ARB Bull Bar Install LIVE....NOW....Watch...

Gilead · 05-25-06, 06:32 AM

We are going to be installing the ARB BULL BAR today. Watch as we bring you, and us, through the process. Shouls be fun. Feel free to ask questions as we go. Look for pictures and comments. We had the bar flown in last night to Logan airport in Boston MA. Tried for Manchester NH, but United could not get it there...quickly. So here we go.....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 06:46 AM

Here are the first pictures of how the BB is packed. As usual with most ALL ARB products the packing is GREAT. No damage seen at this point. Most likely none as we go along....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 06:47 AM

Box with various brackets, etc.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 06:53 AM

We are also going to be installing these IPF's on the BB. Now one of your questions is...."what about the IPF Fog Light?" Well, I did not order these for this install....:( Was not thinking straight at the time of the faxed order to ARB. These Fogs will be installed later. Also, we will NOT be installing a Warn Winch. That too will come later.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 06:56 AM

I have set up the lap top in the work area to record the install. Coffee in the
FJ ThermoCafe cup and the ARB Hats to be worn.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:01 AM

Here is a picture of the front without the PLASTIC "bumper." Came right off in about 10 minute...1.2 seconds in an accident or on the trail...

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:05 AM

The support bracket, with 14mm bolts of which there were 4 per side...a total of 8, has been removed. Easy for this Cruiser...NO rust what so ever. Different from what we are used to seeing...

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:09 AM

Okay, here comes the graphic "drilling" part of the install. We are now drilling out the M8 captive nuts on the outboard side of the frame...both sides.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:23 AM

BOLTS. The hardware selection is vast. ARB sends all the right stuff for bolting the BB. The written direction are good too. Many detailed pictures of the correct install process. A quote from the installer a moment ago was "you have to be a magician to get some of the nuts onto the frame!"

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:30 AM

Okay, this bracket is being bolted onto the outter front frame ends. It did require that we use an air chisle to remove a "big blob" of weld from the factory on the LH side of the frame. The RH side welding was better...not as big a weld. A grinder could also be used to get rid of the weld....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:38 AM

This odd looking bracket is inserted into the frame. A captured nut at the end of the brecket will have a bolt secured to it through the frame. This will allow for that barcket to extend to the end of the frame and stick out about 1". This brackets holds the nut so that the fianl bolt for the previous pictures backet can be bolted...if that makes sense. That 1" section will be broken off in a minute....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:43 AM

This bigger bracket will be installed onto those M8 studs.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 07:47 AM

These 4 spaces, 2 per side, will be installed. Nice zinc plated suff. So far the install has been as predicted...smooth.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 08:13 AM

Okay, this went quick. We just lifted the bar into place. Again, very simple. Now we are bolting the bar to that bracket in the previous picture. 3 bolts are used to bolt the BB to the bracket.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 08:19 AM

Different looks here...

Gilead · 05-25-06, 08:35 AM

There are 2 holes that have to be drilled, by you/us, on the inside of the bar, LH/RH sides. These are to align the bar. So this brings the total bolts to 4 per side to bolt the bar to the bracket. Drilling these holes is a bit of a trick...but not too bad.

woody · 05-25-06, 08:39 AM

love the blow-by-blow install...nicely done!!

Gilead · 05-25-06, 09:14 AM

Okay, here is the "skip plate" that provide. This leaves a GREAT DEAL to be DESIRED. It is not even close to the original in gage/quality. Now, we would try to re-install the original, but to keep things going, we will install the ARB plate....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 09:29 AM

Okay, now we move on to the turn/marker lights. The brackets provided will install easy....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 09:33 AM

However, we have just encountered our first dislike for the BB. They want us/you to cut the end off of the inner splash guard! This seems rather odd. There is not a replacement panel of any sort for this area below the BB. It is meant to be left open to see the mounting brackets and stock body mounts. Yeah, it may be picky, but it seems to be a big hole/gap. We have our fabricator looking at it now. Maybe a quick sheet metal cover is in the future....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 09:41 AM

The light has been installed. The electrical connections are done with a tap into the stock wiring harness with a scotch connector.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 10:05 AM

