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Nate's 4x4 review

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nate's 4x4
10K views 21 replies 9 participants last post by  jjvw 
#1 ·
First let me state that I have not received any consideration from Nate’s 4x4 for this review. I ordered this unit, paid the asking price and offer one man’s experience for your consideration.

After looking at what was available on the market and not having any welding skills, I looked into have a bumper made only to have pricing range from 400.00 to time plus materials. I don’t mind a higher price per se but T&M scares me. Even then I would pretty much end up with the bumper I really wanted (Nate’s) only having paid a considerable amount more.

So on Nov 30th I placed an order for the Wrangler TJ/LJ (Winch Optional) Bumper with an integrated Winch Plate. I also included the D-Ring Tabs and Brush Guard with light tab in the stock location and on the Brush Guard all for around 270.00 delivered complete with grade 8 mounting hardware. I am very pleased with the quality of Nate’s work as well as the timeliness of his getting back to me when I had questions.

As mentioned above I placed the order on Nov 30th and received the completed bumper on Jan 19. I do not think 7 wks for a made on demand bumper is out of line considering 2 major holidays were included.

I have dry fit the bumper and did not have to adjust anything as it lined up perfectly. I now have to decide how I want to paint it. I am leaning toward Dupli-Color TR250 Truck Bed Coating mainly for price but also the DIY nature and textured look. I plan on running some tests to confirm I like it, just waiting for the temps to rise to a paintable range.

Based on my experience I highly recommend Nate’s 4x4 and will not hesitate to buy from him again as what really caught my eye is his rear bumper with swing out tire carrier and Jerry Can holder.
 

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#2 ·
Followup and completion

I just wanted to followup on my initial review and to post pictures of the completed project. I took my time in prepping the bumper sanding as much as possible as I wanted to remove the surface dross left over from the steel manufacturing process. A 10.00 angle grinder from Harbor Freight made this very easy. Once satisfied with the result I sprayed the entire bumper with VHT rust converter, this not only stopped any surface rust but also provided a rough surface for the finish coat of Truck Bed Coating from Dupli Color.

The result is a look that resembles powder coating. It has a slight texture to it and looks very good, at least to me. If it is near as durable as it looks I will be very pleased.

Build list:
Wrangler TJ/LJ (Winch Optional) Bumper with integrated winch plate, Light tabs - stock location and bush guard, D-ring tabs. 271.00 w/shipping
VHT Rust Converter (SP229) 15.00
Dupli Color Truck Bed Coating (TR250) 18.00


As stated before I highly recommend Nate's 4x4 as well as VHT and Dupli Color. A very solid product and a fantastic price.

:winner::iamhappy:
 

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#3 ·
Wow, that looks great! How much does that bumper weigh? If your paint holds up, I may do what you have done. Thanks for taking the time to update!

Edit: after pricing out a similar bumper to your design, I get $325. Still a decent price.
 
#6 ·
I can also attest to the quality of Nate's products. I had front and rear bumpers built for my XJ about 5 years ago and was very happy with them. They fit perfectly, were tough as nails and very cost-competetive. They also came with additional mounting plates to stiffen the unibody. I swear you could lift the XJ clean off the ground with those bumpers! I had heard that he had some customer service issues a few years earlier, but all of my interactions with him were fine, and if there ever were problems, he has long since worked them out. Great bumpers, great prices, what more could you want?
 
#7 ·
Well, I pulled the trigger 2 weeks ago and ordered the style 2 version of Nates bumper, but without the brush guard. I've had a change of heart and actually want the brush guard now. Tried calling and emailing Nate and have had no response. My order only says "processing" online.

Does Nate get in contact with an ETA of any sort or respond to emails/calls for those that have used him? Kinda disappointed I haven't at least received an email.
 
#9 ·
Good luck. I emailed and called over a year ago because he never included my d-rings I paid for..... But I still like the quality of the bumper and swing arm carrier.. I know in some past reviews his lack of communication was noted but again for the price and quality I was still happy.
 

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#10 ·
That looks great! I was originally trying to keep weight down thus deleted that brush guard you have (and going to synthetic line on my winch), but I'm thinking I'll regret that later on. Oh well, I'll keep trying.
 
#14 ·
It took about 8 weeks when I got mine, and never got a response when I tried to change the order. Does sound a little long for you to wait; Nate's product is great, customer service definitely is not great. Let us know how it goes.
 
#15 ·
UPDATE: After filing a credit card dispute I still didn't hear from Nate. Yesterday I was contacted by another guy who says Nate was having fulfillment issues and he has partnered with him to run that part of the business so Nate can concentrate on fabricating. I am optimistic that I may finally get the bumper I ordered over 3 months ago. Fortunately I haven't needed it, just want it. I will update again soon. Hope they get their business fixed since I hear mostly good reviews about the actual product.
 
#16 ·
Thanks for the update! I've been considering a rear bumper to match my Nates front bumper, but I'm thinking of looking elsewhere at this point.
 
#17 ·
UPDATE 2: When Nate's new partner Michael first contacted me he said he would ship the bumper out in 7-10 days. On the 10th day he shipped it and it arrived 2 days later. It looks solid and well made. Getting it powder coated today, but won't be able to install it until next month. So far I'm happy with the product. I will post pictures when I get it on my Jeep.
 
#18 ·
Update 3: Finally got the bumper last month, had it powdercoated and got it installed. Quality seems first class.

<a href="
" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Nate's 4x4 bumper with Jerry can swingout assembly</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Dave (@dasher767) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-02T22:51:54+00:00">Feb 2, 2017 at 2:51pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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