Bull bar damage fix?

So about 2 months ago I turned to sharp when pulling out on a highway and passenger side dropped off into a big ditch about 4'. When it did my bull bar caught the road I was on and got a big gash/dent in it. Should I buy a new one or fix it and how would I fix it. I like things to look semi perfect. Can be a noticeable fix but not to noticeable.

 

Ouch!!! Body shop might be able to pull some of that out and smooth it out with a little filler.

 

Bullbars just arent cool anymore, they lack true functionality, especially without a light mounted to them. I'd say it's not really worth fixing it either way.

I haven't installed an aeries bar in a loooooooooong time.

 

Throw some plasti dip over it and call it good. That's what all the cool guys do.

 

I have a bull bar on my truck. If the same thing happened to mine I would use it as an excuse to get rid of it and get something more functional

 

Probably the best first post ive seen.

 

Play with the Bull & you get the horn every time!

 

Put a hole in it and blow real hard like a balloon it might pop right out lol. To be honest they hang low anyways I for one never liked them. Looks clunkly hanging on the front of a truck.

 

Sometimes - you can get a similar mandrel tube bend, slightly larger in ID than the OD of the original tube. Wise welder can "cap" the wound with a piece cut out to cover the area. Takes some heating, judicial beating and so on to fit - then TIG weld in place (360º). Looks a bit like a jean patch - an outer skin over the mashed area which is left in place. Often a man who can do this sort of work is employed at an exhaust shop - best source I've found for quickly sewing up sheet metal.

 

For all the trouble you’re going to go through, think it’s best to accept it as a loss.

 

Try to sell it, get what you can for it and save up for a REAL bumper. Unless you have any buddies that work with metal and help you out.

 

Another vote for ditch it and get something more stout. SOSconcepts Streamline bumper comes to mind.

 

For all the shit bull bars get, it sure looks like it did its job.

 

Thanks Sandman, my to do list just got longer!!!

 

Maybe, maybe not. It's possible the bull bar's reduced ground clearance is to blame.


Personally, I'd go another route but if OP likes the bull bar I'd say either touch it up with some spray paint and ignore the dent or replace it. I assume any decent looking repair beyond that will cost as much as a replacement.

 

We are only seeing photos of the bar... not the bumper mount it was attached too...

I would be truly mistified it it wasnt damaged.

 

That goes too show you how little that bar will protect your truck in a real collision,they are made out of real cheap metal,throw it away and buy a good bumper.

 

you can get a NEW bullbar on ebay for $100.....

I'd just replace it (if youre dead set on having a bull bar that is....)

 

Okay everyone don'the be saying it didn't do its job because it absolutely did do its job. The bull bar saved the whole front end from scraping and messing stuff up. It supported the entire trucks front end on one side and kept everything else from dragging. My front passenger tire wasn't even touching the ground at first when it happened. I might just buy another one til I can afford a stout off road bumper. I'm gonna try to fill it just for something to be on there in the meantime to protect the truck. Thanks for the advice. Yes I do agree some are ugly but this one wasn't so bulky and hugged the grille so it didn't stick out far. Will let you know how it goes.