Thread: NEW ARB BULLBAR FOR DEFENDER (NEW DESIGN)

The ARB bar looks better in the flesh.

I originally didn't like the look but saw it at the Melbourne meet (Jun 27 2010) on a new Defender and it impressed.

The only negative was the bar was a little close to the headlight surrounds.

I'm with PC3 when it comes to protection for the truck. I checked out the tube style bars which do look the business but if Skippy decides to investigate intimately the front end of the Defender when it is punting along at 100 clicks per hour, I wanted a better than even chance that the Defender would win the argument. I have had ARB bars on my Hiluxes and I don't think you can beat them for engineering and quality. It might look a bit "soft" but for me it looks as though it will do the job it's designed for.

I am not sure how the bar will affect the possibility of mounting aftermarket steering guards. Haven't looked too far into it at present.

Cost wise, the new bar was only about $20.00 above the old price.

By the way, the fitters will need the OEM bumper bar mounting bolts and thread plate to mount the new style bar. I took the original bumber off before going to ARB. The first question they asked was " what have you done with the bolts?" Luckily I brought them with me in the cubby box.

Wesbt,
I have fitted square headlight guards I got out from the Poms. I had to cut off the bottom cross bar up to the second bottom bar and this one sits neatly on the bumper of the bull bar. I also had to alter the top outside corners a little as they touch the top bar. I cut the corner off and angled the top bit onto the sides. It was easy, as the bars on the lights are light and easy to bend and weld.
I am hoping to put up pics, (could send you some) but am waiting to finish my current project, which is a 1969 series 11A roof onto the back of the Puma tub. (110 series dual cab HCPU). Then, at long last, my setting up of the Defer should be done!

ARB tells be that their new BB doesn't fit the SVX defender ? Is this because of the engine guard or some other reason?

Can anyone help? Are there good alternatives ?

Thanks

The new ARB bar wont fit the SVX as the clearance of the bar is to close to the unique SVX head light surrounds, specially the driving lights.

There are not many other options available. I bought a new ARB old style winch bar and then cut out the lower bars so as not to obstruct the driving light and keep it legal.

I am considering replacing the modified ARB bar with a "tube bar".

As I said options are limited.

Originally Posted by kenleyfred

At last. That looks like it should fit the SVX. Glad I've waited and not had another bar modified to suit.
Now of course to try find the cash for it.
Kenley

Kenley,

I don't think it will fit the SVX, see how high and close to the headlamp it is on the standard Defender?

Remember the SVX has the High Intensity driving lamp and about 2" of plastic trim added to the headlamp surround....

Sadly, you're right. It doesn't fit. Do these new release Defenders have the same front end as the SVX. If so with the greater numbers somebody might engineer one.

I wonder what the bar would look like on a older td5 defender.

did they change anything in the body at all in the time between 1999 and now?