Multi-Purpose Light/Brush Bar w/optional Skid Plate & Winch

[Skemcin]

If you know anyone with a 2000-2004 OB that you would have more reliable access to, I would try to borrow their car. Then rather than specing things out to the Baja in the short time you have it, just compare the two, I think you'll find them to match up pretty closely.

Thank for the post. We've got the truck, but just not for as much time as we'd like - so it isn't that big of a deal. But if we happen to find one to play with for the entire day, that's obviously going to be more productive. For this kind of build, fitting for something other than what you are building for could really set you back. I've looked at the pictures of the Baja, Legacy Outback Wagons, and Legacy Outback Sedans and they have subtle differences in their bumpers. Since the Baja was essentially prebuilt and never saw a body refresh, the closest I'd come to a Baja is an 03 Legacy Outback Wagon. But if we look at all the 2003 Legacy base vehicles:







The fog light and lower radiator opens are different. We found this to be the case when we did the Impreza bar. And for that car we had to retro fit the 06 and 07 with spacers because that bumper was taller and more pointed - something that could have been avoided if we fit that year earlier in out build.

So, for you guys, I don't want to take that risk. I'd rather refund the deposits and risk being stoned than to build and sell you guys a bar that doesn't fit right. I really don't intend to sound rude and I apologize if I do - I am just being honest and making absolutely certain that this is done right.

Whatever the case, we'll have something to update this weekend - please be assured of that. It just might not be a full mock up as originally expected - it could just be the lower mounting loop.

Maybe I'm over communicating things here but I figured telling you guys everything is better than coming and going once a week.

[Buck Rogers]

I'm not sure what year Baja you will have, but one thing to pay attention to, will be the black factory spacers by the engine cross member (photo that I sent you) I think those were added in the 05 build. They are approximately 1" My Baja has the extra 70mm silver colored spacers that I installed when I did the body lift. In my case I expect to have to use spacers on the 4 mounting points in front of the cross member.

Buck

[Skemcin]

I'm not sure what year Baja you will have, but one thing to pay attention to, will be the black factory spacers by the engine cross member (photo that I sent you) I think those were added in the 05 build. They are approximately 1" My Baja has the extra 70mm silver colored spacers that I installed when I did the body lift. In my case I expect to have to use spacers on the 4 mounting points in front of the cross member.

Buck

Your pictures were a great help, thank you very much. We threw spacers in the Impreza hardware kits since the 06 and 07 have the lower sitting bumper that I've mentioned. So it sounds like it would be a good idea to include them in the Baja hardware kits too. We might make the top/front hoop higher to accommodate these variances - to make sure its always above the license plate bracket. We'll see more tomorrow.


Thanks Buck - a big help.

[Skemcin]

## UPDATE ##

I've been talking to my partner and our fabricator and we've had to make the tough decision to do the Baja build next week - Sat. Feb. 25. We have one other product build that is near completion (while the Baja is at its beginning). Ideally, we like to have the end of one development project overlap the beginning of the next (no lag time between) but since the process to fabricate the bar is more efficient when a full day can be dedicated to it, our day is more productive if we wrap up the other project tomorrow morning and spend the following Saturday exclusively on the Baja.

For what is worth, this is the other project:





that's a top mounted cold air intake (for MAP cars only). We will finish this and begin production on it next week as we turn our attention back to the Baja development.

It's not bad news as our time line really doesn't change much and it gives me more time to find a back up.

Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

[koehlean]

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thanks for keeping us posted

[anarchy1024]

You're still taking deposits over the next few days, right? There's a pretty good chance I'll place an order for it if you're still accepting them.

Also, what's the final price for the bar w/skid plate, powder coating, light mounts, and possibly the winch mount? I saw one post of yours, "We can throw in the powder coating FREE", but the first post doesn't reflect that, so...

There was also a post earlier about the bolt heads. Can you use bolts that are less susceptible to stripping in rust-prone areas?

Oh, do you know of anywhere to get a good deal on the lights? Or a group-buy possibility?

