New Bullbar for P38

[JCV]

Hi Guys, just thought I'd show off my new bar.

I was going to get the squarer, older style, bar that they supply - but they didn't have it in stock so I went with the stainless top bar. I think it looks great on the Rangie.

The second photo shows the side view - I would have preferred less front overhang, but it's way better than no bar at all.

Thanks to DANMAL for alerting us to the guys doing it.

[mtb_gary]

That looks pretty good with the stainless top. Although you may find it a bit too shiny with the glare reflecting back. Easily fixed with a bit of black tape though :cool:

Gary

[JCV]

Thanks Gary,
Yes I was expecting some reflection, however as I sit in the car I can only see the very top of the side loops, and there is no reflection I can see.

I drove it 5 hours back home from getting it fitted on Friday and was delighted that there was no light distraction at all.

[Keithy P38]

Looks the goods mate!

[parasnoop67]

Looks great mate, I will ask my wife to buy me one. lol (and a winch)

[redandy3575]

I like it. Was this done by that bloke in Ballarat?

[JCV]

I like it. Was this done by that bloke in Ballarat?

Yes it was - well, Smythesdale actually - which is about 20 mins from Ballarat.

[benji]

That looks really good!

Cant wait to get one, winch, uhf and spotlights are ready and waiting.

Are the lights on the bar a 55w H7?

Also what tires have you got? They look like Toyo MT's.

[JCV]

That looks really good!

Cant wait to get one, winch, uhf and spotlights are ready and waiting.

Yes, I think it looks a treat. Make sure you order the bar with the stainless loops at around $1400 plus fitting. They have an all steel bar as well at $1050, but this one certainly looks better IMHO...

I actually don't know what bulbs are in the bar lights, but I do know they are too low to be useful as driving lights. Even as fog lights their reach is not very helpful. More show that go in their present form.

The tyres are cheap Delium Terra-Warriors. Probably Chinese, but as they will only see about 5000 klm per year of fairly local running I'm figuring they will have to do. I didn't have the budget and I'm not intending to cross the Simpson with them. They are just for bashing about the bush, and I still have my original Rangie rims with decent road tyres for when I want to hit the highway for any length.

[benji]

Thanks for that. I'm in the same position, as I've recently bought a second set of rims. I really like the KM2 and the Toyo MT, but as you say, bugger all km per year, I just can't justify the cost.

Regarding the lights on the bar, if they are a spread type of light a HID kit may make them usefull, especially a with the spot lights.

I'm mid way through doing head gaskets etc, but when that's done - a trip to snake valley here we come.

[Hoges]

Looks great mate, I will ask my wife to buy me one. lol (and a winch)

lucky you didn't mis-spell that word:angel::twisted:

[DANMAL]

599915999259993

[DANMAL]

I have the over hang a bit too but It doesn't bother me much..

[DANMAL]

The only thing I'm worried about now is winching, I think the bar might be too close to the lights n maybe move while winching because of crush cans.. Any thoughts on this? or am I just being paranoid? I'll probably never end up using the winch anyway hahaha..

[Keithy P38]

I rekon it looks good! Let the winch-ee decide that! P38's don't get recovered out bush, they only play up on the bitumen!

[davidsonsm]

Can I ask what they charged for supply and fitting. They've quoted me 1350 for the bar plus 300 for fitting. That's with spotlights and the A frame all black 702-2 bar. An extra 100 for them to fit a free issue winch.

[benji]

Not quite sure if its just me, but does JCV's bar have more front overhang than DANMAL's?

[DANMAL]

I was tossing n turning between both bars, I wanted all black though plus it was cheaper, from memory I payed $1300 but I didn't get the lights they were extra

[DANMAL]

Not quite sure if its just me, but does JCV's bar have more front overhang than DANMAL's?

It looked a bit bulkier

[JCV]

I was tossing n turning between both bars, I wanted all black though plus it was cheaper, from memory I payed $1300 but I didn't get the lights they were extra

I was quoted $1050 for the black only bar, and $1400 for the silver/black bar.

