I was in the same boat as far as being able to justify spending $1500-$2000 on a single bumper. I had a project that never amounted to anything (old International scout II traveler) that had a completely rusted out "bed" and I bought some 2" tubing and a tubing bender to build a new one. Never did it, and sold all the international vehicles and parts that I had. Fast forward 8 years and the rear bumper on the Silverado was about to fall off(rust again..the story of my life). I still had the same tubing and bender, so that is where I started. I scoured the internet(google images) for bumpers and found a few I liked the look of. The best thing I did was not trying to replicate something exactly. I needed to just figure out what I could do and what I could make work. It evolved a little as I went.
Here are some pictures that were used for inspiration:
I also liked some of the Fab Four and Iron Cross bumpers(and other similar designs), but knew that I wanted to use the tubing I already had to keep costs down.
As far as the one I am working on, I never planned to post it anywhere so I didn't take any other pictures along the way. I will take some as I finish up the mounting brackets and the top "steps". I will of course take some pictures once I get it done and back on the truck. Edit: I did find this picture after the tubing was bent.
I would totally recommend building one if you have the tools. Luckily, I have a friend who stores a good bit of stuff in my garage, so I have access to my tubing bender and grinders, and his welder, plasma cutter and small band-saw. I had never welded before, although had watched him on a few occasions. Prior to starting, I watched a handful of youtube videos, and just went for it. Some of my welds look terrible, and on some of them I really surprised myself. I am learning as I go!
