Paul K

All:

I need help installing a front protection bar. I did a search, but couldn't find the answer. I bought this on eBay. 18" wide, made from Aluminium, outer brackets are on 5" centers. I had read that the holes are already there, but I can only see one hole- looks too big and too far back. I don't mind drilling if I have to, but wanted to make sure I'm not missing something. Are the holes already there, or do I need to drill?

Thanks in advance,

Paul.

TMc993

Paul,

I purchased my FPB about two years ago from Viper Bob. On my bar, the hole in the center where the large bolt fits is an existing hole. The screws on the end fit into existing holes that also attach the front lip to the chassis. I'm not sure how your bar will fit, here is a photo of my bar for reference:

matt777

I was just gathering info and pics to make one. That doesn't look like the other pics I've seen. What is the OD of the pipe? Are you sure it's aluminum?

Paul K

Terry: All I could find when I searched were pics of the type of FPB that you have.

Matt: I am 100% sure it's aluminium. It kinda fits but there are no holes evident except the center one.

Looks like I need to break out the drill!

Thanks,

Paul.

matt777

You could make some new tabs and have them welded on. I think the outer tabs align with the existing screw holes. I just found some info on the Gert FPB and it is 3/4inch stainless steel tube. It looks like they pop some plastic plugs in the ends. The aluminum might be okay but it is going to wear very quickly if you scrape it a lot. Not a big deal really.

TMc993

Paul,

Before you go drilling holes in your car, you may want to consider adding tabs as Matt suggested. The two side tabs on my bar (Same as in Matt's photo) only serve to keep the bar "squared up." The center bolt is what holds the thing in place.

Also, don't kid yourself into believing that these devices will save much in the instance of a "big hit" on the underside of your car...In fact, a "big hit" will probably rip the bar off and pull the mounting bolt through the floor of your car, causing more damage than would happen in the same situation without the bar in place.

"So," you are probably asking, "Why do you have one on your car?"

Where I work and have to park my car, there are curbs and parking bumpers of varying heights and I find the bar is better than "feeling" the curb with the front spoiler at the low speed I am traveling when I park. Other than that, I'd say it's pretty useless.

Just MHO...

Terry

matt777

Does it really need to hang so low? A little protection for the front might be good as you really don't want to wear right thru.

2Many Cars

Yeah I have to agree with that. I bought one and after taking a good look decided not to install it. It lowers the contact point by about 3/4" and it looks like it's pretty vunerable to getting ripped off it it catches on anything. IMHO these should really be designed with flat oval tubes that don't stand so proud of the underbody.

hn

I have similar bar (not painted, looks like stainless steel but same design) and required me to drill 3 holes. I had some strong scrapes in the last 5 years at the front and the bar is still good (probably because of the heavy duty bolts).

dcdude

Can you tell us what you paid? Gert's is (was) lke $165 and needs no modifications.

Paul K

Chuck:

I don't remember exactly, but I think it was $60. I saw the same thing in the Performance Products catalog and thought it would bolt right on. Guess not!

Cheers,

Paul.

cy7878

Hi Paul,

My 993 has the same bar that you have. From what I can see inside the trunk, I believed the PO did have someone drill new holes to fit, because I see 3 nuts holding the bolts from under the car.

JPS

I'd pay the extra $100 not to drill, personally. I got the FPB from Gert and bolted on in 10 min.

Raptor

Gert's: +1 bolt

Paul K

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I'm just going to drill and mount it. Mainly because I'm cheap- bought this one for $60 and really can't see the sense in either paying someone to alter it or spending $250 on a different one. I'll post pics when it's mounted.

Paul.