The electrical extension line is provided with the lights. Getting them to scotch into the stock harness is a little tough. Tight working conditions...small hands good for this. ARB also provides some ground lines for a winch when installed..nice to see.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 10:07 AM

We are still discussing the gap/hole left in front of the wheel, at the back of the BB. I think we are going to leave it for now. We will cut the extra inner splash guard and build a transition type of plate later.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 10:54 AM

A few observations. The gap between the body and the top of the BB is about 3/4 to 1" We have installed the Sahara Bar by ARB on a few 100 Series Land Cruiser's and ARB provides a "weatherstrip" type of rubber to be placed between these two areas that don't come into complete contact. I might suggest this for this gap area. It does not look really bad, but could be cleaned up a bit. We also found the RH light bulb to be burned out...rather odd. Just to reiterate the electrical wiring of these lights was tough. Working behind the headlights to get the scotch connectors in was a bear! Needle nose plyers a must here.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 11:05 AM

Next IPF Lights...JO-1's 85watt Hybrid Driving and Fog Lamps. As you can see IPF does the install kit very well. Everything we/you will need to hook these lights up. We were going to install the 900XS's, but wanted more options for light at night. Again, we will install the Fog Insert Lights when they are sent...we forgot those...

Gilead · 05-25-06, 11:08 AM

Just bolted on at this point...they good though....

beaufort-fj60 · 05-25-06, 11:16 AM

looks great... i wonder if the stock fjc headlights would fit in a fj60? hmmm....

mofofofo · 05-25-06, 01:15 PM

that is so dope. thank you for posting this!!!! can't wait to get my ARB bumper.

Gilead · 05-25-06, 01:20 PM

Here are the final pictures....sorry for the delay here. We decided to zip tie up the splash guards so as to not cut them and think about the ytransition cover/plate....

Gilead · 05-25-06, 01:22 PM

More pictures

05-25-06, 06:32 AM	#1
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	ARB Bull Bar Install LIVE....NOW....Watch... We are going to be installing the ARB BULL BAR today. Watch as we bring you, and us, through the process. Shouls be fun. Feel free to ask questions as we go. Look for pictures and comments. We had the bar flown in last night to Logan airport in Boston MA. Tried for Manchester NH, but United could not get it there...quickly. So here we go..... __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 06:46 AM	#2
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Here are the first pictures of how the BB is packed. As usual with most ALL ARB products the packing is GREAT. No damage seen at this point. Most likely none as we go along.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 06:47 AM	#3
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Box with various brackets, etc. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 06:53 AM	#4
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	We are also going to be installing these IPF's on the BB. Now one of your questions is...."what about the IPF Fog Light?" Well, I did not order these for this install....:( Was not thinking straight at the time of the faxed order to ARB. These Fogs will be installed later. Also, we will NOT be installing a Warn Winch. That too will come later. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 06:56 AM	#5
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	I have set up the lap top in the work area to record the install. Coffee in the FJ ThermoCafe cup and the ARB Hats to be worn. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:01 AM	#6
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Here is a picture of the front without the PLASTIC "bumper." Came right off in about 10 minute...1.2 seconds in an accident or on the trail... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:05 AM	#7
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	The support bracket, with 14mm bolts of which there were 4 per side...a total of 8, has been removed. Easy for this Cruiser...NO rust what so ever. Different from what we are used to seeing... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:09 AM	#8
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Okay, here comes the graphic "drilling" part of the install. We are now drilling out the M8 captive nuts on the outboard side of the frame...both sides. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:23 AM	#9
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	BOLTS. The hardware selection is vast. ARB sends all the right stuff for bolting the BB. The written direction are good too. Many detailed pictures of the correct install process. A quote from the installer a moment ago was "you have to be a magician to get some of the nuts onto the frame!" Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:30 AM	#10
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Okay, this bracket is being bolted onto the outter front frame ends. It did require that we use an air chisle to remove a "big blob" of weld from the factory on the LH side of the frame. The RH side welding was better...not as big a weld. A grinder could also be used to get rid of the weld.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:38 AM	#11
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	This odd looking bracket is inserted into the frame. A captured nut at the end of the brecket will have a bolt secured to it through the frame. This will allow for that barcket to extend to the end of the frame and stick out about 1". This brackets holds the nut so that the fianl bolt for the previous pictures backet can be bolted...if that makes sense. That 1" section will be broken off in a minute.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:43 AM	#12
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	This bigger bracket will be installed onto those M8 studs. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 07:47 AM	#13
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	These 4 spaces, 2 per side, will be installed. Nice zinc plated suff. So far the install has been as predicted...smooth. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 08:13 AM	#14
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Okay, this went quick. We just lifted the bar into place. Again, very simple. Now we are bolting the bar to that bracket in the previous picture. 3 bolts are used to bolt the BB to the bracket. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 08:19 AM	#15
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Different looks here... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 08:39 AM	#17
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,688 Blog Entries: 2	love the blow-by-blow install...nicely done!! __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln

