Bullbar?

[Joe45]

So I'd like to make a custom bullbar for my bus.


Anyone done this?


Any ideas on how to make it to still allow the hood to tilt forward?


I am thinking of basically heavy duty hinges, maybe from 1/4" steel plates and grade 5 bolts, and pins to keep it in place. When I need to access the hood, I pull out the pins and fold the bumper forward.


Any ideas?

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Yeah, get one to fit an IH 4700 (which is essentially the same chassis as the 3800), all the engineering is already done for you. They do pivot on one lower bolt to allow hood access, having a upper pin (or latch, in some cases) to keep them upright.

[Joe45]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Yeah, get one to fit an IH 4700 (which is essentially the same chassis as the 3800), all the engineering is already done for you. They do pivot on one lower bolt to allow hood access, having a upper pin (or latch, in some cases) to keep them upright.

Great to know! I will look that up!
Thank you!

[Joe45]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Yeah, get one to fit an IH 4700 (which is essentially the same chassis as the 3800), all the engineering is already done for you. They do pivot on one lower bolt to allow hood access, having a upper pin (or latch, in some cases) to keep them upright.

So far what I see is going for Just under $4,000 and up. If that's the case, I'll make my own!

[bus-bro]

Wow, those things are expensive.
Be a chore to figure out and cut the angles. Then you got to pipe weld it together. Not too bad from someone who knows what they are doing. Me, I would make a mess with my cheapo flux-core wire feed. It be large, well fed house cat, guard. Maybe.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

A quick google search found some in the $1000-1,200 range. Not as elaborate, but still effective in protecting a $2500 hood, $1000 radiator and $1500 Charge Air Cooler.

[flattracker]

Look at a M998 Utility Truck (HMMWV) they have a "Brush Gard". Bambi ran out in front of mine and the HMMWV won without a scratch