Another Westin Bull Bar Question

cjviper · 10-05-2005, 01:40 PM

I like the looks of the Chrome Westin Bull Bar, but it appears that it mounts where the tow hooks are/uses the tow hook mounts. If so, does anybody have a way to retain the tow hooks or replace them somehow. Want the bull bar but don't want to give up the pull-out option.

Thanks in advance,

cjviper

**chunko** · 10-05-2005, 01:59 PM

As far as I know... This is an either or... it's the only reason I don't have a bull bar on my truck.

-AD

f00dstamps · 10-05-2005, 02:06 PM

i'm also curious about this.

SoulFish · 10-05-2005, 03:14 PM

Yup[. they have to come out. The only mod you can do is with some time and trimming you may be able to keep your skid plate. But the hooks are gone gone gone

cjviper · 10-05-2005, 03:31 PM

Okay, how about a close up pic of where the bull bar mounts to the previous bolt holes for the tow hooks?? Does anybody think it's possible to use a longer bolt or something and remount the hooks?

cjviper

otakurider · 10-05-2005, 07:21 PM

Someone did talk about using longer bolts so you dont have to cut the skid plate. Do a search it is still in the forum archive. Been looking into building a bracket to hold the hooks and Bull Bar, nothing strong enought yet.

NITEBLITZ · 10-05-2005, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otakurider

Someone did talk about using longer bolts so you dont have to cut the skid plate. Do a search it is still in the forum archive. Been looking into building a bracket to hold the hooks and Bull Bar, nothing strong enought yet.

Guys the skid plate can stay and you just use a plastic spacer with longer bolts on the bottom of the Westin Skid plate. The Westin overlaps the existing skid and the spacer (1/2" solid washer with hole in middle for the longer bolt) keeps the Westin from vibrating on the existing skid. The Westin plate is attached to the bull bar with four bolts, you are just subtituting longer ones on the bottom two. It looks great and I've had mine on over a year with no issues. I don't miss the tow hooks because I prefer to pull from the rear with this rig that fits the hitch.

92TripleBlack · 10-05-2005, 10:39 PM

Yeah. you loose the hooks and add a liablilty. The bull bar is not built to take a crash and will curl back and cause more damage than not having one. But you do get a cool look and can put lights on it.

cjviper · 10-06-2005, 09:14 AM

Niteblitz thanks for the info. I'll have to try the space fix as I'd rather not modify the existing skid plates. Also, where did you get the neat tow accessory for your hitch??

cjviper

NITEBLITZ · 10-06-2005, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjviper

Niteblitz thanks for the info. I'll have to try the space fix as I'd rather not modify the existing skid plates. Also, where did you get the neat tow accessory for your hitch??

cjviper

cjviper,

4X4 Connection

http://www.4by4connection.com/recshacbrac.html

Cool Runnings To Ya!

NITEBLITZ

pi3yeargrad · 10-06-2005, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92TripleBlack

Yeah. you loose the hooks and add a liablilty. The bull bar is not built to take a crash and will curl back and cause more damage than not having one. But you do get a cool look and can put lights on it.

is this true? its worse HAVING the bull bar then without? I thought it would protect more in crash and stuff...isnt that why there are bullbars and brush gaurds?

**chunko** · 10-06-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pi3yeargrad

is this true? its worse HAVING the bull bar then without? I thought it would protect more in crash and stuff...isnt that why there are bullbars and brush gaurds?

Every accident over 5mph I've seen with one really did more harm then good.

Brush guards are made to keep brush off your car (twigs small branches etc) not stop a few thousands pounds of steel

They often bend in all the wrong ways and cause serious damage to radiator and engine.

)AD

cjviper · 10-07-2005, 06:13 AM

Well, didn't know about the lack of protection in an accident, I thought as well that this would help protect the front of the new ride. Well, now have to decide between looking good or chancing additional damage. Hmmmmmmmmm, probably going to have to say the hell with it and go with looking cool hahahahahahahahaha.

cjviper