PRODUCT THREAD :: Gorilla Bar :: Impreza (GD,GG)

[bradyarz]

Originally Posted by Skemcin

I love the feedback folks - thanks a ton.

We are literally a Thursday night fit, Friday Powder Coat, and Saturday install away from being done.

But you want pics:



more photos here.

Details:

• Tubing is all 4130 Chro-moly
  • 1.25" .083 wall
  • 1" .083 wall
• 100% Tig welded
• Designed to protect oil pan and stock core support
• 8 Mounting locations to sub-frame
• Powder Coated any color of your choice
• Includes all hardware
• Weight of light bar: 26 lbs w/ skid plate: TBA lbs (approx)
  
• 8 Light mounting positions available in M10, M8, 3/8, and 5/16 thread
• Optional 1/8" aluminum skid plate available
• Skid plate tabs included
  
• Optional removable front tow hook

Will post more this weekend.

Can I be dumb and say I only 6 mount points to the sub-frame? It looks like 2 up front, 2 in the middle, and 2 in the back. What am I missing?

[Skemcin]

Originally Posted by bradyarz

Can I be dumb and say I only 6 mount points to the sub-frame? It looks like 2 up front, 2 in the middle, and 2 in the back. What am I missing?

I should have noted the two not pictured - sorry. About half way down will be tabs for the mid-front sub-frame bolts. You cna see where they will be on some fo the early mock ups. I'll update the post. Thanks

[dirtslayer]

woooo, that thing looks mean, i need one

[DeathSStar]

Show me that monster fit onto the '08 without issue and I will buy it.

edit: forgot to ask what the details on the tow hook are...?

[bone_1113]

wow...very nice so far!

[Skemcin]

Originally Posted by dirtslayer

woooo, that thing looks mean, i need one

Keep an eye on this thread (subscribe) as we are days away from putting together the details on the group buy. Let's just say the more we sign up, the cheaper they get - I'll do the math, but I think its 20 to 25% off with 15 or more.

Originally Posted by DeathSStar

Show me that monster fit onto the '08 without issue and I will buy it.

edit: forgot to ask what the details on the tow hook are...?

Adam and I talked about the next batch and the 08+ does seem to make the most sense to build. If I can collectively (between the 5 Impreza sites I trying to pull this off on) get more than 15 orders, I think that could expedite the fit of the 08+. Keep your fingers crossed.


I also asked about the tow hook. That's the only think Adam is holding back on with me. I guess I should learn not to show so much enthusiasm sometimes 'cause he sure has me thinking (boring captain hook hook, modern flat aluminum plate/closed circle, beefy nose ring type - ya got me). I'll find out Saturday.

Originally Posted by bone_1113

wow...very nice so far!

Thank you. More pictures this weekend.

[sleepersoob02]

Is there any way we could get a 3 light configuration on the front? I was given Christmas money and am now really interested in buying again. If I like the way the new remake looks (sucked up tight to the bumper and higher top loop I will be a buyer for sure!

[Skemcin]

Originally Posted by sleepersoob02

Is there any way we could get a 3 light configuration on the front? I was given Christmas money and am now really interested in buying again. If I like the way the new remake looks (sucked up tight to the bumper and higher top loop I will be a buyer for sure!

Yes. All the details will get posted by the end of the weekend but to answer your questions, yes. Although there will be 8 standard insert spots available, we can customize them. I will make sure we have the widths of the top and lower areas so you can do the math and let us know left to right of the center point at what points you'd like the inserts. Of course, there is always the option to order the bar naked and position the inserts and finish (powder coat) the bar on your own.

[robie1208]

Originally Posted by DeathSStar

Show me that monster fit onto the '08 without issue and I will buy it.

edit: forgot to ask what the details on the tow hook are...?

+1 to this. I've been looking for a light bar but this with the skid plate might be what I'm looking for.

[Skemcin]

Originally Posted by robie1208

+1 to this. I've been looking for a light bar but this with the skid plate might be what I'm looking for.

Noted - thanks.

Are you an 08+ too? I can line you guys up I will, it can only get things moving quicker. I'll tear through this thread and all my inquiries this weekend and get a good solid summary posted with the details on the buy.

