Bullbar self-build

Dippa

Forum Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
15
Location
beech Forest ,Otway ranges victoria
I'm thinking of making a low(ish) profile bullbar with winch mount for my 99forester, I don't have any issues regarding my capability as such but I am a bit concerned with air-bag compatibility and how the air-bags are deployed, the last thing I need is to find after I build it the bar is illegal because it prevents airbags from working. I have done a bit of checking, in some cars the airbags work via a decelerator sensor, in others it is via a crush can and weakspots are built into the bar to allow the airbags to work but i cant seem to find any info as to how the airbags work in a forester, any ideas or suggestions would be handy regards Dippa
 
If I recall correctly - it's a combination of decelerator sensor and crush sensors. There's sub-sensors in the front behind the grille and also side airbag sensors that sit in behind the seat belt.
 
Thanks Kevin, I think what I want to do will be ok, basically a small bar with centre protection for radiator and driving lights and mounting for a small winch, I'm not entirely able-bodied (can't use a tirfor) but I refuse to stay home so I need a way to self-recover!
 
Kevin said:
If I recall correctly - it's a combination of decelerator sensor and crush sensors.
Click to expand...
I'm fairly sure you are right on the money there mate :iconwink:
As for where they are, I'm not sure :shrug:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Hmmm I think maybe I will still have a problem after all ,mine has airbags, what DedmanWalking has done is pretty much exactly what I was going to do but the comment was made it could void insurance claims, I asked my insurance for a clarification ,their reply was (as far as the rep was aware) anything that made the car safer was not an issue but he wouldn't put it in writing and the debate is whether it in fact makes it safer or not because the bar might prevent airbag deployment, I need to find an engineer who wil give me a straight answer I reckon, or buy a bar that carries engineering and try to fit a winch to it, but thanks for the advice it all helps . best thing I've found for sensible info is this site by the way. Regards Dippa
 
The main thing is to get the mounts right - you could probably buy a set if you found the right person/outlet to get them from.

Best of luck!

Cheers

Bennie
 
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