[oohsam]

Hey guys,
For those of us that are fortunate to have an ARB vitara bullbar, I'm keen on beefing up my mounts and solidifying them a touch.
I was never really impressed with the top mounts.

For those not in the know -

There's really 2 fixing points. (images stolen from another guys vit)
1 - 2 bolts where the original bumper support was mounted


2 - 2 x U bolts on the lower chasis support mount



So this morning I had to yank a guy out of a hole, using my recovery point on my bar, and after a swift yank, the bar twisted down about 10mm. Its attached firmly as all hell, but due to only having the two bolts (in the first pic), I knew when I was fitting it that it would have the tendancy to play and swing down if put under intense load. It turns out the load wasnt that intense, and I'm not that happy with how its mounted now.

What I am thinking
1 - Either drill an additional 2 holes through that mounting point and putting a bolt and nut right through to the other side, so there's 4 bolts there..given they are on the corners though, Im not that keen.

2 - Drill 2 addtional holes in the centre of the mounting plate, and bolt them through. That will stop any forward/up down play at all...


Thoughts?

[shandy92]

im interested in this as well, going through the same process myself.
As you said you cant drill a hole through and nut an bolt it due to the back surface not being square, I have seen people weld a plate on the front face of that area and the tap a thread to that and use that as addition mounting area.
If only there was a way to get behind that plate so you could drill another hole or two and put a nut on the back!

Have you thought about putting a piece of thick pipe down the center of the front crossmember to give it some extra strength?

Hopefully one of the smart engineering guru's pop up and thinking of something.

p.s pics of your reco points would be good to.

[oohsam]

Thanks for the reply shandy.

Now, you're right, you cant get in that spot where the holes are predrilled and tapped.
As its just a hollow box section.
But I was thinking of going all the way through. Similar to this pic here (stolen off Fatzook I belive)

Just put a sleeve through it, and a nut and bolt straight through.....
2 on each side would be sufficient i reckon. need a long ass drill bit too.



Some more pics..( i know they may be an lwb, but the nub at the front is almost the same.

[shandy92]

yeah i know what your saying, the inner surface isnt flat. It has small molding over it, you would have to weld a new piece over that to make it flat and then go from there.

the distance from the inner face to outer face is almost 5-6". so wouldnt be easy.

[oohsam]

Ahh I see what you mean.

Yeah I was aware its quite deep....hence the long ass drill bit ! :O

[shandy92]

yeah i think you would just measure twice and drill twice, each side.

[oohsam]

well, I was thinking of using some blocks and a few jacks to hold it exactly where i want it. (while its mounted already)
then Drill while its mounted, get the holes perfect do it up and bobs your auntie.

Sounds easy...will prob be a royal bitch.

[shandy92]

what about something like this? you dont have a BL but something could still be done.

longer shot of area:


inner face seen here: wouldnt be hard to weld something over that tho.

[Bucketload]

Has anyone got any pics of winch bar mounts for the SWB SE416 with this type of chassis? I have the bumper off mine at the moment being a back yard warrior and am searching for ideas before reinventing the wheel.

[shandy92]

Pretty sure those mounts that i posted are no different to "winch" bar mounts. It could be different and i would love to see them too

[rockcrawlerdude]

On my vitara the Arb bar has snapped right off so it is just welded on. Weak as hope you guys have more luck!