If you plan to drive your vehicle in rural Australia, installing a bull bar can pay off in more ways than one. This 4WD aftermarket accessory provides your vehicle with the perfect blend of functionality and style. When it comes to the bull bar installation cost, it can vary depending on several factors.
If you’re wondering, “How much to install a bull bar?” you’ve come to the right place. This article covers everything you need to know about installing bull bars and what you can expect to pay for the installation.
Installing a Bull Bar
If you plan to use your 4x4 vehicle for off-road driving in the Australian bush, a bull bar is an essential aftermarket tool. There are many reasons why you might want to install a bull bar on your 4WD vehicle, but here are the five top ones:
- Front-end protection and impact absorption
- Added mounting space for aftermarket accessories
- Engine, radiator, and cooling system safety
- Peace of mind during off-roading
- Rugged style
As you can see, bull bars are necessary for driving in the Australian environment. Now that we’ve gone through why drivers should install bull bars, let’s dive into the installation process.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bull Bar
When you buy a bull bar, you have two options for installation. You can install the bull bar on your own or get it professionally fitted.
When it comes to installation fees, the average bull bar installation cost is between $350 to $600 in Australia. If you opt for a DIY installation, you’ll be able to save a few hundred dollars, but it might not be a good idea if you don’t know what you’re doing. We’ll talk about the installation process in further detail later.
Bull Bar Installation Price Variations
If you’re wondering about the exact bull bar fitting cost, it can depend on a few factors, such as:
- Type
- Brand
- Material
- Size
- Style
The price, complexity, and length of the installation mainly depend on the type and material of the bull bar. For example, installing a plastic or aluminium bull bar takes much less time since they are lightweight. Steel bull bars are heavier, so installing them will take more time and effort, which is one of the reasons they’re pricier.
Even though bull bars might look similar, they can have different mounting styles. For that reason, it’s important to make sure the bull bar you plan to buy is compatible with your vehicle. That way, you’ll avoid paying too much for the installation.
Size can also affect the bull bar installation price. To be more specific, larger bull bars might require lower and upper mounting brackets. Some 4WD utes don’t come with pre-drilled upper mounting holes, which require extra drilling. High-end bull bars might also come with a higher installation fee than low-end models.
How to Install a Bull Bar
Installing a bull bar can be easy if you have mechanical experience, but it can also get quite complicated. If you want to install a bull bar by yourself, make sure you have these tools:
- Screwdriver
- Sockets
- Hand wrenches
- Ratchet wrenches
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Penetrating solvent
Once you make sure you have all of the necessary tools and that you have read the installation manual, you can follow these steps to install your bull bar:
- Unpack the bull bar and the mounting hardware.
- Prepare all the necessary tools for the installation.
- Find the mounting holes under your vehicle’s front-end body. If the vehicle doesn’t have pre-drilled factory holes, you’ll need to drill them by yourself.
- Line up the mounting holes and the mounting brackets.
- Position the bull bar to line it up with the grille.
- Bolt/Drill the bull bar to the brackets.
- Make sure the bolts and nuts are tightly secured.
Installing a bull bar is no easy task, and it’s highly recommended to get it installed by a professional. If you opt for a DIY installation, you might be required to do some wiring and cut the body panels and the bumper bar.
Another reason you should let a professional handle this installation is the warranty, which covers manufacturer defects and issues with the installation. If you make any changes to the bull bar, it might void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Professional Installation Is Recommended
You might think installing a bull bar is a piece of cake, but you can risk damaging your vehicle if you don’t have experience. That’s why we recommend getting a bull bar installed by a professional. When it comes to the bull bar installation cost, you can get a bull bar installed for a lower price at Jungle 4x4 as long as you buy a bull bar from us. With a high-quality installation, your bull bar will protect your vehicle for years to come.
