Subtopic	Posts		Updated
	Storage cabinet	4		04/23 06:08pm

By gil on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 02:54 am: Edit

I have heard from alot of people that SafariGard really sucks. From the looks of their products and their trucks I would have thought they made really high quality stuff. I recently heard from an employee of LRNA that his 3-link front end ripped off of his Disco at highway speed?@!?# Whats the deal with these guys? Anyone have any input? I was going to purchase soem of their stuff but Im not sure now, any advice would be appreciated.

By pdq on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 03:04 am: Edit

If you look at their catalog, it is clearly stated that their suspensions are not DOT approved, and are for off road use only. Of course that statement is only there to limit liability, but it should still tell you something.
While some of Safari Gards products, such as bumpers and sliders are ok, I would stay away from their suspensions. For the money they charge, you can get a safer and more reliable suspension upgrade using tried and true off the shelf parts. You will have money left over once you are done, too.

By John Kruger on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 03:50 am: Edit

I like their bumpers, alot. I am a little bias, my XD is all SG stuff. I don't have the 3-link, and don't want it. I am not a rock crawler, more of the distance/expedition guy.

The XD is my daily driver, 70 miles round trip on the highway to work.

The suspension market for the Disco is growing, so there are more options. This makes everyone provide better products and service which makes it all the better for us.

If you have any direct questions about my use of the SG stuff, let me know.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 05:59 am: Edit

I hope Ron reads this,,,,,

Kyle

By gil on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 06:22 am: Edit

who is Ron? how do they still stuff that isnt DOT approved? isnt that a law?

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 06:27 am: Edit

Well ,if you read the web site it gets even more surreal. They claim that the products will give you better "On road" performance. I think that is making their "FOr off road use only" disclaimer null... hehe It is summer time though , you might need a lawn chair.....

Kyle

By Ron on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 06:34 am: Edit

I am Ron.

I like SG bumpers and Kyle is in one of his fighting moods so here goes.

SG suspensions: over priced crap
SG bumpers: overpriced but very good
SG rock gard: good
Dif gards: good
Brake lines: same as most others except for PP high ducket ones pretty much all are non DOT except PP ones.

whats the main beef, their customer service sucks.

Ron

By gil on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 07:03 am: Edit

for real kyle, i guess i wont be making any SG purchases, whats a good alternative?

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 07:26 am: Edit

There seem to be more and more alternatives every day.... As far as suspension gos , John at Rovertym can hook you up , and he aint full of shit..

By mongo on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 07:39 am: Edit

how about bumpers/winch set-ups?

By Ron on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 08:10 am: Edit

Bumpers it is either ARB, SG, genuine or make your own. SG is still the best.

Ron

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 08:58 am: Edit

Naaaa , they aint the best by far....this one here is pretty sexy......

http://www.discoweb.org/moab2001/psmcvonc/DSC00067.jpg

Kyle

By welder on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:02 am: Edit

Hey Moe, if you like the SG logo, then call up SG and ask for one of their decals. They'll only charge you $5 for it.

By K Clayton on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:36 am: Edit

Kyle, that one is pretty sexy...
What kind is it. I would like to have one for my 94 RR Classic...

By Ken on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:37 am: Edit

kyle, who made that? it lookslike a morph of a factory brush bar and a "zbar" I sthat what it is? what ever it is I like it alot, can I get one?

By John C. on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:38 am: Edit

Kyle, is that your bumper? The top part is stock brush bar and the bottom is homemade?

By K Clayton on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:41 am: Edit

Darn Ken, I was trying to resubmit the same question. I opened up the latest catalog from Rovers North to see if the ZBar was similiar...and volia' it is...

Come on Kyle, release the info....

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:48 am: Edit

Well , it isnt a Z bar and doesnt really resemble one in person. Its much stronger....


Kyle

By K Clayton on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:53 am: Edit

OK, What is it...
Should we start a new thread...

By Ron on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 09:57 am: Edit

Buy welder.

Learn to weld.

Buy steel.

Make bumper.

Z bar is pretty snazzy does not fit a husky or Re though terrian outfitters or something sells bumpers too.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 10:32 am: Edit

THe one on my truck right now is a prototype. The real deal should be available mid summer.... It will fit whateverthehellyoulike brand winches but mainly is designed for the Husky an RE worm winches..

