Experience with Second Hand Bull Bars and Toyota Bar Query

[gofish Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close gofish]

Beware if going the Gumtree / second hand route for bull bars - there are a few issues to consider!

Please record here your experience with installing second hand bull bars - tips, tricks and issues to be wary of?

For instance things to be careful of from my experience (Toyota Bar):
- Are you certain your second hand bar has all the bits for installation (bolts can be bought but other components may be a problem)
- Can you get a manual to know how to do the installation (Toyota does have manual for download)
- Some bars integrate with the bumper and so it is important to have a template to cut the bull bar properly (Toyota does not provide a download and I finally got this after much trouble)
- If you need to cut the bumper remember to measure twice cut once
- If you don't have all the installation bits then you may not be able to buy them individually but have to buy as part of a kit
- If you have to buy parts as a kit the overall cost could/will escalate and you may pay for bits you do not need
- Are you confident you can install and still maintain the safety aspects like the air-bags / sensors

WRT Toyota Bar what is a chassis pin - how important is it and can it be made (specs?)? Anyone got one for sale? Alas, also I do not have the fender liners - anyone got them for sale?

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

Not sure if this applies to 150 genuine bars but it does for the 120 sovereign bars. When I bought a secondhand one from gumtree it looked great and was in good condition but when fitted up it didnt line up square. turns out the guy I bought it off picks them up as scrap from panelbeaters , dismantles them and builds complete ones from the bits. Mine just happened to have a twist in centre section that wasnt visible untill fitted. Guy was ok about replacing with a original complete one.
If same as 120 then you need the chassis pins, they are really a nut that slips inside chassis rails and a bolt goes through bar support and preloads support bar to chassis to reduce flex. I think Amts sells the ones for a 120.

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ereign-bullbar