Thanks

[RoverLander]

Highly recommend Austrailian made Lightforce for lights. The blow Hella and Piaa out of the water on all counts (intensity, durabilty, reliabilty, and optional accessories (colored lenses, swivel hand mounts, pistol grips, dimming, etc.)) well worth the price. Have owned and replaced many a Hella and Piaa in the past. The stand out difference with the Lightforce is you don't have to replace them. If you can't afford them now, save up until you can. They are worth it!

Link to their U.S. site:http://www.lightforce.net.au/us/index
Link to a review:http://www.markdstephens.com/frontier/l ... ation.html

Not a salesmen, just a very happy customer@;-)

Full discloser: I Don't have any Lightforce on the Baja yet.... My experence with them is with my 1962 88" Land Rover Series IIa

RoverLander

[Skemcin]

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thanks for keeping us posted

Thank you. I appreciate the post.

I am working with a local dealership who I found to have two Bajas on their lot. I hope to hear something by Monday.

You're still taking deposits over the next few days, right? There's a pretty good chance I'll place an order for it if you're still accepting them.

Also, what's the final price for the bar w/skid plate, powder coating, light mounts, and possibly the winch mount? I saw one post of yours, "We can throw in the powder coating FREE", but the first post doesn't reflect that, so...

There was also a post earlier about the bolt heads. Can you use bolts that are less susceptible to stripping in rust-prone areas?

Oh, do you know of anywhere to get a good deal on the lights? Or a group-buy possibility?

Thanks

Yes, deposits are still being taken. They will be taken up to a week in advance of when I am able to lock down a production date. During that week late comers can make their deposits and everyone will be contacted to submit their options.

A final price has not been posted yet since we have not been able to look at the truck yet. These prices are estimated from the work we did on the Impreza bar with a little added in to accommodate the fact that Legacy Chassis is bigger than the Impreza. Powder coating has been offered FREE of charge - I will review all the posts to make sure that message is consistent.

We will supply the hardware that we feel (from our experiences) is the most appropriate for the job it does. I understand both sides of the debate between hex heads and allen heads - stuff can get in allen head while various impacts can round hex heads. If there is a consensus among this community to use one over the other, we'd happily accommodate the majority's preference. Otherwise, we're only talking about 5 bolts that you can pick up at the local hardware store should anyone's preference be that strong.

I can source pretty much anything from Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com) if you let me know what you want from there I can get you a quote and we'll ship it with your bar.

Highly recommend Austrailian made Lightforce for lights. The blow Hella and Piaa out of the water on all counts (intensity, durabilty, reliabilty, and optional accessories (colored lenses, swivel hand mounts, pistol grips, dimming, etc.)) well worth the price. Have owned and replaced many a Hella and Piaa in the past. The stand out difference with the Lightforce is you don't have to replace them. If you can't afford them now, save up until you can. They are worth it!

Link to their U.S. site:http://www.lightforce.net.au/us/index
Link to a review:http://www.markdstephens.com/frontier/l ... ation.html

Not a salesmen, just a very happy customer@;-)

Full discloser: I Don't have any Lightforce on the Baja yet.... My experence with them is with my 1962 88" Land Rover Series IIa

RoverLander

As a former member of the National Ski Patrol, I am very familiar with that truck and others that have been built in the past. There are some great ideas on that truck and I'd be happy to explore some of them - possibly sooner rather than later.

As far as lights, I can't say I've ever had too much to compare anything too. So I can't bee too much help there.

I'll check back in later tonight.

[Buck Rogers]

Just a note to others who are committed to buying this bar, I ordered the superwinch from the link provided in this thread. It arrived earlier this week, and it appears to by a quality winch (made in USA, which is a nice change) this winch comes with everything needed to mount and control the unit (two options included) if it is in your budget, go for it.

Buck

[RoverLander]

Just a note to others who are committed to buying this bar, I ordered the superwinch from the link provided in this thread. It arrived earlier this week, and it appears to by a quality winch (made in USA, which is a nice change) this winch comes with everything needed to mount and control the unit (two options included) if it is in your budget, go for it.

