Bullbar Removal and Replacement

[Pharaoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pharaoh]

Hey Everyone! This is my very first post, so Im just chasing some info. Im hoping to buy my first 2008 model KDJ120R this month, but most that I have seen in the yards here in Brisbane are fitted with bullbars. The reasons for removal are simply; 1. A garage that is not long enough to house it with bullbar fitted; 2. No real requirement for it as I haven't been offroad for more than 10 years; 3. The wife doesn't want it

Is there much involved in removal and replacement with a standard bumper? Where is the cheapest place around Brisbane QLD that you have seen the bumpers sold?

Thanks in advance.

Pharaoh.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

What colour and model is your Prado? There may be members who have a front bumper in the shed. I have a silver one off a GX (no front fog lights) for example. The bar should unbolt easily and the bumper back on, you just need the bolts and frame.

[Peterpilot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Peterpilot]

It's not a difficult job to do, the hardest thing would be to find an original bumper in the right colour, or have one resprayed.

Personally, I'd just buy one without a bull bar and save yourself the hassle. There are still plenty around without bars in spite of your first impression.

[Pharaoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pharaoh]

Hey Guys. Thanks for the replies. I don't own a Prado as yet, hence why I'm looking at removal options; as all prados I have sighted so far have had bullbars fitted. I'm chasing a Black one, and I have made contact with several dealerships about the specifics I'm looking for; but if it comes with a bullbar - I'll negotiate to have it replaced. I still haven't found one yet, but I need one by August 2012, so I'll keep hunting.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

The inner gaurds are cut for the fitment of a bullbar, so you will need to replace those. Replacement bumbers are a dime a dozen from places that sell bullbars and you could sell the bar to cover any costs involved and probably still come out in front.

I am interesed in why you want a 4wd if you live in the city and don't intend to go offroad?

Cheers Andrew

[Pharaoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pharaoh]

Thanks Andrew. I have two 60kg+ Great Dane boys, and the backseat of my Commodore is not cutting it when transporting them. I want a 120 Series as the 2nd row seats roll forwards into the footwells; giving me extra space in the rear to allow both dogs to be harnessed in. I don't want a ute, so the Prado is the largest space available without going to a van. Is that a reasonable excuse?

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

Easily solved... Drive down here, we fit my black 120 bumper, leave your bullbar behind and you head off home again

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Thanks Andrew. I have two 60kg+ Great Dane boys, and the backseat of my Commodore is not cutting it when transporting them. I want a 120 Series as the 2nd row seats roll forwards into the footwells; giving me extra space in the rear to allow both dogs to be harnessed in. I don't want a ute, so the Prado is the largest space available without going to a van. Is that a reasonable excuse?

sounds like a good reason, always interested in why different people go for the Prado

Cheers Andrew

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

sounds like a good reason

What, not willing to argue with someone that has 120kg of teeth in the backseat Andrew??

[Lorenzo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Lorenzo]

If you're pretty handy with tools it's quite easy to remove the bullbar.

I sold my alloy bar on eBay just last month for just over $1k... I'm sure if you visit any ARB/TJM type store they'll have a stack of them and probably happy to part with it cheaply. Alternatively, ring everyone up in brissie and tell them you're after one. Live with the bullbar for a bit and when u get the call swap it over. I reckon you'll be $800 in front after the transaction.

Also, The alloy bullbar doesn't stick out that much more then a standard platic bullbar. I'd estimate 5cm at most... It's the ARB bar that sticks out a fair bit more.

I have the toyota alloy bar instructions on pdf if you want them... I read them backwards when I swapped out the alloy bar for the arb bar... I also used the ironman instructions as they had the best and more detailed pictures... just PM me if you need them!

Cheers.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Id be measuring up the difference. My mate doesnt have a bullbar on his 120, I do, the genuine soverign (spelling) toyota alloy bar and there seems to be minimal difference when its been in my garage, yes a bit more weight over the front end but will give you the extra protection. Ok its not going to give you the protection of a steel bar BUT for the every day running around and carparks it will be sure to come in handy and one scuff on the plastic bumper bar and it will look shithouse (will make it look like your wife cant drive lol) If your literally stretched for 5cm then I hope your very good at judgement lol. Our garage only just gets our prado in but I line the passengers mirror up with aircon drain pipe and have enough to shut electric door and shut the back one down (very rarely bother pulling the rear door down as it leads to under our pergola) Try and see if you can get hold of one with a alloy bar in a caryard and nose it upto a wall of some sort would make it easier to measure the length, then obviously do the same with out......Unless you wife really doesnt want one then it wont matter either way, the boss will have spoken........lol...Cheers Steve

[Lorenzo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Lorenzo]

Or you can use the old tennis ball trick...

How it works:

Drive car as close as you can to the wall (leave 5cm) then hang a tennis ball off the ceiling of the garage so that it just hits the windshield... Then when you drive in, you know to inch forward until you hit the tennis ball and that tells you that you're 5cm (or whatever preset distance) away from hitting the wall!

Learned that off an old pom