Thread: Dangerous modifications. What’s your mind set?

Originally Posted by DAMINK

Interesting thread.
My first thought was, well im guilty of doing exactly as thread indicates. Working outside whats "acceptable". My bar is not legal, my rear bar was totally made by me. Among other things.
My second thought was what about all the cars that get sold which are faulty? You complain about a front bar that may effect the air bags right? What about the gazillion NEW airbags that are infact deadly!
There are always recalls over faulty cars.

Excellent response.

Only correction - I'm concerned about SRS, not complaining - the only people it can injure are the vehicle occupants.
Its more about understanding the risk acceptance on certain things - SRS is just one of the most applicable for modern 4wd enthusiasts when it comes to customising.


And yes, those recent airbag recalls are seriously concerning! I know a few people who refused to drive their vehicles until the bags were replaced.

To more directly answer to your questions. As im a guilty party as far as mods is concerned.

I am unemployed. On a nutter pension infact. Father of 4 so money is not my friend.
I have mates who have all the "Kit" and beast cars. I know im never going to afford to buy a new 4x4 with all the arb stuff. Just not gunna happen.
So i find myself where i am. I want a bullbar but cant afford a "Real" one so i get a cheapy and mod it to suit.
Cant afford to pay a professional to do the work so i do it myself. Cheap and nasty at times. This applies to all mods on my car basically.

My wifes car is a little different. I do all the mechanical work but we dont do risky stuff like i do on my car. Anything that needs replacing gets replaced with original.
That car drives the family around on a day to day basis though.

Now to address the risks.
Most of the time i drive my car offroad. Its basically built for that. And to be honest im glad i have done what i have done. My work has saved the car many times.
An after market incorrect bullbar has moved on roos that would otherwise have damaged my car. Its taken the bark off trees more times that i can count.
Serves as a good mounting point for things that otherwise could not be mounted.

My rear bar has smashed into rocky sides of the mountain on countless occasions. Hit countless trees etc etc. Its a beast and has saved my rear every time.

I get to have my fun like others do on a shoe string budget. Yea i break the "rules" but hey.

Originally Posted by ozscott

Tombie is far from a Troll. Blunt he is but that's a good thing in my view. It's a good thread he started and he did it away from the build thread. I dont always agree with what Tombie has to say (often I do agree) but I like that with his experience and logic he continues to contribute. Ps. D2's were the best 4wd LR made and you know it Mike.

Cheers

Still have our D2 in the family! Its my sons vehicle now. And you're correct, they are a fantastic vehicle.

Thanks for the kind words Scott, I do troll occasionally - to shake things up, or **** stir the pot and get things being discussed a bit. if other users disapprove thats perfectly understandable too. Some **** stir in their posts, some in their profiles...

The best thing about this place is the mix of knowledge, experience, careers, qualifications and age diversity.
We have Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, Fitters, Mechanics, Stick Burners, Accountants, Lawyers, Low Voltage Plumbers, Miners, Road workers, Electricians the list keeps on going.
We have subject matter experts in all things "Rivet Counting" and those who know the later vehicles very well.

We have those who are very elequent wordsmiths, and those that are blunt like a hammer.

It takes all sorts to make a community - even the court jester!

Originally Posted by DAMINK

My second thought was what about all the cars that get sold which are faulty? You complain about a front bar that may effect the air bags right? What about the gazillion NEW airbags that are infact deadly!
There are always recalls over faulty cars.

and the manufacturer is legally liable.

Originally Posted by Eevo

and the manufacturer is legally liable.

Im only 45 so a pup here but in my short time i have seen the big car companies dodge responsibility time after time.
There willingness to hide faults despite knowing of the consequences and reluctance to abide by decisions made.

Dunno man thats just my view, i could be wrong.

Originally Posted by DAMINK

Im only 45 so a pup here but in my short time i have seen the big car companies dodge responsibility time after time.
There willingness to hide faults despite knowing of the consequences and reluctance to abide by decisions made.

Dunno man thats just my view, i could be wrong.

I like your responses and views, you share experiences openly, very refreshing.

And you clearly explain your reasoning.

I appreciated your contributions - you certainly made me consider a few of my positions in the Legal thread!

Originally Posted by vee8auto

Meanwhile the moderators are either too blind or too closely tied to the perpetrator to man-up and deal with the rot that permeates the forum.

I take that as an insult and an attack on my integrity.

I've never met Tombie, and, until yesterday, had no correspondence with him nor do I have any ties to him. You obviously didn't see the post I deleted.

Originally Posted by vee8auto

Meanwhile the moderators are either too blind or too closely tied to the perpetrator to man-up and deal with the rot that permeates the forum.

I called it out recently, Tombie is the forum Troll, and its to the detriment of the forum.

Not cool at all mate, way out of line IMO. If you have an issue about something that is said here, report it and discuss it with the Mods. Knowing someone on this forum does not make them immune to the rules which has been shown time and again. I would consider what you've said here an attack on the Mod team which is a huge no no. Also verges on a personal attack but my guess is Tombie has a thick enough skin to shrug this off with a bit of a giggle and nothing more, but still out of line.