Spring for an installer, or go for it and DIY for a bumper install...

[JAsh1967]

It seems threatening to hold my breath until I turn blue unless the wife lets me have my way might've worked! OK, fine, that's a joke, but being an expensive purchase I did have to discuss it with the wife.

Ordered today a MetalCloak frame built bumper, with the 56" end caps for my fog lights, and the skid plate. Now, looking at the install directions, looking at the MetalCloak install video, I'm not confident in being able to install this WELL. Plus, I don't have the tools to grind the frame section needed for a winch install (which will be purchased before the summer,) so I'm thinking of sprining to have a local off-road shop do the install.

Worth it? I know it's really a case of "what do I feel my time is worth," really, but looking for opinions.
I'm contemplating two shops, price will likely play a part as well.
One has been in business in the area for a LONG time (30+ years) and is the guy I've talked to about getting a bumper.
The other is listed on MetalCloak as an authorized installer.

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[Scott L]

Talk to each and pick their brains a little. If you've been talking to the local shop already I'd think he'd be my first choice. If he's been around that long hes doing something right.

 

[JAsh1967]

Talk to each and pick their brains a little. If you've been talking to the local shop already I'd think he'd be my first choice. If he's been around that long hes doing something right.

Yeah, the guy I've chatted with (and he even stated, I could buy a bumper and he'd install it) is going to get first dibs. Realistically, unless the costs between the two shops are WILDLY different, he's likely to have me looking to get on his calendar for the install (once I know when the bumper will arrive!)

 

[WestwallNF104A]

It seems threatening to hold my breath until I turn blue unless the wife lets me have my way might've worked! OK, fine, that's a joke, but being an expensive purchase I did have to discuss it with the wife.

Ordered today a MetalCloak frame built bumper, with the 56" end caps for my fog lights, and the skid plate. Now, looking at the install directions, looking at the MetalCloak install video, I'm not confident in being able to install this WELL. Plus, I don't have the tools to grind the frame section needed for a winch install (which will be purchased before the summer,) so I'm thinking of sprining to have a local off-road shop do the install.

Worth it? I know it's really a case of "what do I feel my time is worth," really, but looking for opinions.
I'm contemplating two shops, price will likely play a part as well.
One has been in business in the area for a LONG time (30+ years) and is the guy I've talked to about getting a bumper.
The other is listed on MetalCloak as an authorized installer.

I installed my AEV bumper, and it was a pain in the butt.

Gorgeous, but a pain.

I am not familiar with the bumper you got, but if it is a solid, one or two piece unit, it will be relatively straight forward.

If not, a installer would be my suggestion.

 

[Dickster]

Depends on if you want to be better at installing parts. It's never too late to learn and every new part you add buy a new tool. Then when something breaks you can fix it.

 

[BAT]

It seems threatening to hold my breath until I turn blue unless the wife lets me have my way might've worked! OK, fine, that's a joke, but being an expensive purchase I did have to discuss it with the wife.

Ordered today a MetalCloak frame built bumper, with the 56" end caps for my fog lights, and the skid plate. Now, looking at the install directions, looking at the MetalCloak install video, I'm not confident in being able to install this WELL. Plus, I don't have the tools to grind the frame section needed for a winch install (which will be purchased before the summer,) so I'm thinking of sprining to have a local off-road shop do the install.

Worth it? I know it's really a case of "what do I feel my time is worth," really, but looking for opinions.
I'm contemplating two shops, price will likely play a part as well.
One has been in business in the area for a LONG time (30+ years) and is the guy I've talked to about getting a bumper.
The other is listed on MetalCloak as an authorized installer.

I had a local shop install my bumper and winch. I would have liked to have done it but my hand strength, etc are not what they use to be from arthritis and I guess just getting older.

 

[TestMule]

If you don't feel you can do a good job, and don't have the tools, then pass it on to a professional.

I've always done my own work, even if I haven't done it before, but that's because I have the tools and a mechanical aptitude.

One question I have for you is, if you do the install and it doesn't go well with a crappy result you can see, will it bug you every time you walk past the vehicle? If so, that's another reason to use a shop.

 

[JAsh1967]

@TestMule - Not so much that I'd be worried about a completely janky install, so much as not having some of the tools (and not likely to need an angle grinder again, and I don't know anyone with one to borrow.)

If I put off the step where a little bit of the frame-brackets for the bumper need to be ground down / cut off to mount a winch in the future, it'd be less of an issue, but I want to get that step out of the way so when I DO get a winch, it'll be a little easier to get on the bumper at least.

 

[TestMule]

Some Home Depot & Lowes stores rent tools. I'd check in with them. If they have it you may need to purchase a grinding wheel but you'd have the tool you need.

 

[Dickster]

@TestMule - Not so much that I'd be worried about a completely janky install, so much as not having some of the tools (and not likely to need an angle grinder again, and I don't know anyone with one to borrow.)

If I put off the step where a little bit of the frame-brackets for the bumper need to be ground down / cut off to mount a winch in the future, it'd be less of an issue, but I want to get that step out of the way so when I DO get a winch, it'll be a little easier to get on the bumper at least.

Harborfreight angle grinders are cheap. If your going to own a jeep you will definitely need one eventually

 

[JAsh1967]

Harborfreight angle grinders are cheap. If your going to own a jeep you will definitely need one eventually

I looked at that, and considered it...
LoL

Harbor Freight, for when you need a tool once and never again.

 

[Jefe1018]

The Jeep is multi faceted because if I’m not wheeling, I’m thinking about wheeling or mods for wheeling or tinkering with the truck for fun.

On the other hand, I’ve had my oil changed because I want “records” for the warranty period and with the coupons in the Jeep app, it’s cheaper or a $20ish difference to have someone take care of it for me. I grab the keys, do a quick check and run off. No sourcing the oil and filter, putting 9 jugs of oil back into a container and running it back to the parts store, no mess on the drive way, etc. My dealer is good. I know some are not that way. I enjoy doing oil changes and still do on my other cars, just not the Jeep for the reasons stated above.

So it depends; can you and do you want to and what’s the difference? If I can spend a weekend wheeling and not wrestling a winch and bumper while having it done correctly when I’m at work? If I can in my heart justify the expense it is a no brainer.

 

[JAsh1967]

So it depends; can you and do you want to and what’s the difference? If I can spend a weekend wheeling and not wrestling a winch and bumper while having it done correctly when I’m at work? If I can in my heart justify the expense it is a no brainer.

And, really, that's what it comes down to for everyone, what is MY time worth? Is it worth it to me to spend maybe a weekend, maybe longer, while yelling at the wife "LIFT THE DANG THING" and her yelling back "I'M TRYING BUT IT'S HEAVY" working on this compared to paying someone to maybe have it done in a day?

And, so far from the two quotes I've gotten, it's leaning towards "just let someone else do it," for me.

 

[Dickster]

I looked at that, and considered it...
LoL

Harbor Freight, for when you need a tool once and never again.

It's how it all starts and once your set up, you look at your next mod as just parts vs crazy install price.

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