I see PureFJCruiser still sells their line, but the website throws an error and is down. I'd like to know too.

 

Their socials are still active. They posted a series of pictures of a 2012 TTSE the other day!

 

The wheels on that red truck is pretty nice, I thought it was the OEM TRD wheels with beadlocks at first but upon closer look I don't think they are.

 

Those wheels look like the 07 TRD wheels that have been modified by OMF into true beadlocks. Those wheels were available in both Gunmetal Gray and Black from Toyota. After the necessary machining and welding OMF would if you wanted powder coat to your choice of color, the style and choice of color for the beadlock ring are the other options. My 07 has the Gunmetal with Black Cherry (close enough) rings my friend with an 07 TRD has the Black with red rings.

 

Jason accepted a friend request about a week ago.

 

A little research indicates there is an ongoing lawsuit between DeMello Offroad and ODK Capital/Celtic Bank ... hope this isn't fatal.

 

Looks like Jason owes some money.

https://trellis.law/doc/246341768/complaint-for-other-collections-over-35-000

 

He built the worst bumper I ever bought. He had provided some of the worst customer service I ever experienced. No tears shed from me.

 

Same with the sliders I bought(2 sets)

 

Damn, just very briefly skimming that court case, looks like he took out a payday loan but as a business. Seems like it could be a sign of more/bigger issues?

 

$41,250 in interest on a $75,000 loan seems predatory.

 

Sounds like we're about to see another supplier bite the dust...

 

If he can't make a $1778 payment every month that is usually sign of some major issues.

I'm guessing the high interest loan was the only loan he could get, and he used it to pay another entity. I'm guessing he owes alot more than the relatively small $55k dollar amount, otherwise he would just sell his work trucks which he probably still owes money on too. That was just the first place he stopped making payments to when $ was tight.

Obviously you pay payroll, utilities, and rent first.

 

The doc says weekly payment... payday type loan.

 

That's a no win situation once someone gets that deep into debt. Loans to pay off loans are a sign of desperation and hemorrhaging funds. Suppliers will stop doing business. The poor quality comment by Sparky of NWO is a big red flag too. I'm guessing bankruptcy will be in the Demello's future.

 

Joining the ranks of RESZ Fab , thats sad

 

That’s sad to hear, they made some good stuff I thought, I bought a rear aluminium bumper from them and was more than happy

 

Dang. I just preordered a bumper mid may. I am somewhat local to his shop so I can always confront him if he tries to dodge.



Anyone else waiting on a pre ordered bumper from this year?

 

I put a feeler out on my Instagram and I have reports of people waiting up to a year for a pair of sliders they still haven't received!

A few people have been waiting a couple months for stuff. Overall not a ton of responses but some.

 

Their website is back up.

 

Maybe California Taxes are getting him

 

CA and New York are the most expensive states to do business in, but Hawaii is the most expensive to live in.

 

Correct, but there must be some advantage for having a business in CA, because there is an abundance of large(King, Method, Baja Designs), medium and small off-road businesses here in CA.

You would think they could move to TX or FL or anywhere else in the US and save a ton of money. Hell the cost of electricity here would probably cover the cost of all utilities and rent in another state.

Maybe having the biggest population means a bigger customer base. Or being closer to shipping routes and supply chains.

 

Not a wheel thread...

 

Well crap. I guess this puts it between Coastal Offroad, LilB’s, and True North for my winch bumper 😕. Expedition One is awesome but man it’s heavy (and expensive) in comparison.

Thank you all for starting the thread and the heads up!!

 

Or consider an @Iconic_ bumper kit and find a good local welder to assemble it 👍

 

I hope Jason & DeMello Offroad find a way out of whatever mess they are in - I'd hate to see another fab shop bite the dust.

I did buy an aluminum front bumper from DeMello, I like the look, basic fabrication and weld quality were nice, although I did have some issues with the design and fitment that required some modifications of the mounting brackets to fit on my '14.

 

My bumper came in earlier than expected yall. Pre ordered mid May, and it was available for pickup. Just thought I'd update yall since I didnt run into any issues. Honestly, Jason was pretty chill to deal with with my experience

 

All mounted up 😁

 

How was the clearance notch for the AC line?

On my DO Overlander 3-hoop aluminum bumper (not shown on the current DO site) the notch was incorrectly located and required that I bend the aluminum AC line, something I did NOT want to do.

 

Mine was already bent by the previous owner. It had a tube bumper in its previous life, though mine came with a stock bumper mostly zip tied on when I bought it from a dealer. However in preparation for the installation of this, I carefully read the instructions from their site as well as found an install video. They did state the ac line would need to be pushed in.