Fitting was $300 (for either bar)
Fitting a winch as well was $100

The (pretty poor) fog lights came with the silver/black bar, and the wiring was included in the $300 fitting.

I was concerned that the overhang might be an issue, however I did the Deddick track in the Snowy River national park yesterday and going up and down the very steep St Joan Steppes (twice - it was so much fun) proved to be no problem - even with some extreme ramp angles on some of those inverts.

However, the EAS fault half way along the track and the car sinking to it's bumps stops was a real problem...!!!! Fortunately I turned the car off before it became a hard fault, and when I fired it up 20 mins later eveything was fine - it rose back up and carried us home. (phew) Just prior to the fault we had done about 20 minutes of crawling over steep broken rock on the track which had us bouncing around like a jumping castle - even at slower than walking pace, so I suppose that could have helped generate the fault.

In all though, a great day was had with the family. Just a pity about the last 10 klms of the track being a complete sea of broken rocks - took us over 2 hours to do 7 klms!!

[davidsonsm]

This is the before. Will show you the after pics after. Dropped Nora the roarer off at s&j horsepower this morning. Killing time riding my push hog & drinking coffee. Reckon you can't beat the factory bull bar for looks but practically is a different matter. Practical has won out. 61598

[davidsonsm]

Work in progress. Hear is hoping it'll be sweet.

[davidsonsm]

Snag. Modification needed. MCC have modified brackets so they don't fit! What was supposed to be a 4 to 5 hour job will now be taking all day! Bracket on left will fit but will need new bottom clamp making. Bracket on right is from factory and will need the same.

[JCV]

Which bar are you getting fitted? Have MCC modified both bars so they both don't fit?

[davidsonsm]

I've had the disco 2 fitted with black hoops and spotlights. Wanna do a bit of remedial work yet. The main mod by mcc is the winch now sits on horizontal tray attached to chassis brackets rather than installed vertically and attached to rear of bumper. Should make winch stronger. Made the install more awkward though.

[davidsonsm]

Can anybody confirm that my car is paint code 610 (Charleston Green)?

Need some touch up paint where the original bull bar has been rubbing on the wing.

Scrub that question - it is.

[davidsonsm]

This is how it looks as fitted. Reckon I'm gonna take it off and shave some off the brackets to get it another 10 or more mm further back. The installation took 9 hours in the end. Not as straight forward as they would have you believe. Gotta get the spotlights refitted and one or two other tidying jobs. Refitted the wheel liners behind the bull bar today.

[TheTree]

Looking good mate :cool:

[HEYVJ]

Any problems with the MCC supplied lights?
i.e. LED lights causing faults on the message centre display on the dash?

Cheers.

[davidsonsm]

The fog lights are still halogen. I think they've just changed them to LED on latest version. The indicators and side lights are wired in parallel with the existing so no drama there.

[HEYVJ]

davidsonsm, I've looked for recovery points on the bar. Am I missing something? I can't see where I'd put a D Shackle to hook up a Snatch Strap.

I will more than likely go with the Black 707-02.

Thanks to everyone who posted photos of their Rangies with the winch bars.

Cheers.

[davidsonsm]

There are recovery holes for shackles on the bottom of the brackets, not on the bumper. the photo of the brackets should show them.

[intheozone]

davidsonsm, I've looked for recovery points on the bar. Am I missing something? I can't see where I'd put a D Shackle to hook up a Snatch Strap.

I will more than likely go with the Black 707-02.

Thanks to everyone who posted photos of their Rangies with the winch bars.

Cheers.

Hey,

I have got Outback Accessories Australia (they make the xrox bar) using my P38 as a template to make an xrox bar for the P38. Work starts on Monday I will let you know how it goes. They say it should take them 3-5days.

They are based near Cockburn central. If you are interested.