Kyle

By HAT on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 10:32 am: Edit

I like to put my cat in the rack and drive it in silly circles

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 10:48 am: Edit

Interesting....

Kyle

By joey on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 11:04 am: Edit

do you have a price for it yet, kyle?

By MA on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 11:07 am: Edit

I remember reading an article in Four Wheeler magazine about 2 years ago comparing all these different types of suspension lifts for D-90's. Safari Gard got last place due to their yellow Defender rolling over during an emergency maneuver. Safari Gard said that the suspension was "experimental", I think they are a bunch of liars. I recently talked to them and they said all this crap which basically said that they didn't do shit after the article. I also had a pair of their rocksliders, notice the word had. After going wheelin' on some canyon, they just kind of fell off. They suck.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 11:50 am: Edit

Here are a few more pics of the thing. Some after getting the hell beat out of it..
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/protorb/

Kyle

By Disco Infurno on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 12:40 pm: Edit

Damn.......I can't stop looking at it. That is some hot shit. Kyle, you gotta get that thing out on the market. Wow. Factory looks with aggressive (looking) approach angles, winch fitting, skidplate, d-rings.....the whole nine. Looks tough too. Sign me up. By the by....the Discoweb sticker makes it all the cooler.

By gil on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 12:44 pm: Edit

kyle, is that Ho's old truck?

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 01:30 pm: Edit

Nope , that truck doesnt have one on it yet.I will be getting rid of the $G crap it has now and the supwinch if anyone is interested.

Kyle

By jman on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 02:02 pm: Edit

The secret is out.....they look great, and now everyone wants one....woohooo

By MA on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 02:49 pm: Edit

I'll take one of those custom bumpers too Kyle, for $850. Thats a good deal, eh? Thats without a winch or the auxilary lights. You can just sell the blade for $700, for those of us who already have he brush bar.

By CAL on Monday, April 23, 2001 - 05:21 pm: Edit

Hey Kyle, How much for the winch? I might be interested.

By Hank on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 04:15 am: Edit

kyle- you going to create a DII bumper? i was looking at others but they want alot of $$$$$. disco2.com is selling one for $1800 w/ winch. OUCH! and you though $G was expensive. keep us posted.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 04:17 am: Edit

Yeah , DII will be be available as well and prices no where near the raping everyone is recieving right now..


Kyle

By PaulM on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:16 am: Edit

Ok guys, so who isn't starting some sort of Disco related buiz?????

Also, I saw a pretty cool looking Mitsubish Montero the other day. For the lack of a better term, the bumpers and sliders had a BAJA type look to them. Tubular steel, bright colors, etc. I must admit, it looked pretty darn cool! Not sure how functional, but it looked great. So why do most rover aftermarket products stay so traditional looking? Everything is always black and many of the products have a very similar look. Do we need a company with some radical designs and colors to spice up our rovers a bit? Food for thought.

Paul

By Rob Davison (Pokerob) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:36 am: Edit

because we dont want to look like we are driving around a montero

rd

By Bill Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:40 am: Edit

I saw a MOntero on the road the other day too. It did look pretty cool with all the curves and bulbous, color-keyed body cladding. I took a closer look at a parked Montero, and realized that I'd end up leaving half of that nifty plastic on the trails after a typical romp throught the desert. When I returned from the trails, it would look like a Disco...

By nadim on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:57 am: Edit

I also have been working on my own designed Bull bars...but, I will be marketing them in the Middle East...(no laws...no problem...US=too many laws...too many problems!)...

As for the design itself, well, the "prototype" sits on a friends D110 back in Lebanon...donno about the looks, but it sure hell is sturdy (Husky 10)....it costed us nothing to make, and I'll be only charging 20% for my labor...so a price of 500$ (winch mount, bull bar, light mounts, brush wire tabs, recovery points...)...hopefully in August I'll get the final design right and install it on my Disco (RE 10, Platinum 9?)...

I just want to add that The more you have a viriety, the more competitive the business gets, the better the products, so consumers should rejoice for more people marketing their products...

By pk on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 01:54 pm: Edit

Hey!

How did the ass end of my Disco get in that first picture with your bumper?

LOL!

pk

By disco2guy on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 04:14 pm: Edit

Hey Hank,

You might want to look around and price anyone else's with that Warn HS9500i. That's a used prototype, although in perfect condition. That's why it is discounted to $1800 OBO.

