Project: modifying F350 front bumper for van

[Abitibi]

There aren't many options for decent van's front bumpers.

On my previous ambo I bought a F350 front bumper and made it fit to my van. I didn't have to modify too much aside from the mounting brackets. Had to shorten the ends so they wouldn't rub into the tires but that was pretty straight forward. On my 1st one I also added a small top tube to protect the upper part and mount lights.

This time around I have the newer front end (2008+) and looking around at bumpers for our van I quickly realized I'm way too cheap to take the easy way. I also like steel... So back to square one and searched for a few months before I came across this nice bumper made from a Canadian company called Bulletproof bumpers. This one is made for 2017-2021 Super Duty, looks like it should fit with minimal mods. After a bit of bargaining I got it for around $970usd ($1200cdn) which is more than I was willing but will save me from building my own. I realized after the fact that it came with four Rigid Industries LED mounted lights which is a nice bonus right! So in my book it's a steal

I'll be picking it up this week and will keep you posted on the progress which won't happen right away, lol
But I'm looking forward to get rid of that chrome bumper, chrome only looks good on vintage vans

Cheers
David

 

[RVflyfish]

Wow that thing looks tough.

 

[Abitibi]

Yes tough and heavy, should help with my stiff coils, lol. I think it weighs around 210lbs and can fit up to a 16.5 winch.

It's laser cut, mixed of 1/4" & 3/16" A36 descaled steel then powder coated!

Anyway, this is the one I found, I'm sure there's a few other decent options around (Iron Cross, Moves...), whatever one can get their hands on for cheap

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[wgeyer88]

Do you happen to know what your first bumper was? I really like the way it looks, especially with the top tube you added.

 

[Abitibi]

Do you happen to know what your first bumper was? I really like the way it looks, especially with the top tube you added.

Sure do!

It was an ASFIR 4X4 bumper. I'm not sure which model I got (bought it as a clearance discount) but they aren't to expensive... here's a link and a close up picture of my old one.

ATL HD Winch Bumper

ATL HD winch bumper for Ford F-350, ford f350 bumpers, steel bumper, asfir

www.asfir.com

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[Abitibi]

Initial testing done, should be a fairly straight modification to fit this F350 bumper onto a van body. No cutting required, just need to fab mount extension. (Post copied from my build thread...)

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[Raul]

Looks great. Keep in mind that you need to remove the headlights to change a blown bulb. You do not want to remove the bumper to do that. Don’t ask me how I know.

 

[Abitibi]

That is a very valid point! I previously replaced the Hi/Low bulbs with LED's (from superbrightled.com) which hopefully will last as advertised as the bushbar is indeed in the way. Guess I should do the turn indicators ones too!

But if I get unlucky in the light department I'll just build a quick support under the bumper, unbolt it and drive back a few feet

Cheers!!



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[Abitibi]

My initial goal was to modify the bushbar so it could tilt forward to double as a table, firewood or game rack or step platform for engine work (it's a 6.0 afterall, lol) . It would also solve the headlight issue



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[Bikersmurf]

Looks great David.

Any thoughts on wether a guard like this on would fit the body lines of an older ‘97 model and work with a stock bumper?




I realize the mounts would need to be reinvented. I’m not sure if I’d want to cut off the upper cross tube. The other consideration would be that my bumper is chrome... and I don’t know how well a black guard would go with it. Looking at it again, the sellers truck is white and has a chrome bumper.

 

[Abitibi]

I'm not sure. Looks feasible but at least that bushbar is light enough that you could easily hold it against your van and see if the general fit can work.

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[Bikersmurf]

I'm not sure. Looks feasible but at least that bushbar is light enough that you could easily hold it against your van and see if the general fit can work.

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I’m not sure if it would provide protection, or simply do more damage if it was hit. It’s hard to say without putting hands on it if it’s merely for looks or sturdy enough to take some abuse.

Then there’s the question of if I need another project... or more crap around. To which the answer is no. But sometimes it’s worthwhile, but is it in this case?

 

[Abitibi]

I'll save you a lot of headaches and money... you don't need it, lol

Most of us don't need them but they sure look good. I often drive in deer country, had a few close calls over the years and I had a screaming deal on this one so I went ahead. But I won't deny it, probably more for the look

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[Bikersmurf]

The price is down to $100... so I’ll likely let it sit for a bit. If it’s still around I’ll offer them something... and walk away if I can’t get it for next to nothing.

 

[Axelwik]

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I kinda like the old chrome bumper - doesn't look so over the top aggressive. Maybe I got over all that being in the military for 21 years.