New Bullbar on my defender

[patclan]

I finally got my bull bar fitted and I am pretty happy with it, my only issue is the orange indicator lenses, they just look odd. I asked TJM but they dont come with clear ones.

Does anyone know if I can change the lenses or even the unit to get clear ones?

I have attached a couple of pics, not great quality as they are off my phone but you can see the orange blobs easy enough..

Cheers
Patrick

[dmdigital]

You should be able to get units the same size with clear lenses. You'll need orange bulbs though and they have an off-set bayonet so you'll have to buy the complete units I suspect.

[DeeJay]

Maybe email this company..

Bright Lights Auto Parts - Welcome to the home of Bright Lights Auto Parts (http://www.brightlightautoparts.com/)

[Reads90]

You can buy VW ones as they are the same size and fitment.

Cna get clear or smoked from Ebay

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1600.jpg

They are from a VW GOLF MK1 & MK2

[86mud]

I got new ones for mine from Hella via Autobarn. Look up the Hella catalogue and they might have replacement clear lenses.

Cheers
Andrew

[PBob]

Patclan,
I know it has probably been done to death, but I am in the decision making time of deciding whether to buy an ARB or TJM bar for my new Puma. I prefer the look (I think) of the TJM, but a retailer who sells both bars is trying to sell me the ARB (which is $200 cheaper) as he says they are better made. How much homework did you (or any other forum participants) do?:confused:

[Tombie]

PBob

Ask yourself, "Do I want a pretty bar, or one that will do the job properly when I need it?"

If the former, Go TJM.... If the latter, Get the ARB.

Theres a reason they look 'structural' :cool:

[seano87]

PBob

Ask yourself, "Do I want a pretty bar, or one that will do the job properly when I need it?"

If the former, Go TJM.... If the latter, Get the ARB.

Theres a reason they look 'structural' :cool:

Rumour also has it that the current ARB Defender bar is going to changed soon to be more of their Sahara style bar, so will get a better looking bar that will actually perform the function it is intended to do.

But I agree with Patrick, the orange lenses do look very prominent of your truck, some smokey coloured lenses would look better I reckon :)

[patclan]

Patclan,
I know it has probably been done to death, but I am in the decision making time of deciding whether to buy an ARB or TJM bar for my new Puma. I prefer the look (I think) of the TJM, but a retailer who sells both bars is trying to sell me the ARB (which is $200 cheaper) as he says they are better made. How much homework did you (or any other forum participants) do?:confused:

PBob, the biggest clincher for me was that ARB do not make steel side steps/rails for the defender, Only TJM, I will be getting these later on but I wanted to make sure they would bolt onto the bar easily.

Also the front of the TJM one has a bit more shape to it, not sure how to explain but in my opinion it just looks better, I have read various threads that say they are not as strong, but as I said for me it was the side rails and steps the helped make the decision.

Cheers
Patrick

[PBob]

Many thanks gents, I'll try to do some homework on the new ARB rumour as well. I don't know if it means anything, but the TJM is now manufactured in China - ARB locally. You are all right about the appearance, I'm sure that the TJM is a better looking bar. Incidentally, I had an ARB on a Disco a few years back, hit a roo out at Walgett and trashed the whole bonnet and nearly did in my radiator. The bar collapsed straight backwards and the arial brackets also punched a couple of holes into the bonnet. Also, TJM say they can take a 15,000lb winch (I'm not fitting one) - the ARB takes a lesser winch.

[Tombie]

Many thanks gents, I'll try to do some homework on the new ARB rumour as well. I don't know if it means anything, but the TJM is now manufactured in China - ARB locally. You are all right about the appearance, I'm sure that the TJM is a better looking bar. Incidentally, I had an ARB on a Disco a few years back, hit a roo out at Walgett and trashed the whole bonnet and nearly did in my radiator. The bar collapsed straight backwards and the arial brackets also punched a couple of holes into the bonnet. Also, TJM say they can take a 15,000lb winch (I'm not fitting one) - the ARB takes a lesser winch.

