brush bar VUB 501270 suitable for D4?

[Sollidisc]

Hi All, Firstly before getting on the subject my wife and I just returned from a trip to UK/Europe and took the opportunity to take a tour of the Solihull factory (and the museum at Gaydon nearby). Can't recommend it highly enough we luckily had a tour guide who was a retired engineer and was able to talk about the early days of Rover - p3,4,5,6, SDI, plus the Austin Rover years (not such a good time!). Anyway we went through the original buildings where the Wilkes, Kings etc would have fronted for work every day, through the old P4 etc building to see Defenders being hand built (fantastic) then onto see the new hi tec part of the factory, which was a real eyeopener. They said they produce 240,000 a year at the plant….
Onto subject…I'm aware this has been done to death and I've brought the issue up previously on the forum but am now ready to do a trip to the sunny north and may force myself to go onto a dirt road or two - so I do need a bull bar of some sort. I tried to get the run out special on the factory alloy bar but failed even to get an answer from LR or dealer I nominated via there email system. Anywa,y I would prefer something that just bolts on, the thought of having the headlights spinning face down on the workshop floor and having the front cut away scares me:o I've seen a brush bar from britparts advertised in Melbourne for a D3 and seen a D4 on carsales with the same (part no. in heading) - I wonder if that would be ok, legal etc. If thats no good then it will have to be a proper one. I like the ECB one cause it evidently doesn't need a cut is light, but from the photos looks like someone in an oversized shirt.. The ARB seems the better over the OL as its made here etc. Anyway any thoughts from out there?

[NTB]

Hello Sollidisc,

I fitted a ECB in May and I have been very happy with it.
I do not do major off road stuff but I did do a Central Australia Trip in June/July and wanted some extra protection. I choose the ECB because it did not require cutting of the flares or guards. A small piece of plastic under the car had to be trimmed but I believe that was it.
I found the quality of the ECB finish and fitting to the D4 was very good.
It is one of the options for you.

NTB

[Sollidisc]

Hi NTB, many thanks for that, my D4 is white as well (the only colour:)). It looks much better than the photos on their site. Maybe it's the dark colour. They are quoting $2500 but I imagine the fitting cost is less than the steel ones. I'm closer to a decision now! Thanks

[jon3950]

Being designed for the D3, I don't think it would fit the D4 as there's a fair bit of difference between the two at the front.

However, even if it did, if you want to fit it for any sort of protection from animal strike then it's not going to help you.

Apart from the fact they they are pretty lightweight, have a look at the mounting location. They are only attached right down low. This means that anything solid that hits the bar will rotate it around the mounting points and push it into the bonnet. It may deflect a bird, but no chance with a roo. Instead of a roo shaped dent you'll have a roo and tube shaped dent.

Cheers,
Jon

[Redback]

Agree with Jon also, just a waste of $2300 IMO, actually the damage with that bar on could even be worse with a decent animal strike, the cost would be anyway, you can't repair alloy bullbars, if you hit a Roo, Emu, Wallaby or anything of that size, it would fold like tin foil.

For a single trip now and then, you really don't need a bullbar, just keep an eye out for any animals and try to keep your driving hours after Dawn and well before Dusk, this is when they are out and about the most.

Get yourself some decent all terrain tyres in Light Truck construction, some recovery gear and a long handle shovel and you'll be fine.

Baz.

[letherm]

I fitted an ECB bar too. I chose the Silver Hammertone as I have had problems with polished alloy/chrome bars before with sun reflecting back into my eyes. Also they need to be cleaned too regularly for my liking to keep them looking good.:p

Here's a couple of pics but it does look better than they show.

http://www.aulro.com/app/data/500/medium/ECB_Bar3.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/app/data/500/medium/ECB_Bar4.jpg

[Sollidisc]

Thanks Gents, all useful information that will assist my decision

[Hamersley]

Hello Sollidisc,

I fitted a ECB in May and I have been very happy with it.
I do not do major off road stuff but I did do a Central Australia Trip in June/July and wanted some extra protection. I choose the ECB because it did not require cutting of the flares or guards. A small piece of plastic under the car had to be trimmed but I believe that was it.
I found the quality of the ECB finish and fitting to the D4 was very good.
It is one of the options for you.

NTB

Hi NTB
You bar looks great,but can you tell me what brand of tyre your wearing if they are 19 ins?
Thanks Hamersley

[discotwinturbo]

Hi NTB You bar looks great,but can you tell me what brand of tyre your wearing if they are 19 ins? Thanks Hamersley

He has Hankook Dynapro ATM 255/55R19 (RF10)

Pic shows the brand and type....but could not make out the tyre size, but as he has an SD, so they are 19's.

Brett.....

[NTB]

Hello Hamersley,

I have Hankook Dynapro ATM 255/55R19 (RF10).
I fitted these to my 19" Land Rover Wheels just before a trip to Central Australia from Brisbane towing a pop top caravan.
I have had a good experience with these tyres.

I gave some feedback on the tyres in the following thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/202409-hankook-dynapro-atm.html

NTB