SMA Brushguard Finally Installed [Archive]

KenP

05-18-2003, 10:29 PM

Beautiful truck D. Are those pins that hold the bar in the upright position? My Manik bar has funky wing nuts and some sort of bike quick release bolt. I have thought about changing to something else. So question two is: Does it vibrate and make any noise?
Goodness, we do not have many concrete neighborhood streets, just high speed roads. And your street is grooved, do much drag racing there... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Thanks

Black Lingenfelter Lux

Detonate

05-18-2003, 10:42 PM

Yep. The "T" pins hold the Brushguard upright. It doesn't vibrate or rattle or anything. But I did notice a considerable increase in wind noise after installing it.

However, it doesn't bother me at all. But those that are agitated by wind noise should certainly avoid the SMA Guard.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

buddy

05-18-2003, 11:15 PM

Jim,

You must be holding the beer just right. Nice set up and very nice home. What's the sticker in the back window? Looks like either NRA or USMC.

Detonate

05-18-2003, 11:42 PM

Thanks buddy.

It's a USMC sticker. I was in from 93-97. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

The weekend after memorial day weekend I should be getting my rims powder coated flat black. Should make for some nice pictures.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

JSA_3

05-19-2003, 02:31 AM

Jim,
Good to see it - I think it looks awsome!!

I want one.

Now, did you say you installed it or your dealer? If you did how hard/easy was it?

John
JSA_3 (west texas white)

Detonate

05-19-2003, 09:45 AM

I installed it myself. It wasn't very hard, but there was a bit of drilling and cutting involved, which made me a bit uncomfortable.

But everything turned out ok. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

JSA_3

05-19-2003, 12:38 PM

Well it looks great!

Thanks
John

Zing

06-04-2003, 10:31 PM

Hey Detonate, could you give me a bit of detail on what you had to drill, cut, bolt, etc. What tools did you need? How long did it take? I'm considering this grill guard and would appreciate you elaborating. Looks awesome on your rig, I think it is the best grill guard on the market for the H2. Thanks in advance.

Detonate

06-05-2003, 01:03 PM

Most of the tools were pretty standard stuff. A drill, some sockets, and a screw driver. The only thing I "had" to buy was a Dremel tool.

Basically the install involved taking off the plastic piece that holds the Daytime running lamps. That piece is basically hollow, except for another plastic piece inside...

This piece basically looks like |-|-|-|-|-| and is used to keep the shape of the other piece...

You have to take that out and cut out the outline for the guard brackets using a dremel. Then the outer shell you have to cut 2 holes using a hole saw to fit the mounts.

To go back to stock, I'd have to replace the plastic part of my bumper and that's it.

Oh, and there is are 4 holes I think that you have to redrill to make bigger for some beefier hardware...

If I saved the instructions I can scan it and upload it...

It really wasn't that difficult and I did it by myself in a few hours...

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

Zing

06-05-2003, 11:39 PM

Thanks for this detail, Jim, that seems very doable even for me. As long as there's no metal to cut, drill, etc., I can handle it. I'm sure the instructions will come with it so don't worry about scanning, but thanks!

Detonate

06-06-2003, 12:05 AM

Trust me. If I can do it. Anyone can.

You should have seen some of my failures from Metal and Woodshop. This is why I'm in computers and not construction.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

RasterMaster

06-06-2003, 02:16 PM

I would like to find a modified factory wrap-around that hinged like that! Would make scraping the bugs off much a easier task!

Check out the OkC Chapter Page!

cinci

06-07-2003, 05:18 PM

Detonate,
Now that you have lived with the new brush gard for a couple of weeks have you found any issues that you don't like or were unexpected?

Also, I have the factory brushguard lights with the factory brushguard. I like the lights and would like to keep them. Do you have any recommendations on how to potentially mount them to the HD Brushguard like you have?

David

dr p

06-07-2003, 07:22 PM

cincih2
hope you dont mind but i'll also answer. Had the guard for almost 2 months--nothing I don't like. For mounting your lights SMA sells light mount tabs just for the SMA guard-see photos. also you said you want to keep your existing lights--you can but they are really low budget lights you just might want to upgrade before installing-you will see a huge difference with something from PIAA or Hella etc. The SMA light tabs require only one hole drilled per tab straight through the bar. The bolts and nuts provided are aircraft quality components.
Bill

dr p

06-07-2003, 07:23 PM

close up of tabs

cinci

06-07-2003, 08:13 PM

dr P,
Thank you very much for your response. I had seen the pictures of your H2 previously and I really like the look. I have two questions for you specifically if you don't mind.

