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Thread: Galvanising an ARB bullbar. Is it possible to get a decent finish?

  1. #1
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    Galvanising an ARB bullbar. Is it possible to get a decent finish?





    Hello wise forum.


    I’ve got an arb bullbar that I want to galvanise. Every galvaniser I’ve spoken to has said the finish will be rough and yet I often see RFS trucks with galvanised bullbars that are perfectly smooth.


    When I mention these trucks to the galvanisers they still tell me it’s not possible. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.


    What’s the secret to getting a smooth finish? Where can I get it done?

  2. #2
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    If you go ahead you do realize you’ll have to drill a number of holes in each of the tubes prior. Tip, get them to advise where they want them as it based on where they plan to lift the bar.

    And if they’re not happy with where they are they’ll more than likely make additional holes.

  3. #3
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    Why galvanise a bull bar? Given the size of metal used in construction and basic maintenance a non galvanised bar should last longer than the life of any vehicle.

    However having said that I have a galvanised series 1 bullbar and it is all smooth, like larger diameter pipe that has been galvanised - is there a post production process (like sanding off the rough bits) that takes the dags off - clearly there is a process - just look at street sign poles - just a matter of finding what it is.

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  4. #4
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    It might be metal sprayed. Gives a smooth finish, but is usually a lot thinner.
    I haven't had anything done in Gal ( I think the spray process is Zinc rather than Gal) but I've had a couple of items done in Nickel, Aluminium and a Ti coating.
    We were playing around with various coating for rubber moulds.


    Cheers Glen.

  5. #5
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    I understand why you would want to galvanise your ARB bullbar. The factory coating is poor quality and does not last.
    Every ARB bar including the "Australian made delux", Ive owned, has rusted quickly under the surface coating causing it to bubble and lift

    I would definitely consider galvanising, if I was to restore mine. Preparation and stripping the original would be laborious and as mentioned any sealed sections would require vent/drain holes

  6. #6
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    There are two finishes in the gal process. Obviously rough and smooth. I've seen it and have been asked when I delivered fabricated items to the galvanizers.

  7. #7
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    I want to galvanise the bullbar obviously for protection, but also I think it would look pretty cool against all the gal cappings on my county.

    I asked a business that does the metal spray on coatings (can use various metals other than gal finish) and even though they advertised it as an “architectural” finish ie smooth, they said it will still be lumpy.

    The prep process I’m considering is electrical stripping then grind smooth any rough bits.

    I really don’t get it, I see smooth gal finishes everywhere but I have called about 20 galvanisers in various states and they have ALL said it can’t be done.

  8. #8
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    I have no association with them
    But this mob claim to be the best centrifuge Gal In sydney

    Galvanised Steel Troughing / Galvanizing Steel / Galvanised Beams

    You’ll pay more but a centrifuge place will pickle / dip / spin and your bar will be tickety boo.
    You will need to sandblast the bar first and as mentioned ensure drainage of hollow sections. I’ve seen ARB bars with both sealed tubes and open vented
    So just check carefully.

    If a gal mob told me the result would be rough they are really saying

    We are too cheap and nasty to keep our tanks clean and because 99% of our work is cheap n fast we don’t care ?

    S

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by alittlebitconcerned View Post
    I want to galvanise the bullbar obviously for protection, but also I think it would look pretty cool against all the gal cappings on my county.

    I asked a business that does the metal spray on coatings (can use various metals other than gal finish) and even though they advertised it as an “architectural” finish ie smooth, they said it will still be lumpy.

    The prep process I’m considering is electrical stripping then grind smooth any rough bits.

    I really don’t get it, I see smooth gal finishes everywhere but I have called about 20 galvanisers in various states and they have ALL said it can’t be done.
    I reckon the one I use in Brisbane would do it.

    We just drop stuff off and pick up a week later.

    I guess as you mentioned it’s a bull bar going on a car they are being careful giving you the heads up.

    Just call it racking or something.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grappler View Post
    Every ARB bar including the "Australian made delux", Ive owned, has rusted quickly under the surface coating causing it to bubble and lift
    Hi Grappler, that’s interesting! I have two Defenders with ARB Delux bars both fitted to the vehicles new. A 96 300Tdi & a 99 Td5 and neither have a spot of rust or bubbling on them, just stone chips. I assume they were Australian made as something’s still where in those days! Are the bars you are referring to more recent?

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