Buck

I second that

RoverLander

[Skemcin]

## UPDATE ##

One of two dealers in my area that have a Baja is not going to allow me to borrow or rent their truck. Please understand that I'm not going to pretend like I am interested in purchasing it just to work out an "extended test drive" - that's just not right. The second dealer I am talking to is sort of 50/50 - one one hand I know the guy, so I know he is going to do what he can to work something out which is comforting but on the otherhand I understand the business so I know there a number of reasons why someone would decline to honor my request.

My business partner has posted requests on a couple other forums and my 9 year old son now goes EVERYWHERE with me (no matter the errand) and does nothing put look for Bajas - he has a picture so he doesn't confuse it with a Ford Explorer Sport Trac or (even worse) a Chevy Avalanche (Honda Ridgeline). He's done quite well and actually enjoys it - telling me, "Dad, for some reason, I don't know why, I really think you should sell your Outback Sport and get a Baja".


So, please do not be weary, I am dedicated to getting this done. Obviously any help in finding a local truck would be greatly appreciated. Got any friends with $10k they can spare? I'd buy the local one, build the bar, drive the truck out to the person and fly back - or even sell it after we're done with it! Crazy idea, but I'm thinking of anything I can to get a truck for a day. If you've got ideas, please let me, I'll consider anything.

Talk to you soon.

BTW - I agree about the winches. I was pleasantly surprised to see everything you needed was there - especially the roller pins, that is not common to see in winch kits. But you get the rollers, the mounting plate, the winch (of course), all the wiring and battery cables, the remote switch, the plug it plugs into, and the cabin switch too - a ton! A great deal!

[koehlean]

I am in the Cincinnati area. If you are up a creek finding a Baja to look at I might be able to convince the wife to take a trip to Chicago. I have a serious interest in this since... well, I really want one. I however, really don't want to do this as I typically travel for work a lot (especially lately). Is it something you could do in Cincinnati? I am fortunate enough to have a lift in the garage and can pick it up so you could have access to it - all weekend if need be. Cincinnati isn't as cool as Chicago but I figured I would throw the idea out there. If it drags on too long and people start hedging on this, let me know and I'll see if I can convince the wife that a trip is in order. I guess I just really want to see this happen.

[Skemcin]

I am in the Cincinnati area. If you are up a creek finding a Baja to look at I might be able to convince the wife to take a trip to Chicago. I have a serious interest in this since... well, I really want one. I however, really don't want to do this as I typically travel for work a lot (especially lately). Is it something you could do in Cincinnati? I am fortunate enough to have a lift in the garage and can pick it up so you could have access to it - all weekend if need be. Cincinnati isn't as cool as Chicago but I figured I would throw the idea out there. If it drags on too long and people start hedging on this, let me know and I'll see if I can convince the wife that a trip is in order. I guess I just really want to see this happen.

PM Sent

[Snorkeled]

## UPDATE ##

I've been talking to my partner and our fabricator and we've had to make the tough decision to do the Baja build next week - Sat. Feb. 25. We have one other product build that is near completion (while the Baja is at its beginning). Ideally, we like to have the end of one development project overlap the beginning of the next (no lag time between) but since the process to fabricate the bar is more efficient when a full day can be dedicated to it, our day is more productive if we wrap up the other project tomorrow morning and spend the following Saturday exclusively on the Baja.

For what is worth, this is the other project:






that's a top mounted cold air intake (for MAP cars only). We will finish this and begin production on it next week as we turn our attention back to the Baja development.

It's not bad news as our time line really doesn't change much and it gives me more time to find a back up.

Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

How does it handle in Heavy Rain ? I like the idea but where does the water go. . .

[jrigby]

Yes, deposits are still being taken. They will be taken up to a week in advance of when I am able to lock down a production date. During that week late comers can make their deposits and everyone will be contacted to submit their options.

A final price has not been posted yet since we have not been able to look at the truck yet. These prices are estimated from the work we did on the Impreza bar with a little added in to accommodate the fact that Legacy Chassis is bigger than the Impreza. Powder coating has been offered FREE of charge - I will review all the posts to make sure that message is consistent.

I may be able to make this work, keep us posted on a final deadline for a deposit.

Thanks!