:D

[Pete38]

Will they gave a certificate to say it is approved for the P38 and will not effect the airbag deployment.

I like the look of the ARB Sahara bar on the P38 with it mounted right back properly (not sitting 30mm further forward as it would for a disco 2 front guards) so the wheel arches and bullbar line up properly. But then it ain't ADR approved because the mounts have been altered and insurance could get interesting.

I asked the MAA about what is needed for a bullbar as it was manufactured before 1st Jan 2003 when regulations tightened a bit more. I read somewhere all was needed was for the bar to be securely attached and no protruding objects that could hurt pedestrians.

But the MAA said the following "Although your vehicle does not have to meet the requirements of AS4876.1, the bull bar you wish to fit is not designed for your specific model, as such it would need certification that its fitment would not affect the deployment of the air bags in the event of a collision."

[intheozone]

They have said that all their bars are SRS airbag compliant. I will wait till next week to see what the out come is.

[Pete38]

They have said that all their bars are SRS airbag compliant. I will wait till next week to see what the out come is.

Oh good. Keen to hear and see. I like how their bar looks on some 4wd's so curious how tough it looks on a P38.

[intheozone]

I will Post pics as soon as I have the car back.

PS anyone want a factory front bumper... PM me

[mtb_gary]

I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts on the bar and of course the pics once you get the car back. I already have a spare HSE factory bumper in the shed.

Gary


I will Post pics as soon as I have the car back.

PS anyone want a factory front bumper... PM me

[Pete38]

It's a Disco but hopefully it looks this tough on the P38 as well. I'm keen to hear if the little ADR Compliant sticker can stay on the bar... Looking positive though :)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn312/cavaillon/FILE0476.jpg

Taken from a series of pics here

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/126854-xrox-front-bars-5.html

[intheozone]

Yep

That is the bar I am getting as you say will be interesting to see how this looks on a P38. Bar is being frittered as I type. Should have it back by the end of the week.

Just looking at that disco pic. How easy would it be to put a disco 2 snorkel on a p38? The air intake is in a similar place... Might just need a bit of hose to rearrange the entry point in the guard.

[Pete38]

Yep

That is the bar I am getting as you say will be interesting to see how this looks on a P38. Bar is being frittered as I type. Should have it back by the end of the week.

Just looking at that disco pic. How easy would it be to put a disco 2 snorkel on a p38? The air intake is in a similar place... Might just need a bit of hose to rearrange the entry point in the guard.

Sweet.

Have a feeling the angle of the windscreen and body shape might get the problem with using a disco 2 snorkel. But I could be wrong.

[benji]

Also the rear of the bonnet pushes out sideways as it opens.

[HEYVJ]

DANMAL & JCV. I have followed this thread with interest, especially as I would like to get the MCC Falcon Bullbar for my P38.

Just wondering what winch you guys have chosen to use. How many lbs is it good for? What rope are you using etc etc. How much was it if you don't mind me asking.

The more information, the better.

Cheers

[davidsonsm]

I landed with the tigerz 12,000lb. Couldn't beat the value for money. $639 with recovery kit extra. Not sure if they'll repeat. Lots of better options (like runva e.g. due to warrentee). But given infrequent use decided tigerz would be more than ample. Mate has one on his landcruiser for a number of years with no issues.

[intheozone]

62356

62357

Just picked up my P38A from the guys at Outback Accessories Australia who have just fitted the XROX bar. they used my car as a template and it is fully ADR airbag compatible. The Bar can be sold as a package and assembled your self or they can do it for you.

It will also carry a winch up to 12000lbs

More photos on request.

What do you think?

[p38driver]

Hi mate , i was going to ask you to put up some more pictures but you beat me to it thanks .

[Scouse]

Hi mate , wish i could see how it looks but your pictures are a bit small , could you post some more thanks .Just click on the picture to show a bigger version.

[Pete38]

Just click on the picture to show a bigger version.

Yeh still small on my end when clicked on unfortunately.

