“It will be janky looking.”

[s10dragracer888]

No. I don’t think so.

 

Had help from a friend and took several very meticulous measurements. Cut short and ground down to right size.

 

it’s fine.

 

 

[Silverado4x4]

Hell of a good job but I would put something to protect the bare metal where you cut out the metal for rust as its exposed now. Looks factory.

[s10dragracer888]

2 hours ago, Silverado4x4 said:

Hell of a good job but I would put something to protect the bare metal where you cut out the metal for rust as its exposed now. Looks factory.

I used Krylon Rust Tough bare metal high gloss black and topped it with clear coat, after sanding the edges and smoothing it down. I also scuffed the paint and blended it in.

Disclaimer: a very close friend of mine did the sanding work, I’m a better cut man. When I say “I” did the sanding, it was him. I helped file and smooth the edges.

 

I used the geometry of the bumper to lay out the cutouts. Heck of a coincidence it lined up perfectly with the steps on the corners and sides up top. I pulled tape and measured 3 times on the outside cut lines, then mirrored it over the center lines I laid out to get the inside dimensions. The centers of the cutouts actually measured 21.5” from center of the bumper. 
 

Originally, I used a 1” drill bit to try and drill the corners for a rounded look, but the problem was that I kept getting hammered by the drill. After using a compass to measure out the radii instead, I went short on my lines with a jigsaw (all was taped and marked so I didn’t accidentally erase my lines), and then used a grinder to smooth it out and get it real close. I then used a file and rough sandpaper to finish it out, clean up the edges, and scuffed my paint with sandpaper progressing from 320 to 2500 grit to match and blend.

 

The bumper got new paint on the backside too. I was determined to make sure it wouldn’t rust. I’ve still got to wet sand and blend the clear (it’s still a tad dull), and after I get that right, I have high heat ceramic coating (Rust Oleum 2000° ceramic high gloss clear) to coat the areas around the exhaust for maximum protection. It was the same ceramic I used on my brake calipers; I also plan to use it on my split 3.5” black tips to prevent heat fade of the paint that comes on them.

 

 

Edited September 25, 2023 by s10dragracer888

[DHBWA]

Ok, I give… What am I supposed to see…?

[DHBWA]

Cut outs for dual exhaust?

[s10dragracer888]

52 minutes ago, DHBWA said:

Cut outs for dual exhaust?

Yes.

[s10dragracer888]

53 minutes ago, DHBWA said:

Cut outs for dual exhaust?

I cut them out myself. See the write-up above for details. Have a great day! If you choose not to read it, have a great day!