So I bought a brush guard for $30, but...

[sly]

I wanna find a brush guard for $30 cheapest around here is $150.

This. The mad marquis needs some truck steel on it.

[ootdega]

I have an idea.

If I can plug the two small holes in the back with some bolts and rubber washers, then use the bolts that held the tube onto the frame to plug the sides with a metal plate and some more rubber...

I can fill it with water and put it in the freezer. The water expands when it freezes, and presses out the dent.

Then I can gradually bend it back into the proper curvature using a round surface, a towel, and a rubber mallet. Without such a large dent, I won't have to worry about creasing.

It'll still have a dent, no doubt, but it'll be easier to work with.

[sly]

that might work. May take a few runs though.

[dmccaig]

Yep. Something gonna expand. Donald

[IPreferDIY]

I have doubts about ice expansion being useful for a dent that big, but I wouldn't want to be taken as discouraging anyone who is willing to try it. I would definitely be in favor of having the tube filled with ice (or some other removable solid, like wax) during the bending process.

[ootdega]

I have doubts about ice expansion being useful for a dent that big, but I wouldn't want to be taken as discouraging anyone who is willing to try it. I would definitely be in favor of having the tube filled with ice (or some other removable solid, like wax) during the bending process.

I'm just looking for an improvement. If I actually get it out it'll end up looking worse because of the flaked chrome.

[Lincolnmania]

cut end tabs off and heat it red hot at the damaged area and drive something thru the bar. the chrome is gonna get wrecked any way you do it.

[IPreferDIY]

If you get really lucky, you might find another brush guard with a dent in another part, and then just swap the parts.

[piranah]

I think its more work than its worth to fix. I say wrap another piece of metal around it, strap some fog lights to it and be done.

[Bobcat]

Black always looks good...

[dmccaig]

Dear Panthers,
The shooting brake's large brush guard is painted white, same as the car and matt black on the side facing the driver to avoid nasty headlight reflection/glare. Same color looks better than the chrome. Pics on old POTM. Donald

[ootdega]

I think its more work than its worth to fix. I say wrap another piece of metal around it, strap some fog lights to it and be done.

I need to get it bent back into proper shape so it'll fit on the thing right. The top bar went loose after I took the bottom bar off, because it was pushing the frame outward.

I will cover what is LEFT of the dent after I get that done. I need to get the dent at least partially out so I can bend it back properly without the bar trying to crease at the dent.

I will be mounting fog lights with black metal clamps of some sort that will bolt into the holes in the back of the bottom bar to keep them secure. I'll have a rubber cover between them, along with rubber bushings between the bars and the frame for both looks and practicality.

[ootdega]

Oh, uh, I forgot about something.

When I asked about a brush guard before, I was told something about the bumper needing reinforced somehow. How does one go about doing that? Can anyone else who has one explain what had to be done to attach it securely?

I should've asked this before, but I forget things when I'm brainstorming.

And thanks for your input, your ideas did help me come up with a solution that was unintrusive and easy to do. I just gotta find what I need at the hardware store.

[sly]

meh... just make some brackets and attach it to the frame by going under the bumper. You might want some stabilizer bars over the bumper too if it shakes with just the lower support (or to allow for better pusher use).

[ootdega]

meh... just make some brackets and attach it to the frame by going under the bumper. You might want some stabilizer bars over the bumper too if it shakes with just the lower support (or to allow for better pusher use).

Hm. Rubber might be useful for that as well.