[HEYVJ]

inthezone, the bar looks great mate, thanks for the pics.
Is that your Charger too?

[Pete38]

Yeh still small on my end when clicked on unfortunately.

Weird. If I manually choose open in new tab from the thumbnails they come up bigger size. If I just click on them a new tab opens but the pics are still small.

Cheers inthezone. In the uk right now but once back I'll be sure giving that bar some thought. Still keen for more pics if you find the time

[intheozone]

inthezone, the bar looks great mate, thanks for the pics.
Is that your Charger too?

No the Charger belongs to my neighbour. It is constantly breaking down. Not nearly as reliable as a P38

[HEYVJ]

No the Charger belongs to my neighbour. It is constantly breaking down. Not nearly as reliable as a P38

You say that with tongue in cheek right? I have a Charger too, that's why I asked... Touch wood, I really haven't had a breakdown in years, even in my Fraud Terrastory.

[JCV]

DANMAL & JCV. I have followed this thread with interest, especially as I would like to get the MCC Falcon Bullbar for my P38.

Just wondering what winch you guys have chosen to use. How many lbs is it good for? What rope are you using etc etc. How much was it if you don't mind me asking.

The more information, the better.

Cheers

I also went with the Tigerz II 12,000 lb dymeena. With my budget and infrequent use, cost was the main factor.

[davidsonsm]

I refitted my bull bar this weekend to get it to sit further back and better align with the wheel arches. Reckon I got it another 20mm back so the gap is now 25mm. I've created an optical illusion (that was the intent) by also fitting rubber trim on the end of the bull bar to hopefully align the eye with the curve of the wheel arch. The brackets now have more holes than Swiss cheese! Strength hasn't been affected. Had to cut a web out of rear of bumper. You can an see the slotted holes as are the originals. the gaps are now much better. However the left hand side wing overhang now emphasised i.e.62715 the defender bar is too narrow. And that panel alignment isn't always spot on. Not sure if I will do anything about that.

[davidsonsm]

I will add some finished article photos as soon as I get chance for some poser (daylight) shots.

[benji]

Apologies for dragging up an old thread.

How did your bar turn out in the end? We are heading down to Smythsdale next Thursday to have a look-see.
The inlaws are at Wallace and my wifes getting a bit homesick anyhow (and got a spa to pickup up from Rokewood).

Did the mods you had to do to fit the bar require any welding? Or just drilling new mounting holes?


Thanks.

[davidsonsm]

Just drilling. It's hard to complain about the original installation when they've spent ten hours doing the install for $300. But i wanted better alignment with the wheel arches. Happy with it now. Mine seemed like the r&d car despite them having done other p38s. Hopefully they are wiser for it.

[benji]

Many thanks for that.

Moving the bar back has made it look a whole heap better.

[benji]

Ordered the bar yesterday, wahooooo!

He was saying that they no longer need the vehicle to fit it, as they've sorted out the new mcc design. Im picking it up, but they could be delivered too I imagine.
He was very suprised that it's all on the forum too.

Another bloke from Melbourne has ordered one also.

They also had an arb winch bar of a 79 series there, was unbelievably heavy - 80-90kg at least.

[TheTree]

Ordered the bar yesterday, wahooooo!

He was saying that they no longer need the vehicle to fit it, as they've sorted out the new mcc design. Im picking it up, but they could be delivered too I imagine.
He was very suprised that it's all on the forum too.



Benji,

Looking forward to the pics :D

Steve

[davidsonsm]

So you're are fitting yourself? Tough job for one person. Good luck.

[benji]

Yeh, we'll see how it goes.

I'll get photos up for sure.

[benji]

Almost done. Had to modify the same things as yourself. Trim bracket to fit around tow point, and cut a slice off the mounting plate to make it sit back further.

I also had to trim the ends off a rib at the back of the top plate to get the bar to sit low enough to go under the radiator grille. Is that done to yours David?

