Hi navigation keep it coming, even though I am a purist I like your mods.
Many thanks.
Most people can't see the need for certain mods, and it takes a keen eye to be able to know what was modified and what was left standard.
There's usually always a reason behind each individual mod.
That rear step/bumper for instance, it obviously serves as something to stand upon, or sit upon, but will come into service more fully once the barn door goes on. While I do prefer the tailgate and hatch, I accept that a barn door will perhaps be a better solution in the long run.
Aside from that, it's a very heavy duty rear bumper, something the SIII's lacked unless fitted with bumperettes or jerrycan holders. SIII's being so flat across the back, and with just the towbar/ball fitted, are at risk when backing into some places and I don't wish to damage my vehicle for the lack of a reasonable bumper bar.
Bumperettes were an option, as were jerrycan holders, but with a missus and kids seeking safe footing when wishing to enter or exit the cargo area, it just didn't make sense to have less than a proper step fitted. Besides that, I'm also not as spry as I sometimes think I am, jumping in and out of the back isn't as easy as it once was...
If you look at how it's been mounted, you'll see that it's integral with the tow plate. Still to be fitted is the pintle hook/ball combination hitch, also black powdercoated. That will enable me to tow regular trailers as well as my No.5. I'm actually devising a tow plate which will be adjustable, so I can easily lower the tow hitch if ever I'm required to pull a regular height trailer.
The step/bumper also serves to protect the black powdercoated rear crossmember. I've only painted the step black for now, it's still to be powdercoated. The brush bar, heli lifts, tool holders and front bumper etc, in fact quite a few other bits, are also done in black powdercoat.