TJM bullbar self installation

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

With some longish outback trips looming we acquired a TJM T15 fleet bullbar for our Prado GX. It should arrive tomorrow in it's crate.
Has anyone here done a self installation of these and can maybe share some insights of the process? I would like to tackle the project myself but am also willing to listen if fitting is better left to the professionals. A TJM snorkel shall also go on at the same time.
I'd be glad for any advice.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

I fitted my T13 at home in the garage. As long as you have all the tools it just like a big mechano set. Spend the time marking up the front bumper with the cut templates, make sure they are perfect before even swinging a tool near it. I find its easyer to cut the bumper on the car rather than take it off, just make sure there is nothing behind it you can/will damage. An air hacksaw is what I use to cut bumpers, although I have seen a manual hacksaw used (really slow) and heard of a sawzall being used (but that would be hectic). From there it's just a matter of bolting it all together. Spend some time aligning it perfect, then take it for a quick lap of the block, re measure to insure it's still in alignment then drill the pinning holes and button it all up. It is a simple enough job, the instructions from TJM are quite detailed. If you are confident I'm sure you will have no issues.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Thanks for the tips. Collected the bullbar from the depot today. Nice big box.
For the bumper cut I was planing to use an electric jigsaw as I don't have an air hacksaw. A guy on youtube made that look quite simple on his LC200.
This weekend I'm planning tackle the snorkel and the bullbar over the next. Our neighbour said he will roll out his couch to the front lawn and watch me butcher up the new car. He can not believe it.

Question: What is a good rust preventative to use after cutting/drilling through the car panels? Will some brushed on cold gal be enough?

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

I use a bottle of touch up paint colour coded to the car for my own, for work vehicles we have a few bottles of generic colours, white, silver, black, etc. Never thought of using a jig saw, should be ok, just take it slow. Use lots of masking tape to protect the paint underneath, even covering the foot of the jig saw with masking tape will help.

[Andyfive Member Find all posts View Profile Close Andyfive]

Make sure the quality of the tjm bulbar is good before fitting/cutting. Check the aerial tabs as mine were not level to each other.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

I use a bottle of touch up paint colour coded to the car for my own.

That is perfect. I still have a mini bottle left which was intended for coloring some parking sensors which never got on.

Use lots of masking tape to protect the paint underneath

I will. Wouldn't have thought of this.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Make sure the quality of the tjm bulbar is good before fitting/cutting. Check the aerial tabs as mine were not level to each other.

I will keep an eye on it. For now the unit is still in it's enormous amount of wrapping. Returns would have to go back to Brisbane, though. Probably not an option.

[kenny5000 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close kenny5000]

Don't want to state the obvious but make sure you put an appropriate blade on the jigsaw. If you use a pretty standard type jigsaw blade used for wood etc it will rip the sh#t out of the plastic bumper.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Yep, will try a plastic specific blade on the jigsaw. Have a Bosch 135 CE. That should do.

Just fitted the snorkel today. TJM Instructions stated 2 hours fitting time. Was expecting 4, but managed to muck around for five...
First these plastic wheel guard clips took me ages to undo. Would have loved to just cut them and stick new ones in. But didn't have any spares.
Then the newly purchased 108mm hole saw blade would not work with my existing arbors. So out with the push bike for a visit to Bunnings.
Thought I'd be on the final stretch with holes cut, deburred and primed, but no. Instructions insisted to fit the top part of the snorkel fist and then 'maneuver' the knee joint in place. Just not possible. So stuffed the instructions. Fitted the knee first, buttered it with Sikaflex 227, in with the top for a perfect fit.
All done. Looks goood. Bullbar will go on next weekend.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Well, not to be mean, but if the snorkel took 5hrs I would be planing on the bar taking most of the weekend
You can waste a lot more time mucking around with the front end

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Well, not to be mean, but if the snorkel took 5hrs I would be planing on the bar taking most of the weekend

I'm not expecting any better

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Good stuff, I know how satisfying it felt to stand back, look at my rig and go "oh yeah, I just did that!" Enjoy your weekend and I expect pics

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Well done for installing yourself.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Good stuff, I know how satisfying it felt to stand back, look at my rig and go "oh yeah, I just did that!" Enjoy your weekend and I expect pics

If the car survives me putting the bullbar on I will post some pics. So far I'm happy with the snorkel. Not to be seen from inside the car as it hides behind the A -frame.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Well done for installing yourself.

Thanks. If I can do it after 30 years in software development, it must be really easy.

To shorten the next round of dealing with those pesky wheel arch clips I got a pack of spare ones from Toyota. Part# 9018906065 if someone is ever looking for it. Cheap as chips.