ARB will take a 15k winch.

ARB has a 1 piece hoop too, not 3 separate pieces across the top there. So is stronger in that area.

I've taken out 17 roos with the ARB on mine... Only #17 damaged the bar (vehicle 100% ok) and she was 5'6" at 100km/h :eek:

Bars will collapse backwards if hit right up high... (physics) :D

Barwork is only meant to keep you running though, deflecting roos (like I often do) is not their primary purpose (they're a save u once kinda thing) like your disco did...

TJM on discos the bars fold like mad, a good friend with a D2 had his bar crush the body work in a fender bender at 10km/h

TJM side rails have been successfully fitted to ARB bars.

[patclan]

ARB will take a 15k winch.

ARB has a 1 piece hoop too, not 3 separate pieces across the top there. So is stronger in that area.

I've taken out 17 roos with the ARB on mine... Only #17 damaged the bar (vehicle 100% ok) and she was 5'6" at 100km/h :eek:

Bars will collapse backwards if hit right up high... (physics) :D

Barwork is only meant to keep you running though, deflecting roos (like I often do) is not their primary purpose (they're a save u once kinda thing) like your disco did...

TJM on discos the bars fold like mad, a good friend with a D2 had his bar crush the body work in a fender bender at 10km/h

TJM side rails have been successfully fitted to ARB bars.

Tombie,

I asked ARB if the TJM rails would fit and they said no. I am not saying it has not been done or is not possible, but surely seeing as they can't provide rails they would advertise that the TJM ones would fit.

I actually found ARB to be very unhelpful, they had no interest in anything to do with a defender were as TJM the complete opposite.
Maybe that was just the ARB store I went to.

Just ordered the smoked indicators of EBAY, cost including postage from the UK $35

Cheers
Cheers

[PBob]

Rumour is true:) - ARB are to re design the Defender bar but:mad: still in developement faze and will not be released for several months.

[patclan]

Rumour is true:) - ARB are to re design the Defender bar but:mad: still in developement faze and will not be released for several months.

Questions is do you want to wait, this rumor was around in August last year when I ordered my defender.

[PBob]

Story came from ARB and is correct (Don't know about the time factor) " some months" was the answer.:(

[isuzurover]

Story came from ARB and is correct (Don't know about the time factor) " some months" was the answer.:(

Did the story come from an ARB store or ARB head office???

[PBob]

ARB head office.

[Drover]

Had an ARB wich bar fitted about 6 weeks ago. It was going onto an SVX so it had to be modified.

Michael, at ARB (recreational Car Acessories, Gosford) was very very helpfull, I asked him about the rumoured "New" ARB bar for the Defender, as I was hoping that it would not need to be modified.

ARB head Office sale said - No New Bar, sales cannot justify production and the model (current defender shape) is about to end.

Had to wait 9 weeks for new shipment. I dont think they are localy made any more.

[dobbo]

ARB (recreational Car Acessories, Gosford).

According to the records I got with the car they were the ones that fitted the ally bar directly to the steel chassis on my County for the previous owner.:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[Scallops]

Let me just say that Tombie2 offered you some good advice above - to paraphrase, if you want the best protection bull bar - get the ARB. ;) If the shape of the TJM version is, in your particular situation, of more appeal than the extra protection factor, then get that one.

For some, a bar that will carry a decent winch is everything, for others, it's clear indicator lenses on our bullbars. :D

[isuzurover]

ARB head Office sale said - No New Bar, sales cannot justify production and the model (current defender shape) is about to end..

This is incorrect. A very reliable source has just told me that what PBob said is true. An all new bar is in development which will be available soon.

[VladTepes]

PBob, the biggest clincher for me was that ARB do not make steel side steps/rails for the defender, Only TJM, I will be getting these later on but I wanted to make sure they would bolt onto the bar easily.
the helped make the decision.

