I decided to take the plunge on modifying my stock front bumper after reading all the previous posts from a while back. Every bit of what i did was based on information i picked up from the JK-Forum Members. So Thanks for the idea and inspiration. I am short on funds these days so building a new bumper is a little further away than I would like, and that giant plastic thing had to go.

First step was simple: remove 4 bolts holding the plastic to the frame. Cut off soup cans with thin cut blade on grinder. Swap to grinding disc and grind down welds/clean up. Tape for cuts to give it that cool gut "I meant to do that" look.


Used 220 Grit Sandpaper on an orbital sander to prep surface. Wiped down with cloth and paint thinner to clean/prep surface. Sprayed 4 coats (light) with Duplicolor Bed Coating ($9.95 at O'Reilly).


Zip Tied Fog Light wiring harness to lower cross member to keep it out of the way and re-installed.
Total time was about 1 hour plus 4 hours for bedliner curing. Finished Product:


I know this is not a substitute for a real bumper but I am pleased with the final outcome. Thanks again to all of you that have posted write-ups and how to's on your projects as they continue to be an inspiration.

And yes i know those stock bicycle tires need to go!

-O'Hooligan

 

Looks great good job

 

Pretty slick.

 

Thanks guys!

 

It looks like you can now use a high lift jack on it and not mess anything up. Looks good. Can you mount factory fog lights to it. It would look nice with a winch plate and factory tow hooks as well. I believe you can pick used ones up pretty cheap. Looks good though!

 

How are you guys mounting your high lift jacks? Are you fabbing your own parts?

I agree that fogs and tow hooks are next in line for my front end.

 

Good job! Looks good

 

Subscribed.

This is interesting. My plastic bumper looks like crap with all the dents in it.
The best thing is, if this mod turns out crappy I can just put the stock bumper back on.
I think I might try this!

I wonder if I could mount some D-Ring brackets where the crush cans used to attach?
That steel looks pretty thin.

 

One of the better ones. I like it nice job

 

Just needs some Teraflex D ring mounts, a Warn Winch plate and Vision-X Driving lights. Hit everything with a matte black or bedliner and no would know you started with the OE metal backing.