rod c

Does anybody know how the Ford sports bar is fitted and can it be removed and replaced easily?

Luke

Hi Rod C,

I have a sports bar fitted to the BA. It is fitted with 6 bolts with recessed nuts (I think this is correct terminology) and can be easily removed. However, because I have the Herrods Suspension I would need to jack up the back, take the wheels off to get access to the nuts. I bought the std tonneau cover for times when I remove the sports bar (hmmm.... I don't know when I'll get around to doing that!)

rod c

I think I understand what you mean, the bolts go through the liner and the nuts are on the outside of the liner. Thanks Luke.

Aussie Pete

I've done the install etc. I actually did take pics but I lost them. I learnt a few things doing it too.

The holes on the side of the tray (two) need to be drilled through the bed liner. However, the instructions do not tell you there are slotted holes in the metal bodywork already and when I drilled the first hole I was off my maybe 2mm and ended up cutting metal (not that it matters).

The front two holes behind the cab need to be drilled carefully. A sheet of wood must be placed between cab and bed to ensure the drill bit doesn't hit the cab. The vehicle has to be loaded at the rear of the tray and jacked up to get the nut between cab and bed (by jacking the gap increases enough to get a couple of fingers in there.

To allow easy removal and fitment of the sports bar I placed the nut between cab and tray and welded it in place. I also only use one rear bolt per side (the easy to access one). hence the sports bar can be fitted/removed in literally 3 minutes.

When drilling the holes you will get swarf between the bed liner and the metal tray/bed. I removed the liner after drilling to remove swarf but that's optional. Also, use cold gal or zinc on drilled holes to prevent rust.

__________________
BA'1.5' Pursuit 290
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'Pepper' Dog - General's and My Little German Shepherd Sweetie - 1996?-02Apr2006.
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rod c

Thanks for the tips AP. That is exactly what I want quick fitting, so I can change between the canopy and the sports bar.