Our newest line of Alumilite bumpers swapped traditional steel for aluminum for good reason. Let’s break down the perks of an aluminum bumper and why you should consider one.

Aluminum is a powerhouse metal but its reputation in the auto world doesn’t always match up. Many of our customers – and the truck community as a whole – have the impression that aluminum isn’t as strong as traditional steel bumpers. But, what some think they know about aluminum is wrong.

ICI just launched a new line of pure aluminum bumpers (what up, Alumilite). After 10 years of producing quality steel bumpers, why switch from steel to aluminum? There are lots of reasons, so let’s get into it.

Aluminum 101: The Basics Behind Al

Known for its adaptability, aluminum is found in everyday products. From cell phones to soda cans, and cars to buildings, this metal is versatile and vital to modern life. Plenty of powerful industries use aluminum too. The biggest consumers of aluminum are the automotive, construction, aeronautical, packaging, and gas industries.

Why aluminum and not another metal? Well, it’s lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to fabricate – just to name a few. ICI uses 5052 in its Alumilite series. This specific grade is known for its superior corrosion resistance, good workability, weldability, and strength.

So what does that mean for truck bumpers?

The Benefits of Aluminum Components

Your truck bumper faces the elements day in and day out. Steel is tough, but aluminum is tougher – plus more. Here are some of the biggest benefits you can experience with an aluminum bumper:

Lighter

Generally, aluminum is about one-third of the weight of traditional steel. That means parts can be made thicker, but still reduce the weight of your truck. In general, those who buy aftermarket steel bumpers have to lift their truck to account for the weight. Not with aluminum! A lighter truck bumper is easier on your suspension. Plus, a lighter ride leads to a better fuel economy and can even increase towing capacity.

Non-Corrosive

Say ADIOS to rust. Aluminum is more corrosion-resistant than steel. ICI’s aluminum grade, 5052, is marine-grade quality and commonly used in boats. Aluminum bumpers offer legit resistance to any marine environment (off-roading, anyone?) and even saltwater corrosion. Once a steel bumper begins corroding, there’s no stopping it. The powder coat starts chipping and eventually destroys the finish.

Increased Performance

An aluminum bumper might even improve your driving performance. Lower weight vehicles have faster accelerations, superior braking, and better handling. Additionally, the front of your truck is already stacked with performance features like proper alignment and suspension, not to mention possible add on’s like Adaptive Cruise Control. Aftermarket steel bumpers can offset the weight of your ride which affects these performance components.

Impressive Strength

You can crush an aluminum can without effort, but something like an aluminum bumper? Not a chance. Aluminum structures are proven to be equal – even superior – in strength to steel. This metal spinning company says, “Steel is a very tough and resilient metal but cannot generally be pushed to the same extreme dimensional limits as aluminum without cracking or ripping during the spinning process.” Here’s another perk: Aluminum absorbs twice as much crash-induced energy.

Better for the Planet

Did you know 90% of automotive aluminum scrap (more than a half-million tons) is salvaged and recycled every year? That’s next level! Fun fact, an aluminum vehicle can reduce CO2 emissions by 17% plus achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption over its life. #savethewhales

Whether these benefits resonate with you or not, aluminum is worth considering for your next aftermarket part. At the least, Alumilite bumpers look awesome – so there’s always that.

The post Why ICI Chose Aluminum to Innovate Bumpers appeared first on ICI Premium.

Photo by Marc Urbano | Car and Driver

The ICI team is split on the decision and many of our followers love both, so we’re breaking it down to specifics. This blog will compare features like power, handling, sound systems, and more to decide once and for all. Who’s better?

* We’re comparing the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor because the standard engine isn’t scheduled to change in 2021.

Power and Handling

Let’s kick it off with horses. The Ford Raptor’s 24-valve, 3.5L twin-turbo HO EcoBoost engine offers 450 horsepower with 510 lb-ft of torque. Impressive, but the RAM blows it off the line. The new RAM 1500 TRX cranks 702 horsepower with 650 lb-ft of torque. Under the RAM TRX’s hood is a Supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8, so it’s no surprise the engine boasts best-in-class horsepower and torque.