Cheers
Patrick

I habve a '94 Defender, so don;t know whether the design of teh ARB bars has changed at all, but if its any help I have the ARB winch bar and TJM side bars/steps and they mate up nicely.

[patclan]

Is this an ARB or TJM bar?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1498.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1499.jpg

[isuzurover]

Is this an ARB or TJM bar?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1498.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1499.jpg

Not sure - could also be factory LR (jury is still out on who makes those - but probably ARB or TJM or ...?). Whichever it was it looks like it saved the vehicle from what looks like a hard hit.

[Tombie]

Not sure - could also be factory LR (jury is still out on who makes those - but probably ARB or TJM or ...?). Whichever it was it looks like it saved the vehicle from what looks like a hard hit.

Its factory LR...

Which were made by a small factory in Sydney... They are not ARB or TJM made...

[stig0000]

god:o thats one hell of a hit tho!! would of been a fast stop:o

[Scallops]

Is this an ARB or TJM bar?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1498.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1499.jpg

Are you possibly feeling the need to defend your TJM preference, perhaps? :angel:

It's your choice, patclan! But you did ask for some feedback on the two bars. Many here who have owned Defys for years have given you their opinion.

How can any judgement be made from that pic? Compared to what?

Everyone is just trying to help. And to return to the indicator lens colour question for a moment - my thoughts are go with orange ones. They are indicators. They are designed to be seen. Orange indicators might not look bling to some, but they are effective and visible.

These are just my thoughts. :)

[patclan]

Are you possibly feeling the need to defend your TJM preference, perhaps? :angel:

It's your choice, patclan! But you did ask for some feedback on the two bars. Many here who have owned Defys for years have given you their opinion.

How can any judgement be made from that pic? Compared to what?

Everyone is just trying to help. And to return to the indicator lens colour question for a moment - my thoughts are go with orange ones. They are indicators. They are designed to be seen. Orange indicators might not look bling to some, but they are effective and visible.

These are just my thoughts. :)

Ha absolutely not, my original post was about the indicators and where to source them, I never asked for the feedback on the two bars, I think you will find that was PBob, not I.

If I did ask then I would take the 'opinions' given gratefully but at the end of the day it is my decision and I will be happy with the one I make.

Regarding the pictures, I was looking for a sump protector with front recover points and I came across the defender photos, I thought it was apt to post considering the conversation, seeing as everyone appears to have an opinion and there does seem to be some knowledgeable people here I thought they may be able to pick the brand of bar. I dont care which one it is I have mine and I am sure they both have the + and - But I did think the picture was was interesting, thats why I posted it.

Seeing as advice is given and taken here then allow me to give mine, read the posts correctly before you give your 'thoughts' :) but of course, thanks for your input..

[Scallops]

Ha absolutely not, my original post was about the indicators and where to source them, I never asked for the feedback on the two bars, I think you will find that was PBob, not I.

If I did ask then I would take the 'opinions' given gratefully but at the end of the day it is my decision and I will be happy with the one I make.

Regarding the pictures, I was looking for a sump protector with front recover points and I came across the defender photos, I thought it was apt to post considering the conversation, seeing as everyone appears to have an opinion and there does seem to be some knowledgeable people here I thought they may be able to pick the brand of bar. I dont care which one it is I have mine and I am sure they both have the + and - But I did think the picture was was interesting, thats why I posted it.

Seeing as advice is given and taken here then allow me to give mine, read the posts correctly before you give your 'thoughts' :) but of course, thanks for your input..

My mistake - sorry - and point taken. BTW - the bar is the genuine Land Rover bar. My understanding is that they are not as strong as either the TJM or the ARB, although I was under the impression that ARB made them too. :)

Again, re-reading the thread - my mistake and my humble apology. :oops2:

[patclan]

My mistake - sorry - and point taken. BTW - the bar is the genuine Land Rover bar. My understanding is that they are not as strong as either the TJM or the ARB, although I was under the impression that ARB made them too. :)

Again, re-reading the thread - my mistake and my humble apology. :oops2:

Humbly accepted :p