[Diablosz400]

I too am interested (like stated before) about an 08+. I still feel that the main front cross bar should cover more of the front bumper (mainly because of the breaking issues on the 11's and that the skid should extend all the way to the front bar as well (for full bumper protection). But other then me being picky for my needs /wants it looks amazing! A+ work and craftsmanship.

[Hitokiri]

He brings up a valid point, but if you want the skid to extend up to the front you might as well look into doing some modifications on it yourself at your local shop.

The front bumpers on the 08+ models are absolute crap and every single once I've seen has a big crack in it.

[Skemcin]

Originally Posted by Diablosz400

I too am interested (like stated before) about an 08+. I still feel that the main front cross bar should cover more of the front bumper (mainly because of the breaking issues on the 11's and that the skid should extend all the way to the front bar as well (for full bumper protection). But other then me being picky for my needs /wants it looks amazing! A+ work and craftsmanship.

I hear ya and if you mean that it should come out wider I understand. I can say that between Adam, myself, and others who have been kind enough to share their time, A LOT of things have been thrown around. I don't want to sound like I am throwing any idea out - like wider to cover more bumper - I'll respond with the thoughts on that and hopefully you'll see why this version is as it is - again, we've not fit the 08+ so this logic could be thrown out once we examine that car.

Disclaimers out of the way, the wider bar (say almost to the corners of the bumper) would introduce more tubing and a higher cost (material, time, coating). It also would introduce more material farther away from mounting points which will affect it's rigidity - maybe not a lot, but some of the dreaded bounce might come in to play. The mounting may be less ideal for transferring/absorbing shocks from impact too. Now, that could be countered by introducing two angled tubes from the outer edges of the radiator opening to the middle back tube. That would give the front more support as it could bolt to the lower radiator cross beam. Again, more tube, more cost, and more weight. But again, we haven't examined the 08+ enough to know whether any of this is applicable - but those would be the main concerns with going wide. Just adding the two cross and back tubes on this design brought the weight to 26 lbs - up from just 17lbs. Not a terrible difference but noticeable.

All in all, I know Adam an I are eager to get to the 08+ and we'd like to get something for you guys as soon as possible. But we've got this first batch to run through in a way that makes it hard for Adam to turn down the opportunity to be an official vendor.

Originally Posted by Hitokiri

He brings up a valid point, but if you want the skid to extend up to the front you might as well look into doing some modifications on it yourself at your local shop.

The front bumpers on the 08+ models are absolute crap and every single once I've seen has a big crack in it.

We discussed how the skid plate should be mounted and how much surface area it should cover - again at some length. We decided on this design, again mainly for cost and weight. But we also justified this design when considering how an equipped car would be driven. In short, we felt the plate coming all the way forward could turn into a shovel. I've watch enough rally video to see how much debris gets shoveled into the lower radiator opening on certain types of front impacts with berms or rutted/piled dirt. Adding the second row cross bar, where the plate curls now, provides local protection for the radiator - something I recently learned (thanks Aaron) to be one of the weakest point on these cars - and doesn't allow that space to collect dirt, mud, and debris from above. That would really make cleaning it out a pain.

--

But like I said, having not examined the 08+ in any detail, it's hard to say whether or not this logic will apply. So we will see. Also, Adam has been completely open to customizations - someone contacted me about a winch mount. So customizations are going to be welcomed - naturally with a cost.

Thanks for following and all your feedback is great and is not being dismissed at all. Adam lurks this thread and brings up points mentioned here when we are staring at my car on the lift.


Keep 'em coming!

[DeathSStar]

If you need an '08 as the test mule to move this process along, I'll help. I'm in no position to complain about the process, as you appear to have it well in hand...but I also don't want the other years be an after-thought.

I like the idea of a winch mount, just because I think seeing a winch on the front of a Subaru is totally absurd so of course I like it

I cruised through his photos and it looks like he welded the nut inserts into place. Is that correct? If so, more power to him...good idea.

[sleepersoob02]

Winch mount idea is awesome! If I had a winch I could have pulled myself out of the mud hole :( and saved myself $520!