One, the Hella lights that you have look very good on the Brushguard. Are they the Rallye 4000 model and are they the Euro, Cornering, or Pencil beam model (I am assuming that they are not the Fog lens). Also, do you believe that these are a big improvement over the stock light? By the way I have upgraded the bulbs in the stock lights to the PIAA Ultra White Plus 85W bulbs.

Two, I really like the look of the blackened grill as my H2 is also black. Did the body shop use any special paint for this? Did they do any thing to the chrome surface of the original grill to etch the surface for better adhesion? And, have you had any problems with chipping due to rocks or road debris?

P.S. I also love the rack and the lights on top but they won't fit in my garage. I may look at the Gobi Low Profile Rack when it comes available.

Thanks,
David
Black H2

dr p

06-07-2003, 11:07 PM

David
All are rallaye 4000's. The top middle two are euro beams. the outside two are Luminators-Fogs-all 4 with 110 replacement bulbs. the luminators work great for slow speed night work or just light when parked. the euros beam focuses to far out to be of great use when say crawling the fogs spread out wide and near. the two on the grill are euros with same replacement bulbs. they are tied into the high beams and I use them all the time on back roads. Pencil beams are really only useful if your routinely traveling at very high speeds >90 or so 55-85 you'll never outrun the eurobeams. My headlights are Cibie replacements fron daniel stern with 100/80 hella bulbs around $150 for whole conversion and work awsome. stock lights are incredibly poor for 60,000 vehicle

the bulbs in your lights will help, however, the size of the 4000's (reflectors-look at the depth difference b/w stock lights and the 4000's) and the high quality lens is what really makes a difference. all the bulb in the world is no good if it isn't focused in the right place and what your paying for is the Good Hella or PIAA optics. Even with the bulb upgrade if you go to 6" or bigger PIAA's you'll see a big difference

I had a GM body shop paint the grill over 2 months ago no chipping at all still looks perfect and I routinely use my 2200psi pressure washer. I would be happy to get the number of the fellow who painted it-he is a patient of mine- and he could tell you or your body shop how he did it.
hope that helps!
Bill

KenP

06-08-2003, 04:04 AM

Detonate, dr p: your trucks look great

I must say that the drilling and cutting is alittle scary. I installed the Manik bar in about 45 minutes. No drilling and the only thing I trimmed was both ends of the lower grill. Heck, that is plastic and only took a few seconds.

I understand many of you do not like the Manik because it is polished stainless. But I think it looks great on my rig and is very easy to install. Just remember to lower it when it goes in for service. Use the H1 caution stickers on the hood at the latches.

Black Lingenfelter Lux

Zing

10-05-2003, 11:15 PM

I just intalled the SMA heavy duty brushgard on my H2 and it rocks! I can't believe Hummer doesn't offer a heavier brushgard like this. I was orginally concerned about it rattling with the pins and all, but there is no play whatsoever and it's solid. Like Detonate says it's not hard to do although it did take me most of the day. I'm too tired to take pics, some to come later.

Detonate

10-05-2003, 11:53 PM

Doh! I have an SMA Brushguard for sale now. :P

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

ZeroTolerance

10-05-2003, 11:55 PM

I see the pics at the first part of the post. Let me know what you want for it...

[This message was edited by ZeroTolerance on 10-05-03 at 07:08 PM.]

Zing

10-06-2003, 12:07 AM

That's hilarious Detonate did you find something better?

Detonate

10-06-2003, 12:16 AM

I got a new Tough Country front bumper that has a winch basket built into it. It can also have the Factory Brushguard, or Factory Wrap Around attached to it. But as I'm sure you know from the SMA install, the SMA won't fit it without modification.

But they have their own Heavy Duty Brushguard that matches it anyway.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[This message was edited by Detonate on 10-05-03 at 07:28 PM.]

Detonate

10-06-2003, 12:17 AM

And here is the rear with the Aux Flood Lights not yet installed...

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

Zing

10-06-2003, 01:01 AM

First time I've seen these, very nice!!! Too bad I didn't know you were selling the SMA I would have bought it from you.

DRTYFN

10-06-2003, 01:29 AM

Det,
Do you still have the SMA guard, and if so, how much?

Detonate

10-06-2003, 11:37 AM

I'll have to take another look at it and decide how much to sell it for. I think I paid over $400 for it. Probably sell it for around $300.

