Protofab Rock Blocker vs. Bailie Built Bumper

[smoked77]

Does anyone have any pictures of either the Protofab Rock Blocker or Bailie Built bumper (front and rear) installed on their Bronco?

How does the protofab mount to the frame? Is it a good design that is suited for winch/tow usage?

Overall impression of the protofab vs. bailie?

 

[trailpsycho]

I have not seen a BB in person...although I am sure they are top quality since BCB is selling them and based upon feedback from others that have seen them.

I have seen a Protofab front bumper in person and it is the beefiest piece of steel that I have ever seen. I expected alot of different sections to be welded together, but --for the most part--it is a single piece of 1/4" plate bent to provide the shape and rigidity. I was very impressed.

It may come down to which fabricator is closest to you and shipping considerations. I dont think you could go wrong with either product. Hopefully, someone will chime in with pics, but there are plenty already here, if you do a search. Good luck with your choices.

 

[DocLewis]

http://www.rblewis.net/personal/bronco/adam75/bumpers/bumpers.html is the Baile Bilt bumper center section on Adam's Trigger project. He has since added the side parts, but we may not have updated pictures of his modifications to the two sides. Nothing on the rear, yet. Doc

 

[smoked77]

What mounting method does the protofab use? (i.e., # of bolts, material thickness at frame mount, etc)

 

[trailpsycho]

Everything on the protofab was 1/4 " plate. Mounting-wise, I think there were some brackets that were not with the bumper, etc...it wasnt on a vehicle. It was laying in bare steel on the ground in a garage at a buddy's shop. I had to take a closer look to examine the welds and construction, I asked about the mounting as it wasnt immediately obvious, but didnt get all the fine details (exactly how it mounts) and never saw it installed. Sorry.

 

[Dusty]

I have the Protofab bumper currently on my trail rig (its getting moved to my wife's rig soon). I can vouch that it’s a well made, well designed bumper. I've done quite a bit of winching with the Warn HS9500 attached to it, and haven't had any problems. It attaches to the frame with two C-channels that slide into each frame rail, then you bolt through. The features I like about it are the angular lines for great clearance, the handy hi-lift jack holes and tow hook mounting holes, the integrated fairlead mount and its overall great looks. A couple of "cons" are that its so heavy and it seems to stick out a bit too far on the sides (for my taste anyhow). I'm moving it to my wife's rig in favor of something lighter and of my own design on my trail rig. Here are a couple pix:

I can't comment on the Ballie bumper except to say that it looks very impressive in the photos I've seen. Perhaps the most impressive thing about it is that it has received Chuck's blessing. Chuck has never carried a line of bumpers until this one, so if he's finally put his faith in the design and workmanship of this one, that carries a lot of weight with me. I think either bumper is a great choice and for many folks it will probably boil down to which one you like the looks of best.

Dusty

 

[TJK74]

What Thickness are The BB bumpers? Anyone know?

 

[bailiebilt]

The Bailie Bilt bumpers are a combination of 3/8" and 3/16" steel. The box construction with the steel provides strength and durability with a lighter bumper.

I have provided a few pictures. For more info on BB visit www.bailiebilt.com or www.bcbroncos.com

 

[smoked77]

Bailiebilt - how well does the bumper protect the grill and quarterpanels? Can you post any pictures that show the protection?

Also, when do you expect to have the tire carrier for sale and what will it add to the rear bumper cost?

 

[bailiebilt]

this is the only picture I have to show how the front bumper wraps around. It is not the best for what you are asking but all I have right now.

I will let you know about the tire carrier as soon as I have that information. It is almost ready to go into production

 

[bowhunter]

Being responsible for Bailiebilt's introduction to CB and for introducing the Bailiebilt bumpers to Chuck, I will do my best to give you a comparison! Most of you know by now that Gordon and I have become good friends and together we are building my Bronco. I will do my best to give you my unbiased, honest opinion of both bumpers.

Let me start off by first saying that both of these bumpers are EXTREMELY well made bumpers. In my opinion - the 2 best made bumpers for the Early Bronco. I had Protofab bumpers on my truck until I met and saw Gordon Bailies bumpers - now all my trucks sport BB bumpers.

