SMA Brushguard Finally Installed

[cinci]

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]

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]

close up of tabs

[cinci]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

That's hilarious Detonate did you find something better?

[Detonate]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Detonate]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Detonate]

It is extremely Heavy Duty.

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