There is also flat brackets that are meant to go back to a third bolt through the chassis rail. Has anyone used these?

I've taken lots of photos and measurements to get back to him, so hopefully it will be a 'bolt on kit' soon.

On another note; the warn xp motors must be a tad longer than most. Once the holes are filled 5mm itll be a good fit once ive rotated the gearbox.

[davidsonsm]

It's a shame that after all the bars they've now supplied/fitted for p38's that they don't have it perfected. I felt like my car was being used for r&d and I was the 4th or 5th they'd fitted. They assured me they'd have it sorted for the next guy. I'm happy with the end result and s&j try hard, but ultimately aren't professional designers/fitters. I can onlyconclude the MCC guys must be muppets or simply have no interestin P38s.

[davidsonsm]

One further add on I want to make to my bar is to add some bumper overrider type strips at the sides to slightly widen the look of the bar. It's slightly narrower than the bottom of the wings. The rubber strips would make it taper down better. Is it just me? Anal I know.

[benji]

No, that would be good, and extend them back inline with the wheel arch.



Well it's finally on. Sometimes I tie my one knots regarding getting things right, so its taken a lot longer than it should. Ill put more photos up tomorrow, but it's braced back to a chassis hanger on each side.



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[davidsonsm]

Looks great. Looking forward to seeing some more pictures and reading more about the trials and tribulations of fitting.

Well done that man. Top job.

[benji]

Following this forums dedict of 'it didn't happen without photos' - here are a few.

The bottom of the lefthand bracket needed trimming to clear the tow point 68741

With the chassis bracket holes filled to sit as far back as they'd go, I made up in fillers / spacers that'll hold the bolt securely as the top holes are very large.6874268743 and the same on the outside of the rails.

The bar came with brackets to mount back to a third bolt that on a d1, would go through the hole underneath the front body mount frame. These brackets sit on the inside of the chassis rails, but as the p38 condenser goes between the chassis there's not a lot of room. By cutting the rear of the bracket and drilling the bolt hole further back 68744 there was just enough room for the brackets to slide between the condenser and chassis with the third bolt head between the condenser and the radiator. 68745



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[benji]

I had some u sections made up from 8x100mm flat that slid over the top of the chassis, so with the third bolt bracket and snatching or winching force is goint to pull down on these hangers and spread the load a lot better than a sinle bolt.

I also had to cut the end of the rib that goes along the back of the top plate of the bar to get it to sit low enough on the mounts.

So it's still not a bolt up kit as they said, but I suppose it's not all necessary either.
A question though, if a photo was taken and not shared, was the photo really taken...?

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[davidsonsm]

S & J cut off my tow point. Wasnt too fussed given the MCC recovery points on the brackets. Was it completed by yourself alone? Tough job repeatedly handling the bumper if you're on your jack.

[benji]

The bullbar isnt too heavy, it was the hacksawing that did the arms in.

Just went out for a drive this arvo, and the approach angle isn't to bad. Only touched the bar once, but the ability to approach stepups seems better.



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[UK_P38]

Getting S&J to fit mine with a Falcon bar and winch this weekend. I asked if they had managed to get the bumper sitting flush with the wheel arch but they haven't. I don't think it makes business sense for them to spend much more time improving the fitting :(

New brackets do come with recovery points now though :D

[davidsonsm]

Interested to learn if the installation goes any better for you. Whether any lessons have been learnt. Hope you're not there for ten hours!

[benji]

I doubt the bar could go back enough yo be flush woth the arch line. The mounts would do it but you need to vut the bottom of the grille and the aerial mounts would be touching the bonnet. The strapping at the back of the uprights on mine is sitting 5mm off the grille which puts the arch an inch off.

From a business point of view it doesn't make a lot of sense - and would be difficult.

I'd be very interested to see how they get the bar low enough on the chassis mounts.

Could you post some photos?

All in all though, they do look the piece.

