Thread: Bundalene's Puma project

Here is a bit more on the ARB winch bar installation. Firstly I found the bar fitting way too close to the light covers, so close in fact that it would have been difficult to replace a headlight lamp without removing the bar, I have seen other such bars and they are very close – even touching the front of the covers.

Solution was to space it away with a 10mm spacer.


The pic shows the spacer between the bar and the mount kit



This pic indicated the final gap. Without a spacer, this almost touches




Next drama was to get my winch to fit. I tried the freespool lever in every position possible and finally had to grind a smidgen off the bar to be able to turn the handle.

Also, I thought the driving lights would vibrate / rattle with the length of the brackets. I wanted to move the lights further back again to bring them inside the bulbar so I made some alterations to the brackets. I can now install light protection across the front of the bar.



This pic shows the winch and the light brackets being altered





I also mounted the controller hard down onto the bar and made new brackets for the lid to be able to remove it with no access at the rear with the grill close by




Also the position of the aerials didn’t suit us with impaired vision straight in front.


This is the view with 2 aerials temporarily fitted. I cut off the existing brackets and moved them back out to position where they have always been. Admittedly the now position will protect the aerials a lot more, but I didn’t like it,


View with 2 aerials temporarily fitted







New mount position



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Erich

Hi erich.

It is a pain having to mod a NEW bar to fit nicely. I must admit I prefer the earlier style. These new ones are WAYYY too close IMO.

Anyway, looking good

JC

Yes I find the after market accessory wagon quite contradictory. Magazines and manufacturers bang on about a bull bar is a must in Aus, but focus on looks before practicality. As you have found with no play what ever hits the bar will definitely force some movement onto the vehicle. Even 10mm is tight with a good whack from a creek bank or bottom out on an entry somewhere.
And agin $500+ for a set of lights that can't do anything but hang out side the bar because the mounts are too forward, is all a bit odd really.

Hey Bundalene

First of all great post found it very useful as I am doing a conversion. However I have run into a little trouble with the ignition switch and the wiring of it on the back it says 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 but on the wiring diagram it says In1, In2, Crank, 1, 2a, 2b, aux Do you by any chance know what colours go into the 1,2,3,4,5. I only ask as I am just about to install the dash but don't want to just put power to it just yet. Best regards and once again great job..

Adam

Hello bundalene.
I've read with interest the steps you took to stop future rust on your chassis. Did you ever consider hot gal dipping it instead? If so, why didn't you go down this path?
Cheers

To be honest, I didn't think of it at the time. I imagine this would be quite expensive though.


Erich

all i can say is WOW, just bought a puma and was looking for some pics of the intake system when i found this thread. Well done sir....she rides again!

Hi Erich,
Top job man!

I am planning to put a snorkel and saw your pic about the restrictive puma intake.
was wondering, whether you have done some mods to it or not?
CHeers
Martin