Trek Outfitters ~$2200
$G ~$2600

disco2guy

By Hank on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 05:37 pm: Edit

justin-
i can purchase a ARB from AB for about $800(w/ discount) and the 9500i from gowarn.com for about $850. i really want to locate a quality product for a reasonable price. i like the look of the arb, but what about those approach angles? nonetheless, I can get this bar with a XD9000i winch for a bit more than i wanted to spend.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 05:46 pm: Edit

I agree hank , the prices are getting a little silly these days. That was a big factor in me deciding to do something. I think the big problem is that most guys dont do it themselves , they out source and play middle man.

Kyle

By Ron on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 05:53 pm: Edit

Yes but you can still get an ARB for 529 and with that you can hit a tree and be ok.

Ron

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 05:58 pm: Edit

Hmmm , now this concerns me. The steering wheel comes with the truck and is there to take care of such situations.

Kyle

By Ron on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:03 pm: Edit

Really,
Mine did not come with a steering wheel, just a wrench welded to the shaft. I thought it was an option.

Ron

As long as you are not going to fast the tree usually gets the worse end of it

By herky on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:14 pm: Edit

Safari gard is getting some good PR on this thread! Personally I think the disco2.com bumper is nice looking, that is what I will be using when my front cover gets torn to sh-t.

By Hank on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:45 pm: Edit

herky- personally i think the disco2 one looks a bit plain. we have tons of trees and brush where we offroad and i would like to have more protection up front. something like the arb. i really liked some of the tjm style but have they disappeared or what? as someone else pointed out, maybe some of the designers need to be a bit more creative.

By Bill Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 06:52 pm: Edit

*GOOD* PR for $G? Check out the title of this thread!

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 07:29 pm: Edit

Seems like they are taking an ass whippin these days on the boards.....

Kyle

By herky on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:19 pm: Edit

Hey Bill do you smell that?....................... that was sarcasm.

By Bill Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:33 pm: Edit

sorry - my computer is one of the old ones without olfactory support.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:38 pm: Edit

Me? Sarcastic? Not a chance..............

By david b. on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:41 pm: Edit

yeah...$G is taking a good whippin', the owner is probably in his bedroom holding that last dollar, crying. Oh well...if he actually spent more time designing shit that actually was durable, then he wouldn't be so far "down in the hole." I hope he is reading this!! He might get inspired to do something about his piss-poor company.

By gil on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:45 pm: Edit

i almost feel bad that I posted that question. At least i have my answer, no SG for me, I think ill go Rovertym, Thanks for everybodys input. You all obviously feel very strongly about how much their stuff really does SUCK!

By herky on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:48 pm: Edit

Life is a wheel Gil, just dont start makin' your own accessories for rovers and we cant jump on you a$$.........

By Barry Ellis on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 08:55 pm: Edit

The $G sliders on my DSII appear to have warped up from mild use. The fix will be to through-bolt to the other side of the sill.

Why does Safari Guard suck you ask?

Answer: I am stuck with a slider that I hesitate to use as intended for fear of folding the $G unit into my door. Plus, I get to spend more of my time and money to remedy their weak engineering.

In an effort to save anyone else the hassle of finding out about (And dealing with) $G, I have removed their frigging poser logo from my sliders.

Regards.
Barry Ellis

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 09:10 pm: Edit

Hmm , I think someone back there thought they were cool. Maybe thats the only good part that you just scraped off..

Kyle

By Moe on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 09:17 pm: Edit

Yep, he just lost the best part of SG engineering--the logo. Now that shit is really gong to fall apart.

Ian

By chrisvonc on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 10:29 pm: Edit

After they screwed me on service and parts right before our trip, I scraped off all their stickers on all my stuff as well as removed all referances to them off my site. Enough is enough for me.

By MA on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 11:00 pm: Edit

so...lets see what we have accomplished here... we can ALL agree that Safari Gard should stop selling cheap shit for an assload of money...so,that brings up the question, who is the best for after-market accessories for Land Rovers(Discos)...I think it is Rovertym. Here is why:
1) They put a lot of research into whatever they build.
2) It seems that they have awesome customer service and support.
3) Their products are very well built with no flaws.
4) Unlike Safari Gard, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg for any of their products.
5) Whenever you order their stuff...it comes with a kick-ass sticker!!!(safari gard probably charges $100 for that)

So who agrees that Rovertym is the best aftermarket accessorizer for Land Rovers?
Especially when they start to offer their new front bumper!