05-25-06, 08:35 AM	#16
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	There are 2 holes that have to be drilled, by you/us, on the inside of the bar, LH/RH sides. These are to align the bar. So this brings the total bolts to 4 per side to bolt the bar to the bracket. Drilling these holes is a bit of a trick...but not too bad. __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 09:14 AM	#18
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Okay, here is the "skip plate" that provide. This leaves a GREAT DEAL to be DESIRED. It is not even close to the original in gage/quality. Now, we would try to re-install the original, but to keep things going, we will install the ARB plate.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 09:29 AM	#19
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Okay, now we move on to the turn/marker lights. The brackets provided will install easy.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 09:33 AM	#20
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	However, we have just encountered our first dislike for the BB. They want us/you to cut the end off of the inner splash guard! This seems rather odd. There is not a replacement panel of any sort for this area below the BB. It is meant to be left open to see the mounting brackets and stock body mounts. Yeah, it may be picky, but it seems to be a big hole/gap. We have our fabricator looking at it now. Maybe a quick sheet metal cover is in the future.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 09:41 AM	#21
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	The light has been installed. The electrical connections are done with a tap into the stock wiring harness with a scotch connector. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 10:05 AM	#22
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	The electrical extension line is provided with the lights. Getting them to scotch into the stock harness is a little tough. Tight working conditions...small hands good for this. ARB also provides some ground lines for a winch when installed..nice to see. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 10:07 AM	#23
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	We are still discussing the gap/hole left in front of the wheel, at the back of the BB. I think we are going to leave it for now. We will cut the extra inner splash guard and build a transition type of plate later. __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 10:54 AM	#24
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	A few observations. The gap between the body and the top of the BB is about 3/4 to 1" We have installed the Sahara Bar by ARB on a few 100 Series Land Cruiser's and ARB provides a "weatherstrip" type of rubber to be placed between these two areas that don't come into complete contact. I might suggest this for this gap area. It does not look really bad, but could be cleaned up a bit. We also found the RH light bulb to be burned out...rather odd. Just to reiterate the electrical wiring of these lights was tough. Working behind the headlights to get the scotch connectors in was a bear! Needle nose plyers a must here. Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 11:05 AM	#25
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Next IPF Lights...JO-1's 85watt Hybrid Driving and Fog Lamps. As you can see IPF does the install kit very well. Everything we/you will need to hook these lights up. We were going to install the 900XS's, but wanted more options for light at night. Again, we will install the Fog Insert Lights when they are sent...we forgot those... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 11:08 AM	#26
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Just bolted on at this point...they good though.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 11:16 AM	#27
beaufort-fj60 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,289	looks great... i wonder if the stock fjc headlights would fit in a fj60? hmmm....

05-25-06, 01:15 PM	#28
mofofofo IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4	that is so dope. thank you for posting this!!!! can't wait to get my ARB bumper.

05-25-06, 01:20 PM	#29
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	Here are the final pictures....sorry for the delay here. We decided to zip tie up the splash guards so as to not cut them and think about the ytransition cover/plate.... Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272

05-25-06, 01:22 PM	#30
Gilead IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 1272 Posts: 85	More pictures Attached Images __________________ TLCA#1272