Powerful engines guzzle gas and the RAM TRX is no exception. It gets a measly 12 mpg combined. The Ford Raptor is better at 16 mpg, but with an “eco” engine, we’d expect more.

Suspension and Clearance

Photo by Marc Urbano | Car and Driver

Both designer trucks have designer shocks… Shocking. The RAM TRX is ready for the outdoors with 11.8” of ground clearance. This is thanks to their all-new Bilstein Black Hawk e² shock system, exclusive to TRX. The Ford Raptor is working with high-output, off-road FOX Live Valve Racing Shox, another class-exclusive. It gets a little less ground clearance than the RAM, hovering at 11.5”.

Cruise Control

The Ford Raptor is special for its “Trail Control.” It’s a high-tech cruise control system designed for low-traction, rugged terrain. It’s handy for off-roading since the truck automatically sends and stops torque to the wheels individually as conditions change. Both the Ford and RAM models have adaptive cruise control.

Interior and Audio

If you haven’t checked out the new RAM TRX’s interior, you’re missing out. The “throne,” formerly known as a driver seat, has a 12-inch touchscreen display complete with a HUD (head-up display). It “serves as your virtual cockpit,” says the RAM website.

The RAM TRX hosts a 900-watt 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system featuring materials exclusive to the make. The Ford Raptor has a comparable premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, it comes up short with only 10 speakers and 750 watts of amplified power.

Another new feature worth noting is the RAM TRX’s aluminum shift paddles. Aesthetically, they look sleek with their flat-bottom design and carbon fiber or suede accents. They step up the RAM TRX making it look – and drive – like a performance vehicle.

Photos by Marc Urbano | Car and Driver

Price

So how much do all of these cool features cost? Buyers should expect to pay top dollar for these leading trucks. RAM put a lot of energy and effort into the 2021 RAM TRX – and it shows. However, so does the price tag. The model starts at $69,995. The F-150 Raptor is a more friendly financial decision, starting at $53,455.

Side by Side Specs

TLDR? No worries. Here’s a breakdown of the specs for you.

Alumilite Aftermarket Raptor and TRX Bumpers

Whether you are team Raptor or team TRX, we carry Alumilite bumpers for both truck brands. Our aluminum front bumper for the 2nd generation F-150 Raptor will be in stock just in time for summer (2021) and we already have our engineers grinding away to develop the front end for the brand new 2021 RAM Rebel TRX. Let us know who you are backing!

The post Battle of the Trucks: 2020 F-150 Raptor vs. RAM 1500 TRX appeared first on ICI Premium.

What is powder coat?

Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between conventional paint and powder coating is that powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The result is a paint-like finish.

Once a metal is prepared for powder coat, depending on the application process, a powder is applied to the metal with an electrostatic gun, this creates a positive electric charge and when sprayed on the metal part, adheres to the metal. Once applied, the metal part goes into a sizeable hi-temp oven where it melts down and creates a film.

Myth #1. Powder coat doesn’t crack or chip.

Although powder coat creates a film over the part, it, unfortunately, is not damage proof. Like many materials, under certain conditions powder coat can crack or chip and then peel away like an eggshell. Even when the powder coating is applied correctly, the environment can play a role in the effectiveness of the coating. Extreme heat, cold, or rough grainy substances, such as dirt, or salt may corrode the coating faster than you intended.

Myth #2. Powder coat can be applied to the same materials as wet paint.

Although used as an alternative to wet paint, this is not the case for all materials. Earlier, when I talked about the powder coat process, you can see why it would not work on materials such as plaster, wood, rubber and other non-compatible electrostatic materials. The primary utilization for powder coat is on metals.

Myth #3. Powder Coat is great for covering imperfections.

This one is a little tricky because the powder coat applies to the top of a surface, it seems logical that it would hide flaws. If there is discoloration on the surface, the powder coat can usually cover that depending on the color of the blemish. However, if the surface is scratched, dented, or has other imperfections the powder coat will not hide these. Powder Coat can end up drawing attention to such flaws.

Myth #4. Powder coat has a quicker dry and cure time than wet paint.