By Diesel on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 01:50 am: Edit

I will say that I'm very dissatisfied with my arb, and will be installing a Rovertym front bumper when it is available. I hit a couple of trees doing about 5 mph and that damn ARB bent. After looking at it, the name is "ARB Bull Bar," not "Tree Bar" so it is my fault for even considering that bumper for situations where a nice oak or pine might live. (East Coast trail blazing is full of such obstacles.) Question, what is everyone going to do when a nice boulder gets in their way. The ARB can no doubt stand a direct impact, but if the Rover is sliding down a hill into an obstable, the moment generated around the bumper's mount to the frame is to much for mild steel to handle. It will and has deformed with malicious results to the bonnet and front fenders.

For my rover, I will stick with Rovertym equipment. I have seen John's Rover and the only aftermarket part that has any deformities is the $G Bumper that he uses in the front. The key to a solid bumper is something $G touched on but never quite perfected. The integration of a skid plate into the design of a bumper is essential to maximum strength and performance. The skid plate, if properly secured is an additional load baring member of the bumper. It resists rotation(which the ARB cannot) and protects the under carriage and soft skin body panels from damage. Anyone who has had a class in statics (not statistics) will agree with me. I can't wait to purchase a Rovetym bumper and other accessories from John. I have no affiliation with Rovertym other than being a happy and loyal customer. One more note, the customer service is awesome...enough said.

Diesel

By disco2guy on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:15 am: Edit

I designed and built (myself, thank you, Kyle.) the disco2.com bumper for the effect and use I wanted. The corners are larger and I feel zero need for any bar and hoop stuff to clutter up the front. Different terrain may force others to desire otherwise. I think 98% of the customers by the "brushbar" for the cosmetic value...

In any case, I agree entirely with the RoverTym assessment. John is, from my experience, a very standup guy and his stuff is top notch. I defer entirely to him for anything that is machined or otherwise a complex fab (from spacers to cones to springs to rear heimed arms), but intend to give him some solid competition on the basic stuff that I do and have in the works (bumpers, skids, sliders, etc).

I can say the same for Matt & Tina at Trek Outfitters, although their stuff is definately more "stock" in design.

I refer customers to both companies on a regular basis, as my stuff is for a certain consumer, and their products only complement the option list...

On that note...$G blows goat.

disco2guy

By Rob Davison (Pokerob) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 10:22 am: Edit

i have to dissagre about the arb, i last month rammed into a firebird and all but totaled her car (6k damage) i hit the side of her car. anyway, i simply scratched the paint on the ARB.

i dont understand how you bent your ARB... i would think the frame would bend before the bumper, do you have and ARB-airbag compatible?

5mph is nothing... where did it bend at?

please elaborate
rob d

By Diesel on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 11:12 am: Edit

Rob,

A car is no where near as solid and unforgiving as a tree. A firebird weighs no more than 3300lbs. The disco weighs 5000lbs. Therefore the firebird will most likely take all the damage and the disco will suffer little. You said that you hit her in the side of the car. That is probably one of the weakest points of any vehicle. The entire momentum of the disco was concentrated parallel to its frame, which is the strongest point of any car.

On the other hand, a tree one foot in diameter and 100 feet tall can weigh several thousand pounds also(I think it was an oak). What makes it much less forgiving is the root system, which anchors the tree to the ground. At that point, the tree is an unmovable obstacle. I hit the trees head on, going down a hill at about 5 mph. The impact focused itself in two places just above the blade of the ARB. Since the impact was above the blade of the ARB, the force was not transmitted through the frame laterally 100%. A moment was generated on the mounts of the ARB which deformed the steel and caused it to rotate back into the hood, fenders and lights. Once I find those pictures I will post them. The disco looked horribly disfigured. The mounts are what failed. The bumper still looks good. From a distance you wouldnt' know I hit anything. Just a few scuffs on the paint and a bent roller fairlead mount. Since that incident I have reinforced the bumper considerably, and could probably mangle the other side of that firebird with little risk of damage to the disco. If you have anymore questions, let me know. Start a new thread though, this one is pretty long as it is.

Diesel

P.S. It was a nonairbag winch mount ARB bumper.

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 11:15 am: Edit

Jesus - what are you guys, sales & marketing for
RoverTyme ?

It's always hell to be the FIRST guy offering
anything (as was $G). Everyone looks at your
product and makes it better and then slams the
original guy. Same with any product in any
marketplace.

