Kilby) that offer a snap on/off license plate system for a roller fairlead.

I hope this information is helpful.
 
#104 ·
so how much for the fenders i mean everything all hardware for the arched fenders with a 4" fender flare. would that be enough to be legal in states where fender flares are a law. I run 33x10.50 and wonder would 4" cover them and be enough? what do i have to change up under the hood? If there is alot of changing and remounting?
 
#106 ·
Thanks for great Q's. UltimateCC is right on. The 4" are considered equivalent to stock and measure about 6" from the hood at the widest point whereas the 6" measures about 8" at the same spot.

As far as under the hood, everything goes back into place, you don't have to replace your factory equipment. As UltimateCC pointed out, you do have to bend a couple brackets, and depending on the year of your rig, you may have to drill a hole or two into the aluminum inner fenders, but that's no big deal.

I will send you a PM with all full quote. :2thumbsup:
 
#105 ·
4 should cover 10.5s depending on your offset, my 6in cover my 12.5s with 4in bs on 15x8s perfect....they come with everything you need and what it doesn't come with you reuse your stock hardware...under the hood you have to bend some mounting brackets a tiny bit but nothing major. its all pretty straight forward.
 
#108 ·
The license plate fits on there without the bracket, too... It's just a PITA to get on and off to go offroad. Once Doug makes his bracket, it'll be a lot better. For those of you that need something in the meantime though, all you need to do is drill out the holes on the license plate a little bit, and it'll fit perfectly on the cosmetic bolts. It's tilted back a lot and hard to read, but it's better than nothing.


 
#109 ·
Dendrophobe...

LOL! You've stumbled across something that we were keeping on the low down... yes those lower angle holes on the Frame-Built bumper base are for our future quick release bumper mounting system. :2thumbsup:
 
#110 ·
:D I figured it wouldn't hurt... Doug already spilled the beans on page 7! :rofl:
 
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