I didn't have room in my H2 to take my Front and Rear Bumper, along with the Brushguard home with me. So it's currently with the Tough Country guys 6 hours south of me.

Gonna try and pick that stuff up either this month or next, and when I do I'll post it on the forums....

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

DURAMAX TIM

10-06-2003, 12:08 PM

Detonate, how much for your new bumpers?
Give us the low-down on it,pics are nice.
I saw a pic of a GMC HD truck w/ that style Rancho bumpers painted red to match truck.

Detonate

10-06-2003, 12:31 PM

Lemme get the Winch Installed, etc.. And I'll do a big write up on it all.

I know they have multiple finishes for the bumpers. Mine are Powder coated Black with a "crinkle" coat on them.

They also do Spray on bed liner, or a flat powder coat finsish of any color or any gloss.

The winch basket is set for a Mile Marker Hydralic Winch.

The lettering on the back can of course say anything you want, or nothing at all.

I'm also going to get their newest rack installed which is kick ass!!! It's actually 2 racks. You can have either halves or both on at the same time. Very spiffy.

More to come later.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

DRTYFN

10-06-2003, 12:33 PM

Jim,
Is it one piece? Is it tough, like I could hit a tree-hugger and not bend it like the factory guard?
If so, let me know when you're ready to sell.

Thanks.

DRTYFN

10-08-2003, 08:29 PM

Hey Jim,
How sturdy is the SMA guard?
Could I run down a tree-hugger and not bend it?

Detonate

10-08-2003, 08:31 PM

It is extremely Heavy Duty.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

DRTYFN

10-08-2003, 10:52 PM

Still selling it? If so, I got dibs. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Detonate

10-09-2003, 12:12 AM

Ok. I'll let you know when I get it back here to Dallas.

May wanna email SMA and see if they can send you the install instructions.

(1) Because I have no clue what I did with mine.
(2) After you read the directions you may or may not want the Brushguard.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

DRTYFN

10-09-2003, 02:18 AM

Are you being vague because it involves(shudder) drilling?

By the way, where you off to? 4xing, hopefully!!!

Detonate

10-09-2003, 09:32 AM

Yes it involves drilling. I mentioned it on the First Page of this thread.

Actually this weekend I'm going to the AR15.com gun shoot down in Waco. Then weekend after that I have my SCUBA Rescue Class. Then next weekend I'm hosting a graduation party for a friend of mien. Then next weekend I'm going to a Halloween deal. Then sometime in November I may actually have a chance to go pick up that Brushguard!

At the very latest it'll be Thanksgiving. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

DRTYFN

10-09-2003, 12:35 PM

Whaddya mean "go pick up the brushguard"? I thought it was on your rig.
So I might be able to buy it from you around X-mas or Valentine's day? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Detonate

10-09-2003, 12:43 PM

Go back and read the second page.

I said pretty clearly that the reason I'm selling my brushguard is becuase I got a new one. And that my old one is now in El Campo Texas because I didn't have room in my truck to bring it back to Dallas to me.

If you want to just blindly purchase this with no close up pictures or anything, I'd be glad to have it shipped directly to you from El Campo.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

DRTYFN

10-09-2003, 12:51 PM

Oh, sorry, I thought you said you were going to buy the new brush guard and had figureed out the SMA one wasn't compatible.
My bad. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

A couple of pics would be great.

Zing

10-09-2003, 03:19 PM

DRTYFN you can see pics at the very beginning of the post of Jim's brush guard. As far as installation I can tell you it's not that complicated and I put mine on myself. You can also have an auto shop do it for you so you don't have to deal with drilling and they'd probably charge you 3 hours of labor, not a big deal. Either way you'll be glad you did it, it is so awesome.

DRTYFN

10-09-2003, 11:33 PM

It should be that tough. I was just being facetious about the drilling part. Was hoping it bolted into existing holes.

Can't wait to smoosh a tree-hugger!!!

DRTYFN

10-23-2003, 06:04 AM

Detonate,
Are you ever going to get around to sending me any pics and details?
How do you like your new set up? Get to squash any hippies with it yet? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Detonate

10-23-2003, 11:03 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:
Yes it involves drilling. I mentioned it on the First Page of this thread.

Actually this weekend I'm going to the AR15.com gun shoot down in Waco. Then weekend after that I have my SCUBA Rescue Class. Then next weekend I'm hosting a graduation party for a friend of mien. Then next weekend I'm going to a Halloween deal. Then sometime in November I may actually have a chance to go pick up that Brushguard!

At the very latest it'll be Thanksgiving. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
_Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder_<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder