If the tubing was done well, the plates/sheet metal might be superfluous.

I think just using thick enough bars, well braced to prevent collapse back into the truck on side/rear impact, or front to rear shear forces, would be aesthetically better balanced, and as functional if not more so, than a plated version.

The last thing an X needs is more visual rear bulk.

IE: Leave the bumperettes, just have the bar(s) extend out and come around a bit to give that side rest point, corner protection, etc.



Steps seem silly to me, probably because I am so tall, or I just stand on the tire, bumper, hitch, rock rails, etc...