Materials cost question

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Next month I am buying another van. I used to have a 4x4 van, and I sold it. I am about to convert another one. So I started looking at things like bumpers, roof racks, skid plates, etc....Here are the prices:$1399 without winch and LED bar:$1995, no winch:$1995, rear bumper:And roof rack $1200:All aluminum, made by Aluminess. Link: http://www.aluminess.com/I can weld aluminum. But I am wondering, what is the thickness of that aluminum plate is? How much is a sheet?If I even buy the materials, plus a tubing bender (around $400), and powder coating, Seems like it would only cost me half that?What do you guys think?Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:I think metal suppliers can be as bad or worse than welding supply shops in the price one customer gets is or can be drastically different than another for the same thing.  Their price may include delivery, isn't any less if you pick it up, and if you aren't in the right kind of zoning with a loading dock they won't deliver anyway.Those bends might be made with a mandrel type device the ones in the tube and I see rolled pieces in the headlight recesses and some brake kind of folds in some of the sheet stuff.How are you about estimating labor on projects like that?  I think I am usually at one third or so in the estimate compared to actual.Fran
Reply:You can always build cheaper than buying new for this kind of stuff because the additional cost is LABOR & OVERHEAD.They probably get a better deal on material since they are buying in such a large quantity but the real expense is the labor costs & general overhead for the shop  to manufacturer the product.Your initial cost for one will be higher than the 2nd one because you have to tool up to make one but then after that they'll get cheaper and who knows you could sell one or 2 .But once you start fabricating then your labor starts to come in to the picture for pricing I imagine the AL diamond plate is at least 1/8".Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:If I went with this style bumper:I could use steel.Honestly, I never factor in cost of a tool. Because if I purchase a tool, I will use it again for other projects. If I can't, I don't buy it.And I never factor in labor, if the part I am building is for me. Now if I were to sell a couple of them, then yes, labor is a big concern. I think it has to still be worth it. I am going to the aluminum supply place next week and get a quote.Thanks.Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:Find a local race chassis guy and have him do what you need and then you finish it upIf you need help finding one I have a few contacts that could help in that areaWho are you getting the 4X4 conversion from? U-Jiont??
Reply:Originally Posted by 225If I went with this style bumper:I could use steel.Honestly, I never factor in cost of a tool. Because if I purchase a tool, I will use it again for other projects. If I can't, I don't buy it.And I never factor in labor, if the part I am building is for me. Now if I were to sell a couple of them, then yes, labor is a big concern. I think it has to still be worth it. I am going to the aluminum supply place next week and get a quote.Thanks.