Comparision:
Weight - BB=80 lbs appox. PF=120 lbs approx.
Construction - BB=3/8"/3/16" Fully boxed PF=1/4" unboxed
Additional Features - BB & PF=highlift Jack holes BB=built-in tow hooks (can never remember the name of those darn things) BB=3-piece construction. Center section and 2-removable or replaceable sides
Mounting - BB=8 bolts (Center section is boxed and reachs over a foot inside of your frame rails) All eight bolts are inserted via existing frame rail holes - depending on the year (some will have to drill a hole). This mounting technique also adds rigidity to your steering box. PF=4 bolts and protrudes about 2 1/2-3". I have never witnessed anyone pull a Protofab off of their truck while winching, but I can see that under extreme conditions that senario does exist - as slight as it may be. If you jerk the BB bumper off the front of your truck - you have WAY bigger problems than broken bumper bolt holes!
Options - BB=variety PF=you get what you get

Gordon has answered some questions already and the orange Bronco in his attachments are his Bronco (and it is awesome). That is his daily driver as well as his rock crawler. At last year's OCBR, I witnessed Gordon drop off a 40" rock right onto the drivers side section of his bumper. The only damage was to the paint.

In addition, Gordon is a true Bronco enthusiest and fabricator (I'm not saying that Protofab is not - I don't know them). WE still have the luxury of calling him up on the phone, telling him what we want and he will build it!

Example - I have included a few photos that I took while visiting Gordon yesterday and this is custom bumper that he has made for a customer. The customer wanted to use his center section, but he wanted the ends to made of 2" tube to match the other modifications made on his Bronco and he wanted a stinger that matched the same approach angle as the center section and he wanted to able to see of foot of the stinger from the drivers seat. As a result, he now has a BB Tube Bumper with a 40"+ stinger. This thing is wicked looking.

 

[bowhunter]

I FORGOT a few things! Sorry.

Body Height - BB= 1 bumper for all body lifts, up to 3" body lift (Front and Rear Bumper) PF=Different bumper for each body lift.

I didn't say anything about the BB Rear Bumper in my previous thread. I'll try to keep it short.

First, it is complete (Chuck is selling them now!), it is 1-piece (3/8"/3/16"-fully boxed) and it comes with or without tire carrier.

He is finalizing the final fabrication of the tire carrier and cooler rack, which will be able to be mounted driver side or passenger side (he's going to kill me for that - it was supposed to be a secret until it was revealed - SORRY Gordon). PF=With or without tire carrier, Different bumpers for different body lifts, and passenger only tire carrier.

Also, WE (ha-I say we because he has asked me to participate in presenting him with some ideas) are designing a TAILGATE tire carrier that will allow you to remove your stock tailgate, install this tailgate and it will accomodate any size tire and wheel. I saw it yesterday and it was AWESOME!! He wouldn't let me take pictures so YELL at him loud enough and he may change his mind!! We are building one for the truck with the stinger, one for his truck and 2 for my trucks (Gordon - did you know we were building me 2?) Lol.

 

[Dusty]

Weight - BB=80 lbs appox. PF=120 lbs approx.

My PF bumper had a ship weight of 93 lbs.

In addition, Gordon is a true Bronco enthusiest and fabricator (I'm not saying that Protofab is not - I don't know them).

The guys at Protofab are also true Bronco enthusiasts and have been for many years. Not trying to harsh your buzz or anything, just clarifying a couple of points. Based on your analysis the Bailie bumper does indeed look like the one to beat these days. Congrats to him on developing a great product. Its the spirit of one-upping the other guy that keeps our sport moving forward.

Dusty

 

[smoked77]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I will try to get some more pictures from Bailie Built.

 

[chuck]

If you are close come by have have a look. I have both at the TX store and the front here in CA, both rears are gone.

 

[chuck]

If you are close come by have have a look. I have both at the TX store and the front here in CA, both rears are gone. I have pictures of both in my site www.bcbroncos.com

 

[Daddy4zack]

Anybody have any info (pics)of the Tire carrier Cooler racks?? I am looking into getting a F/R set and would like to see som pics..
Aaron

 

[doran4x]

What winches mount to either bumper? Will a Warn 8274 fit?

 

[fordguy]

did not see an answer to doran's question on whether the 8274 will work on protofab or BB

 

[Recko555]

I have a protofab front and rear bumper. I really like it. I do not have a winch yet, but it is higher on the list.

Gabe