$G was one of the first companies to offer after-
market products for non-series LR's. They found
the niche market and took advantage of it with
reasonable (for the time) products at the highest
price the could offer. (ECON101 note for some of
you guys - when people are buying your stuff and
your factory is bulging with backlog, the last
thing you do is LOWER your prices. When your
market share starts going bye-bye, then you do
what you need to do, either in price or quality.)
$G is not hurting for biz. Disco stuff is, at
best, a sideline for them.

Somebody must think they offer reasonable product -
ask disco2guy (who is a competitor to $G and has
a vested interest in bashing them) who's stuff was
on the LR's in the FORD booth at SEMA (besides
Matt's stuff...). They're the people that REALLY
count in this biz. I'm pretty sure disco2guy will
crap his pants if he ever gets an opportunity like
that.

Yeah, I got $G bumpers, front and back, on my
truck and I like 'em. Bought 'em when there was
no other choice, back in '97 (Except ARB, whom
I can't tolerate because of the weight and
approach angle issues - sorry Mr. Jackson !)
My $G stuff was really f*&^%^ing expensive, but it
was my choice and I could afford it. It's held
up really well, after hanging on many rock ledges.
Maybe you guys that break 'em should evaluate your
off road habits or make some mods to match your
driving style.

To each his own. I think the Disco market has
passed by $G (by $G's choice). Yeah - Greg and
his guys could do a lot better job of customer
service - that's what causes 75% of pissed off
past customers. But, they had the products that
people wanted to buy and now they're off doing
other stuff and leaving this market to the Jonny-
Come-Laters.

flame on dudes

keith
discosaurus

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 11:40 am: Edit

An opportunity like what? Getting a freebie tow vehicle for awhile until they take it back? I havnt been overwhelmed by the amount of $G ford bumpers I have seen on the road. That whole thing got a good laugh out of me....

Kyle

By mrbieler on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 11:42 am: Edit

Uh Keith, read your own post again. If they don't care about the Disco market and it's not their primary concern as you imply, then F**K them anyway.

I don't know if anyone who posted is "sales and marketing" for RoverTyme, but if the service is good and they're happy with the product, you don't get the "75% of the pissed off past customers". That would be Marketing & Sales 101.

As for whose product is on the factory vehicles, that's a poor argument as well. They're trying to sell trucks at the best price possible. Performance and actual usability is secondary. The key word from your Econ101 course would be "profit margin."

Sorry you feel so strongly that you have to defend your purchase.

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 11:56 am: Edit

> An opportunity like what? Getting a freebie tow
> vehicle for awhile until they take it back? I
> havnt been overwhelmed by the amount of $G ford
> bumpers I have seen on the road. That whole
> thing got a good laugh out of me....
>
> Kyle

No, an opportunity to have their products seen
by tens of thousands of key people in the auto
industry actually on the factory display vehicles
of a major manufacturer. There are hundreds of
vendors at SEMA every year who would kill for an
opportunity like that.

keith
discosaurus

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:07 pm: Edit

Hmmm , you can have a pic of something here and get the same attention. We get somewhere on the average of 2000 hits per hour.
You ever know anyone that had good factory backing Keith? The ones with solid backing just get sent cars/trucks and arent asked for them back.

Kyle

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:11 pm: Edit

> Uh Keith, read your own post again. If they
> don't care about the Disco market and it's not
> their primary concern as you imply, then F**K
> them anyway.

I read it more then once before I posted it.
What's your point ?? 'F**K them anyway' is your
prerogative. But it's also not a valid reason to
bash products.

> I don't know if anyone who posted is "sales and
> marketing" for RoverTyme, but if the service is
> good and they're happy with the product, you
> don't get the "75% of the pissed off past
> customers". That would be Marketing & Sales 101.

Yeah - I agree and commented in my first post
this was the cause of most of their problems.

> As for whose product is on the factory vehicles,
> that's a poor argument as well. They're trying
> to sell trucks at the best price possible.
> Performance and actual usability is secondary.
> The key word from your Econ101 course would be
> "profit margin."

No, it's NOT a poor argument. As I commented to
Kyle, getting connected with a major OEM is the
brass ring of the automotive aftermarket biz.
Cost is not an object with show vehicles. Who's
to say $G can't produce their products for 70%
less if it means a PO from an OEM. I don't think
they are interested in being a OEM supplier and
I doubt they could if they tried (I know what it
takes, since I am...). But, having your shit on
the stand gets peoples attention.

