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Bumper Cutouts

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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 08:27 PM
  #1  
dakotajeep's Avatar
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From: Baldwin, ND
Bumper Cutouts

I am planning on cutting two 4x8 (ish) holes on both sides of my front license plates. Like what some stock bumpers look like. I want to use expanded metal to prevent large items from going through.

With that being said, do you guys think this will help with cooling? I would only assume that it would since it would increase the airflow going to the radiator. Also, does anyone know how big the holes are on the stock bumpers?

Thanks
Thad

Comments or Suggestions?
 
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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:23 PM
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Should help indeed, the more direct airflow you can get through there the better. I'm actually thinking of fabbing up an air deflector in install under the bumper, and remove my yeehaw plate that is there now.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 01:34 AM
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Too bad you're so far away I'd sell you my factory bumper when I build my winch bumper.
The factory holes are roughly 8.5x3.5", inside.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 06:52 AM
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Thanks Dodge

I am planning to cut it out with a grinder and forgetting about the expanded metal. What type of paint wouldnt look bad on a chrome bumper?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 06:27 PM
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Someone did this a while back.
They used paint on the fresh cut metal edge and then found a vinyl trim to slide over the cuts and wound up with a factory looking bumper.

Trim hid the paint and the cuts where they were not perfect.

I just can't remember who it was and what they used as the vinyl trim.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 06:40 PM
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Dave thats the look I am going for. I dont want it to appear more redneck than it already is......
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 09:15 PM
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ya can get the factory trim with the cut outs on ebay, i plan i buyin that then cutting out the bumper then it should look factory. i have the slid bumper too because i have an f150 body on my truck
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 05:24 AM
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Umm, an OEM bumper from the salvage yard is about $25-50.

I could have gotten one last week for $40.

Much easier, better looking, and no Red Neck engineering required
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by fonefiddy
Umm, an OEM bumper from the salvage yard is about $25-50.

I could have gotten one last week for $40.

Much easier, better looking, and no Red Neck engineering required
I am jealous of you guys who have "normal" salvage yards around. Guys here seem to think their old parts contain gold dust flakes or something. But thanks anyhow.

THad
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 11:59 AM
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i have never found a diesel bumper in my local yards
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 03:41 PM
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Some of them around here think they are solid gold, not just gold flakes in them.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 06:00 PM
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There is a guy 5 miles from my parents that is cool but I dont get up there very often. He is located in the middle of farm country in ND. He is super cool and is very reasonable!!! But that doesnt help me here in KS.......
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 09:02 PM
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Maybe I'll haveta start a salvage reselling bidness
 
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 09:08 PM
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From: Baldwin, ND
Originally Posted by fonefiddy
Maybe I'll haveta start a salvage reselling bidness
Thanks but no thanks.....lol....Minnesota uses too much salt. Maybe not Duluth but any vehicle near the Cities looks like a rust bomb!!!!

Maybe you need to acquire them from the desert southwest....maybe better opportunities....


Thad
 
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Old Jun 12, 2009 | 12:23 PM
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Since fonfiddy's salvage yards resale business hasnt started up yet.... I cut out the bumper on both side of the license plate. The holes are about 4.5 x 8 inches. I used vacuum hose and cut it in half to hide the cut marks and add some contrast. I will post pictures soon.


Should I cut a narrow hole above the license plate or just leave it alone?

Thad
 
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