Powder coat does not have a dry time, only a cure time. The powder remains dry during the entire application process, so there is no “dry-time” as opposed to liquid paint. For the curing process, the object is placed in a large “oven” to bake the powder into a “skin.” For example, at ICI for a standard bumper, we first prime the bumper with powder coating, cure it for 15-30 min and then use the black powder coat and cure it at 420 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 min.

Myth #5. Powder coat prevents rust and corrosion.

This one is one of the most common misconceptions amid powder coating. Although the powder coat creates a skin, it does not prevent rust or corrosion, especially for exterior parts. Primer and proper application are essential to the longevity of your powder coated components.

At ICI-Innovative Creations Inc. we have 30+ years of experience in the aftermarket automotive accessory industry and we strive to bring you the best high-quality products. We take our application process very seriously and are meticulous when going through the steps from start to finish. If you have any additional questions about our process, please contact us and if you would like to see the process in action for yourself, please visit our YouTube channel where we follow a bumper from start to finish. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, where you can see more of our ICI products in action. 

#Engineering #Toyota #Dodge #TruckParts #Bumper #GMC #PowderCoating #ToyotaTundra #MadeinUSA #Jeep #TruckAccessories #stainlesssteel #Production #Trucks #ICI #Ford

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Innovative Creations Ind (ICI) releases a low profile, Adaptive Cruise Control Ready Magnum Series Bumper for the 2017/18 Ford Raptor.

The new Magnum front and rear bumpers for the Ford Raptor are form fit, low-profile, includes hidden light mounts, indicator lights, removable panels, water-jet cut-outs to match OE grilles and technology integration including sensors and Adaptive Cruise Control.

OE truck front and rear ends have become more and more appealing as the years go on. ICI has recognized this and with the help of the Raptor owner community have created a bumper that compliments the OE design. No detail has been overlooked, as the new Magnum offers the most sleek, stylish and functional bumpers on the market. Details like water-jet cut-outs that match OE grille patterns and body lines, integrated turn signals and plenty of places to store LED lighting also make it one of the most versatile. The new bumper also offers removable panels for easy customization.

The profile and overall fit is of ultimate importance. The new Magnum front and rear bumpers offer the lowest profile without frame modification and provide the clearance needed for off-road tires and suspension.

With Ford’s introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and heavily detailed front ends, bumper designs needed to adapt. ICI was the first company to offer pre-cut holes that fit OE parking sensors perfectly, and now they have integrated ACC into their new version of the front Magnum Series Bumper.

One of the best features on the new Magnum Series bumper for the Ford Raptor is that it works with both ACC and non ACC equipped trucks. This eliminates the need to have multiple part numbers and additional warehouse space for distributors, it also causes less confusion to the consumer and cuts manufacturing and design costs.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Part #FBM35FDN (RT Light Bar Available at Additional Charge)

1. Re-uses Factory Tow Hooks and Skid Plate
2. Low Profile Design (Both front and Rear)
3. Accommodates Adaptive Cruise Control
4. Made from Cold Rolled Steel
5. Optional Turn Signal Lights
6. Internal accessory mounting (Light Bar or LED Array)
7. Fits ACC and Non-ACC Models (One Part Number)
8. Re-Use Factory Sensors
9. Rear Bumper Accommodates Factory Exhaust
10. Rear Bumper is also available with KC Flush Mount Hilites at additional charge

About ICI (Innovative Creations Inc.)

Located in the desert of Peoria, Arizona, ICI has been an American automotive aftermarket manufacturer for the past 25 years. From manufacturing and changing the game in the stainless steel market of the 80’s; ICI has evolved into a leading name in off-road and show quality aftermarket truck accessories. ICI has been awarded two design patents for their Magnum RT Steps (D757622) and the Magnum RT bumper (D744405). These patents have inspired new trends in the aftermarket while ICI continues to innovate new and exciting products.

FIND Innovative Creations Inc:

www.icionline.com

The post ICI Magnum Bumpers – 2017-2018 Ford Raptor Trucks appeared first on ICI Premium.

MAGNUM PLATE STEEL LOW PROFILE RADIUS BUMPER

Radius Plate Steel Design ICI engineers have gone the extra-mile to ensure this is the best form fitting non-winch Super Duty bumper on the market. The radius designed top plate allows the bumper to follow the curvature of the Super Duty front end perfectly. This design also provides the ultimate profile look.