> Sorry you feel so strongly that you have to
> defend your purchase.

Sorry Bud - I don't need you to feel sorry for me.
Kyle tried THAT one a long time ago. I have no
'buyer remorse' over my $G bumper purchases. I
like 'em !

...your turn.

keith
discosaurus

By mrbieler on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:25 pm: Edit

"But, having your shit on the stand gets peoples attention." -> Yes it does and it's a major boost. The problem is when you can't back it up. Getting the "brass ring" is one thing. Holding on to it is something else. And we can play this game all you want. I know the OEM game and know the key supplier game too.

As for a valid reason to "bash", I think the list of failures on this and other posts is sufficient enough. The internet has really opened a can of worms for suppliers with shitty quality and service. Now, everyone who wants to can hear about it. You can't hide locally anymore.

Just because they were "the first" doesn't mean they get to wear a crown on the Disco podium of life. You want to be an aftermarket supplier, you have to fight everyday for market share, customer loyalty, and margin. Someone will always being trying to get your piece of the pie. If they dropped the ball and Q/C and loyalty are in the toilet, they have only themselves to blame for this thread.

Glad you're happy with your $G stuff. Hope you get to use it 'till it dies. Sounds like you're in the minority here. The thread was "why does $G suck?". Somehow, I don't think you're converting anyone today.

Jeff

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:27 pm: Edit

> Hmmm , you can have a pic of something here and
> get the same attention. We get somewhere on
> the average of 2000 hits per hour.

I'm pleased you do that well. I think your stuff
looks really good. If I was in the market for
a front bumper I'd look at the Expedition Exchange
unit.

> You ever know anyone that had good factory
> backing Keith? The ones with solid backing just
> get sent cars/trucks and aren't asked for them
> back.

> Kyle

Yes - several organizations. I don't think $G is
real solid with Ford yet and probably never will
be, as I mentioned to . But, they get
their shit in front of a LOT of guys who don't
surf the web.

keith
discosaurus

By herky on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:28 pm: Edit

This is just a public forum where consumers speak their minds, these are they same people that buy or don't buy $afari Gard, so what is said here is pretty relevant.

By Bill Gill (Bluegill) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:30 pm: Edit

If it works for you, then what's the problem, right? Discosaurus is happy with his $G bumpers...ningún problema existe. I have a factory poseur brush bar with welds that crack each time I ride the rocks...I just re-weld, spraypaint, and I'm ready for the next time. Works for me, for now. When I find a front bumper/skid system that works for me (utility vs. affordability), I'll gladly chuck the brush bar. Ol' Tex uses cardboard beer cases as the flooring for his roof rack so he can sit up there and stare at the sun with Ken. He sure sounds happy...

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:40 pm: Edit

> Glad you're happy with your $G stuff. Hope you
> get to use it 'till it dies. Sounds like you're
> in the minority here. The thread was "why does
> $G suck?". Somehow, I don't think you're
> converting anyone today.
>
> Jeff

It's not my goal in life to convert anyone. Since
I'm not in the automotive aftermarket game and
can't be your supplier I don't care what you buy.
My point is that much of the bashing on the Disco
lists is motivated by competition, not fact. Note
I said 'much', not all...

The man asked a question and was looking for
advice. I don't think he got proper advice.

keith
discosaurus

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:42 pm: Edit

Yes Keith , I am not starting a pissing thing here , just stating the obvious. Most people dont see the obvious though and get the wrong idea from what they see (Marketing 101)by saying that $G is backed by Ford gives the general public an idea that they are better off then they actually are. You dig me here man?

Kyle

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 12:46 pm: Edit

> Yes Keith , I am not starting a pissing thing
> here , just stating the obvious. Most people
> dont see the obvious though and get the wrong
> idea from what they see (Marketing 101)by
> saying that $G is backed by Ford gives the
> general public an idea that they are better off
> then they actually are.
> You dig me here man?
>
> Kyle

Yep, loud and clear. No pissing contest here -
we've been reading each others post for an awful
long time so think we have a clear understanding.

k
d

By gil on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 01:57 pm: Edit

My lord, I had no idea the kind of sediment i would dig up by asking "why does $G SUCK?" I agree with the saurus that their bumpers seem pretty stout, and it seems to me that they still have the rear bumper market pretty well wrapped up. My major concern in starting this thread was their suspension products. To sell suspensions that are not DOT approved, but then rank them as improving on-road handling in their catalog makes me go HMMM.......

