Modify ARB Bull Bar?? (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Elliott]

Hi All -

Looking ahead to when my rig is running smoothly (says prayers to the cruiser gods)... The rig I just bought has an ARB bull bar and I'm wondering if I should modify it or sell it and order a weld together kit?

I'm not planning to do a ton of super serious offroading but I do want a winch and decent approach angles. The bumper I have now could be modified to accept a winch, lights, etc. but I don't know if' I'm better off chopping it or selling (or if chopping it is blasphemy)? I have a welder, decent fabrication skills and like earning MacGyver merit badges where appropriate.

Here's the aforementioned bumper:

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

I say keep it and modify it to fit the winch. If you do, at least cut off the lower section as @SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr did on the Green Bean. Here's the thread that shows the process: Introducing "The Green Bean"

 

[Jeff Elliott]

That's some nice trimming @SUMMIT CRUISERS! For those who don't want to click the link, below is what you'll find.

Has anyone modified a non-winch equipped ARB to hold one? Can't believe I'd be the first???

 

[inkpot]

How big of a winch do you plan on? Should have that in mind while modding bumper.

 

[subzali]

There are some who have done it before. You can search for the threads.

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Guessing 10K - 12K... could be swayed based on better info.

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Searched "ARB modif" and got nada. Will try a few more strings.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Here you go: Winch-less ARB front winch bumpers...
@Box Rocket has done it. Look about 3/4 of the way down the first page. Looks super sweet.

 

[Box Rocket]

Here you go: Winch-less ARB front winch bumpers...
@Box Rocket has done it. Look about 3/4 of the way down the first page. Looks super sweet.

yeah I had a modified ARB for years until recently. Honestly, if you're gonna run an ARB bumper I prefer the non-winch models because of the smooth face. It's pretty simple to weld in a winch plate on the top of the frame mounts (which is what I did). Also trimmed the bottom for better clearance. Welding in a new winch plate is nice because it means you can mount the winch "feet down" which is how most are designed and won't need to rotate the winch clutch 90* in order to make it "feet forward".
IMG_8580 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_0083 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

IMG_7498 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Sweet! Thanks Gents!

 

[NLXTACY]

If you want mod ideas, no shortage of them here: Got my ARB- Looking for mod ideas

 

[jdayment]

Here's mine winch is mounted to a fabricated winch plate that is bolted to the frame and cut an opening for the winch line and reinforced the mounting are of the fairlead. Welded a bracket on top to hold the control box as well.