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[DANMAL]

I doubt the bar could go back enough yo be flush woth the arch line. The mounts would do it but you need to vut the bottom of the grille and the aerial mounts would be touching the bonnet. The strapping at the back of the uprights on mine is sitting 5mm off the grille which puts the arch an inch off.

From a business point of view it doesn't make a lot of sense - and would be difficult.

I'd be very interested to see how they get the bar low enough on the chassis mounts.

Could you post some photos?

All in all though, they do look the piece.

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Looks really good mate, I dont mind where the bar finishes as its in contour with the top of the wheel arch. Set of flares would fix that..
The only thing is, be careful of the spacing between your bar and the body bescause the bar tends to move a little when your try to winch a patrol that couldnt follow you up a hill :D khehehe ... if you noticed on mine at les richmond, it wasnt sitting quite right.

[benji]

Yes I did notice that...

I think the later mounts go someway to fixing the flex, but there'd still be some movement for sure. I've had the back windows on my Classic creaking under a heavy winch. Skull draging a Pathfinder and camper up off the beach.

Intetesting about the Pootrol; the p38s are far better on the road by a very long margin too.

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[DANMAL]

Yes I did notice that...

I think the later mounts go someway to fixing the flex, but there'd still be some movement for sure. I've had the back windows on my Classic creaking under a heavy winch. Skull draging a Pathfinder and camper up off the beach.

Intetesting about the Pootrol; the p38s are far better on the road by a very long margin too.

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I might go back there and try to get some of the new mounts

[benji]

I'll be seeing them today at the bendigo camping show. Ill ask if the new mounts would work with the old bar.

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[DANMAL]

I'll be seeing them today at the bendigo camping show. Ill ask if the new mounts would work with the old bar.

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That would be great benji, thanks for that

[benji]

He said that'd work. As the bar itself stayed the same.

Very keen to know how you bent the bar though. .....

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[DANMAL]

He said that'd work. As the bar itself stayed the same.

Very keen to know how you bent the bar though. .....

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Wow you really inspected it hahaha, I think my cousin pulled the winch in too much...

[benji]

Getting S&J to fit mine with a Falcon bar and winch this weekend. I asked if they had managed to get the bumper sitting flush with the wheel arch but they haven't. I don't think it makes business sense for them to spend much more time improving the fitting :(

New brackets do come with recovery points now though :D

Did you get the bar fitted? How did it turn out?

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[UK_P38]

Yep, got the Falcon bar fitted. Looks great but still sits about 25mm forward of the wheel arch line. I am just going to put some rubber pieces on the bar to continue the line of the wheel arch. Just happy to have a winch bar and recovery points finally! Nice crowd down at S&J.

Will put up some pics when I get the chance...

[davidsonsm]

UK_P38 - how long did they take to fit it? Did the chassis brackets need modifying?

[UK_P38]

Took about 5-6hrs, winch included (winch caused a bit of bother as the clutch lever's orientation couldn't be moved).

The brackets were completely replaced with modified D2 bracket designed for the bar. They have a local certified welder modify the brackets.

[davidsonsm]

Yeah - good to hear they're doing the bracket mods upfront now, which would save considerable time. Assuming that's what they did. Mine were done on the day. Mine was the first of the new design I believe. With a tray for the winch as opposed to the winch attaching to the bumper.

[Jermync]

The only thing I'm worried about now is winching, I think the bar might be too close to the lights n maybe move while winching because of crush cans.. Any thoughts on this? or am I just being paranoid? I'll probably never end up using the winch anyway hahaha..
Could you forward the name and address of supplier of your bar in Smythesdale.
Thank you
Jermync

[benji]

F&J Horespower.
They're in the mainstreet of smythsdale.

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[davidsonsm]

Wasn't it S&J?

[TheTree]

S & J Horsepower (http://www.sandjhorsepower.com.au/)

[benji]

My bad, Yep that's the one.
I just bent the bottom lip of my bar the other day to, tried to do some grading.

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