I have finally had the opportunity to refit the refurbished and modified bull bar. It was sprayed with satin black Rustoleum enamel and allowed to dry thoroughly for a week before fitting. Stainless M10 nuts, bolts and washers were used (four per mounting foot).
The spotlights were then attached to the new brackets on the top rail and connected to their harness. This involved the use of some silicone sealant to the grommets where the wiring enters the light units as the grommet is now facing upwards (the units’ cases are now mounted inverted, though the lenses are erect) and can catch water, rather than letting it drain out of the bottom. A drilled small drain hole in the bottom of the black plastic casings may be a useful later mod if the grommets still allow water ingress, but I’ll wait to see if it’s necessary.
The dipped beam light output is affected considerably by the slats of the bull bar, losing 10% or so of their effectiveness, but the main beam is improved because of the supplement of the two spot lights. I’m glad to have the bar and lights refitted though; even though I got used to the 109s new appearance without them, I prefer the aesthetic of the vehicle with them fitted – it looks more of the expedition vehicle it was built to be. I’m glad to regain the space in the garage, too.
Hey there,
Came across the site randomly, and just have to say that this is one of the finest restored series 3 vehicles Ive ever came across, without being into the land rover scene one would say that this was an off the factory line machine, it looks brand new. Very tastefully done, very impressed.
Jay
Jay, thank you very much for the kind comment – it’s very flattering to see my work appreciated by others.
Nick.
hi great job. I was searching the net trying to find a proper set of bull bars because i live in a country where cattle, horses, sheep etc.. do tend to leap into the road. While in the uk recently i tried to buy some from a landy spare parts dealer and was told they have to be rubber now. So was wondering if you could let me know where you got yours from.
I bought my bar about 15 years ago, before all this ridiculous anti-bullbar rage kicked off. Frankly, if an off roader hits a pedestrian, I can’t see the bullbar making much difference to the outcome.
The steel models are legal on older vehicles, but legislation was introduced such that later vehicles must use deformable, padded bars. I’m not sure what the cut off year was, but I think it was around 2005.
Paddocks and any other Bearmach supplier will still be able to source one for you, and failing that, Rogers of Bedford have a really nice one in one of the workshops which matches those used on Camel trophy 110s. It might be worth asking if it’s for sale… (01234 348469)