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:11 pm: Edit

The bumpers aint all that they are made out to be either. If you see someone praising them it pretty much means they dont know much about what they are looking at. Take a look around and see all the pics of the $G bumpers smiling? THey seem like a very happy product line. That is , until you slide it off a rock and it moves your sheet metal up an inch or two , then the bumpers frown for awhile until you hit a bump , then all smiles again..

Kyle

By Ron on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Didn't the one on Ho's old truck survive a collision Kyle? You still got it on there right?

You hit anything hard enough it will bend. I think SG has it right with the dual mounting locations. Not seen too many bent ones, at least not like their sliders. I did see a taco shaped skid plate on one last weekend but the tube was still strait, looked like someone backed over a rock and caught it between the tube and the plate.

Ron

Tell me the rock gard (tie rod protector) sucks or you have bent one.

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:40 pm: Edit

> The bumpers aint all that they are made out to
> be either. If you see someone praising them it
> pretty much means they dont know much about what
> they are looking at.

no pissing contest, eh ?
you guys must have some pretty vicious rocks in
the GWNF...
no frowning bumper here.

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:47 pm: Edit

> You hit anything hard enough it will bend. I
> think SG has it right with the dual mounting
> locations. Not seen too many bent ones, at
> least not like their sliders. I did see a taco
> shaped skid plate on one last weekend but the
> tube was still strait, looked like someone
> backed over a rock and caught it between the
> tube and the plate.

...and those are replaceable.

Actually, one thing that IS wrong with the front
$G bumper is that it can rotate with enough up
or down force. The skid plate frame really helps
out here but it will move. It's probably a good
idea to weld up some channel on the bumper mount
brackets both above and below the frame rails.
That should keep it from rotating.

The ARB mount is sort of like this.

I'll have to talk to the wife about this - she's
the welder in the family. hehehe

keith
discosaurus

By Henry on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:51 pm: Edit

I think the point is made! Remember, It's easy to chop on a fallen tree. One more thing, SG could never be a OEM supplier to Ford or any other manufacturer. They would go broke, meeting all the requirements, which are extensive. BTW, this is applicable to other suppliers of Land Rover accessories as well.

By Ron on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:52 pm: Edit

Just TIG up the seems where it bolts to the frame on both sides, then the frame will bend upwards. Of course if you are really serious about it you could weld reinforcing plates into the ends of the fame horns or maybe on the to or the bottom. You would really have to smack it to make it rotate, probably rip the riv nuts out of the x member or bend the x member itself.

Ron

By Discosaurus on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 02:59 pm: Edit

Heavy duty only goes so far...

I'd MUCH rather bend my bumper then my frame
ends...

k
d

By Ron on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 03:11 pm: Edit

Maybe this is why I made the 110 with a 5mm thick galvanized frame.

Ron

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 03:31 pm: Edit

Ron , you saw the pics of the truck , this is a sore spot with me and it might come out in this post. That god damned bumper was bent 6 ways from sunday. Along with the fancy (Worthless) skid plate that does nothing for rotation. If you havnt experienced some bumper rotation yet you damn sure havnt used it. its built thick so it can take a hit right? Well , if taking a hit makes it rotate into the body what fucking good is it. You do a side pull and it will also creep right into the body. This is not up for debate weather or not it happens , I fucking know it happens as I have seen it time and time again with different bumpers on different trucks. You come off a steep ledge and have to slide on that front bumper and you will see your fender and hood raise as the bumper pushes into it.That bumper got its fame because it was the only sexy one out there. Most of the people that bought them never really used them for anything other then looking cool. As I said before . If you cant see whats wrong with that damn thing then you dont know what exactly it is you are looking for. Now I have vented , I feel better

Kyle

By safarigard on Thursday, April 26, 2001 - 02:33 pm: Edit

help!?

By nadim on Thursday, April 26, 2001 - 06:01 pm: Edit

check this out, u must think it is interesting!
http://www.rovertym.com/photos/images/uharrie/IMG005.JPG

By nadim on Friday, April 27, 2001 - 03:38 am: Edit

Duhhh, I'm a f%$cking idiot, the correct address is

http://www.rovertym.com/photos/uharrie.html

Dumbo