ICI Alumilite Bumpers Prove Change Is A Good Thing

You’ve likely heard it before, but we’re here to remind you: Progress is impossible without change. And, great progress? Well, that often requires some really big changes. That’s why, when we see a respected aftermarket brand making a complete swap on their raw material of choice, we don’t dread the change—we celebrate the progress that’s sure to come.

The brand in question? Innovative Creations, Inc. (ICI). With more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, ICI has a solid reputation in the automotive aftermarket. In fact, the Arizona-based company has several first-to-market products under its belt, including stainless steel rocker panels, form-fit bed caps, car and truck stainless steel fender trim, 4-inch TIG-welded stainless end caps for oval step bars, and even the first stainless steel high-polished nerf bar.

Reading that list, you’ve likely figured out what ICI is well-known for: quality steel exterior accessories. So, imagine our surprise when the company announced its intention to go all-in on a completely new line of aluminum bumpers.

ICI Alumilite Bumpers

Made of 5052 series aluminum, ICI’s new Alumilite bumpers “almost entirely eliminate the pain-point of corrosion,” says Pablo Peralta, Director of Marketing at ICI. “After 30 years of seeing rust eat our industry, we decided to evolve.”

Like we said, with change comes progress.

Weighing nearly half as much as their steel counterparts, “ICI Alumilite bumpers are not just significantly easier to install, but also lessen the sag on most suspensions,” Peralta explains. “They also offer comparable protection, increased fuel economy, and are potentially recyclable.”

Aside from performance benefits, Alumilite bumpers offer some noticeable style gains. A unique, curved face provides better vehicle fitment, allowing the bumper to blend naturally with OE designs.

The textured matte-black powder-coat keeps your ride looking sleek, yet aggressive. Plus, the company’s engineers really go the extra mile to ensure Alumilite bumpers can incorporate LED lighting and winches, while also playing nicely with OE tow hooks, Adaptive Cruise Control, and grille-mounted camera systems. (Not to mention safety bells and whistles, like parking sensors and cross-traffic/blind-spot alerts.)

Right now, ICI offers Alumilite bumpers for Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota trucks. Jeep applications will be added shortly.

Features & Benefits

While many similarities are shared across the Alumilite bumper range, no two are exactly the same. Most bumpers accommodate (2-4) 3-inch LED cube lights and (1) 20-inch light bar under the included bolt-on RT light mount. However, some models—like the 2019 – 2020 Chevrolet 1500 bumper – can fit (1) 40-inch curved light bar in the center opening or up to (12) 3-inch cube lights (depending on the brand and size).

For those seeking more features, ICI offers winch-friendly options of certain bumpers as well. These include a skid plate and shackle mounts.

“We’re proud that many of the bumpers have a removable RT bar because we think that not only enhances the look, but also offers more protection and functionality with the light bar integration,” says Peralta. “At the moment, there are a couple other bumpers on the market offering something similar, but the style is outdated. Aluminum can be difficult to work with, but we do it right—and the grade we use keeps the style and bumper looking good.”

Rounding out the benefits of ICI’s Alumilite bumpers is their ease of installation. According to Peralta, shops who have installed these bumpers consider them a “dream” to work with because they are so lightweight. Plus, no frame cutting is required to install.

ICI Alumilite bumpers come backed by a limited lifetime warranty on structure and 2-year warranty on paint/finish. Price-wise, the bumpers range $1800 – $2500, placing them in the premium category.

Aluminum vs Steel

By now, you likely have a good idea as to why ICI chose to make the switch from steel to aluminum. But you may be wondering why aluminum bumpers tend to cost more than steel, or whether it’s worth it for you to make such an upgrade. Here are some of the differences:

Light and Might

“Many of our customers, and the truck community as a whole, have the impression that aluminum isn’t as strong as traditional steel bumpers,” says Peralta. “But this isn’t like an aluminum can—there’s a lot of structural integrity.”

According to the Aluminum Association, when measured pound for pound, aluminum can actually absorb twice the crash energy of mild steel. That means, you don’t have to worry your aluminum bumper won’t hold its own in a collision. Plus, because aluminum is lighter, manufacturers can make panels and plates thicker for even more protection—all without weighing down the vehicle. Those weight savings will deliver you better acceleration, braking, handling, and hauling/towing performance.

Steel bumpers are strong in their own right, but they are h-e-a-v-y. Expect to make some expensive brake and suspension upgrades to handle the new weight, especially if off-roading is on your to-do list.

Bend It, Twist It, Stretch It

Aluminum is incredibly versatile, especially the 5052-grade that ICI uses. In fact, this grade of aluminum is found in everything from road signs to spoons. It is particularly common in the construction of marine boats and fuel tanks, which tells you a little something about its corrosion resistance as well.

Steel, while also malleable, is less elastic than aluminum. Essentially, it’s not quite as easy to shape. And while steel is less likely to warp or deform in its final form, it is incredibly susceptible to rust.

“We expect shifting to aluminum will significantly cut down on shop’s warranty issues,” says Peralta. “Off-roaders sometimes miss chips in the powder-coating on their steel bumpers, and these lead to serious rust and corrosion. Aluminum just doesn’t have that same problem, so it’ll be a win for everyone.”

$ Price $

Bottom line: steel is cheaper than aluminum, and that means steel bumpers are cheaper than aluminum bumpers. This is mostly a result of metal sourcing, as aluminum is harder to obtain than steel and, therefore, more expensive. It also requires more material per pound to manufacture an aluminum bumper, as well as more skill to do it correctly.

However, it’s worth noting two things.

1.) You get what you pay for, and aluminum delivers better performance and safety at a lighter weight. In our book, a better product rightfully commands a higher price.

2.) When playing the long game, aluminum is likely to save you money. That lighter weight translates to better fuel economy. With greater corrosion resistance, you’ll be saving some serious money on maintenance costs.

“We really feel if putting this bumper into people’s hands, they will see for themselves how sturdy it is,” says Peralta. “It really offers all the protection of steel without any of the hassle—no corrosion, and the installation is so much easier.”