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready ICI has always been the leader in bumper technology integration and they have kept up with all of Ford’s new tech with the full integration of Adaptive Cruise Control Technology in required Super Duty models. ICI engineers have done their research and extensive testing to ensure that the placement of the modules are fully functioning and mounted as closely as possible to the factory locations.

Light Mounting Options The radius design allows for the installation of nearly any combination of LED lighting configurations including up to a 40-inch radius LED light bar. The accessory mount is located behind the face of the bumper, which also provides a secure place for your light investment. Included with this bumper are locations for up to four square LED pods on non-adaptive cruise control models and two mounting locations for adaptive cruise control models.

Heavy Duty Steel Construction While most manufacturers in the aftermarket today offer single shear brackets made with thinner gauge steel, ICI provides double shear 3 gauge (¼”) cold rolled steel brackets which provide the ultimate strength. The outer shell material is made from 10 gauge (⅛”) steel which is press broken to create less welding and results in a much stronger finished product.

The Finish All Magnum Bumpers are finished in Matte Black Powder coat. Before the bumpers receive their final coat they will be eco-dipped and primered. This three-stage powder coat process provides the ultimate protection against the elements.

Heavy duty bumper with OEM fit Adaptive Cruise Control Ready 3 Gauge (¼”) Brackets 10 Gauge (⅛”) Outer Shell Radius Plate Steel Design Optional Patented Angular Design Light Bar (U.S. Design Patent No. D744405) Made from Premium Heavy Duty Cold Rolled Steel Construction Three Stage Coating Process with Matte Black Powder Coat Finish to Resist Corrosion

Made in the U.S.A

About ICI (Innovative Creations Inc.) Located in the desert of Peoria, Arizona, ICI has been an American automotive aftermarket manufacturer for the past 25 years. From manufacturing and changing the game in the stainless steel market of the 80’s; ICI has evolved into a leading name in off-road and show quality aftermarket truck accessories. ICI has been awarded two design patents for their Magnum RT Steps (D757622) and the Magnum RT bumper (D744405). These patents have inspired new trends in the aftermarket while ICI continues to innovate new and exciting products.

FIND Innovative Creations Inc: https://www.icionline.com https://www.facebook.com/InnovativeCreationsInd https://www.instagram.com/innovativecreationsinc/

Tweets by InnovativeCrea1

#TruckParts #powerstroke #FordSuperDuty #fordtrucks #fordsuperdutybumpers #truckporn #F250 #fordaccessories #bumpers #love #MadeinUSA #photooftheday #F350 #TruckAccessories #instagood #dieseltrucks #Trucks

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2013 Toyota Tundra Crew Max: 

1. 4.0”/2.0” ReadyLIFT Suspension
2. ReadyLIFT Series 1 Upper Control Arms
3. Rancho RS9000 Front Struts and Rear Shocks
4. 20×9 American Eagle Alloy Hardrock Series Wheels Matte Black
5. 35×12.50×20 General Grabber Tires
6. ICI Magnum RT-Series Front Bumper #FBM56TYN-RT
7. ICI Magnum Skid Plate #SKIDP05TY
8. ICI Magnum Rear Bumper #RBM43TYN
9. ICI Magnum RT Steps #RTS80TY
10. VisionX Lighting
11. Magnaflow Exhaust
12. Hellwig Products Rear Anti-Sway Bar

This truck was featured at the SEMA Show in 2013 with the winch version of our Magnum Bumper (part #FBM42TYN-RT).

2013 Toyota Tundra outfitted with ICI’s Magnum Bumpers

Here are some other shots of the truck with the winch bumper. This model accommodates up to a 16.5k winch.

To find out more, please visit www.icionline.com or to see more of our awesome Magnum Trucks, follow us on Instagram @magnumbumpers!

In case you’re curious, this is what the truck looked like before all the upgrades:

2013 Toyota Tundra- STOCK

2013 Toyota Tundra- STOCK

Quite an improvement!

