[Ecco]

Hi guys just wondering if anybody has converted their ARB non winch bar for SWB Vitara into a winch bar. Does anyone make a winch mount for these or is it easier to just make my own?
Thanks

[DarkHorse]

Can't remember the specifics of the differences between SWB Vit ARB bar mounts for the winch and non-winch bars, but I have a feeling they were quite distinct.

I'd recommend looking into mounting a universal winch cradle behind the bullbar, making that strong enough to winch off (ie not just the factory bar mounts) and then mounting the bullbar over the top.

A couple of mine to give you an idea of the concept, though these are LWB so the bracketometry will be completely different:

[Ecco]

Okay sweet as. Thanks heaps for that. That's really good I appreciate your help. I've heard people having no issues mounting a plate inside the bar and mounting the winch in there and using it like that. A lot of force on the bullbar mounts though while using it. Not keen on breaking something though, better to do it properly once.

[DarkHorse]

Yep, that's the worry - winching forces transfered to mounts not designed for it. If you can post a pic of the way the bar is mounted we might be able to give you some suggestions for strengthening.

[zooky08]

This is for a jimny but vitara may be similar
Cut hole out



Weld in new cradle.



Finished product.

[Ecco]

Sweet as. I'll try take some pics this weekend with the bar off to see what can be done in terms of mounting the winch. Thanks for the help, much appreciated.
Idk if anyone has heard much of the Giantz winches. But they're cheap and for something that's not gonna be used a lot it might be worth the $$$. If anyone has any input on these it would be very helpful. Thanks

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371118284253

[DarkHorse]

Ecco wrote:

...for something that's not gonna be used a lot it might be worth the $$$

...except that the one time you do need to use it you need to use it. If it craps out then is it worth 10c?

Don't let me talk you out of it - I know nothing of the Giantz brand or whatever they are under the label. I also run a cheap Aldi winch, but I make sure it is cleaned, serviced and checked before I go out so I know it is in good order. For the record it has been great, including running perfectly with the entire winch body and most of the solenoid box submerged.