#InnovativeCreationsInc #MagnumBumpers #Toyota #ToyotaTundra

The post ICI’s 2013 Toyota Tundra Crewmax appeared first on ICI Premium.

2007-2013 Toyota Tundra

These pictures came from a customer who decided to Step Up to a Magnum! after an accident destroyed his stock bumper.

Here’s what he had to say: “The insurance company valued the damage at over $1,700 worth of damage. So instead of going back to factory, I decided to take the money and invest in the ICI upgrade. It was actually cheaper in the long run to replace the bumper with another factory one. Since the ICI bumper is already black I did not have to have it body worked or painted to match the truck, less labor saving money and time. Also the ICI bumper replaces over a dozen factory parts, including the visible bumper, skid plate, top valance and bumper valance. Adding all of those parts up cost more than the ICI bumper I chose. It was stupid not to upgrade. Total labor on the install was 2 hours for the bumper, way cheaper then replacing everything back to factory. Even after adding the extra redlining for the side flares I am still cheaper than going back to factory. I wanted one of your bumpers before, the accident just sped up my timelines, it was amazing to think that such a better bumper was actually cheaper in the long run than restoring back to factory.” – James N., Alabama

2007-2013 Toyota Tundra

If you have a similar story you’d like to share, or just want to show off your truck, send your story and pictures to [email protected].

2007-2013 Toyota Tundra

#ICIusa #MagnumBumpers

The post Transform your Truck with a Magnum Bumper appeared first on ICI Premium.

1. Made from Premium, Heavy Duty Steel
2. Heavy Duty 1” Tow Rings and/or Shackle Mounts
3. 2-stage Black Powder Coat Finish
4. Accepts up to a 16.5k winch (optional)
5. Designed & Built in the U.S.A.
6. Limited Lifetime Warranty on Structure, 6 Month Warranty on Finish

#TruckParts #Bumper #InnovativeCreationsInc #MagnumBumpers #TruckAccessories #Trucks

The post Magnum Bumper featuring RT-Series Light Bar appeared first on ICI Premium.

Peoria, AZ – September 18, 2014 – ICI is now shipping a non-winch version of the Magnum Bumper for 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra. The bumper comes with integrated tow hook mounts and has two, 4” round light pocket openings on each side (square holes optional by special request). It is constructed from heavy-duty steel and features a two-stage, black powder coat for superior corrosion protection. All Magnum Bumpers are designed and built in the U.S.A.

Mark Owsiany, ICI Lead Project Engineer, says, “After a lot of requests for a lighter non-winch version of the Tundra bumper, ICI decided to build this new version. It has cleaner lines and increases air flow into the engine compartment while removing excess weight from the front of the truck, enhancing the look of our number one selling bumper with the hopes of appealing to a broader crowd of Tundra owners.”

There are four available configurations of this bumper:

• FBM56TYN: stealth bumper • FBM56TYN-GG: bumper with grille guard • FBM56TYN-PR: bumper with Pre-Runner Light Bar • FBM56TYN-RT: bumper with RT-Series Light Bar (patent pending)

There is also an optional skid plate available, part number SKIDP05TY.

The post 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra Magnum Bumper appeared first on ICI Premium.

Peoria, AZ – Innovative Creations, Inc. (ICI) is now shipping Magnum Bumpers for the 2010-2014 Dodge Ram HD. The bumper is constructed from premium grade cold rolled steel and features a two-stage black powder coat finish. ICI’s powder coat process starts with a special dip to remove any oils, grease and dirt ensuring a superior, long lasting finish. The front bumper features two 4” square light hole pockets, forced air ventilation to keep your engine cool, and is compatible with the factory tow hooks. The bumper is designed and built in the U.S.A. and comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the structure and a six month warranty on the finish. No drilling is required for installation.

The Magnum Front Bumper (part number FBM77DGN) has an optional Pre-Runner (FBM77DGN-PR) or RT-Series Light Bar (FBM77DGN-RT). The Magnum Rear Bumper is designed to be compatible with (RBM30DGN) and without (RBM73DGN) factory back-up sensors. Both rear bumper models are compatible with the factory hitch. 

#Dodge #AftermarketAutoAccessories #DodgeRam #bumpers #automotive #aftermarketaccessories

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