Torn...

[nfpgasmask]

OK, I am torn between Tone's Safari Bar and VXC's front skid plate. I have seen a VX with both and I honestly think that looks too busy.

For those of you out there with either of these mods, can you through some pros/cons out to help me make up my mind? I think they both look good.

Thanks - Bart

[VehiX]

You going for looks for functionality here?

The safari bar is only functional in the fact that you can mount lights on it and push carriges out of your way at the grocery store. It might also save the front cladding some what in the event of a "very minor" fender bender.

The skid plate on the other hand is pretty much cosmetic in the fact that it adds a different look to the front of the VX but by all means will not hold up well like a traditional skid plate would. They're nice and all and I really appreciate Ron's product offerings but personally, I think the price is a little steep for what your getting and the fact that it really doesn't serve a functional purpose.

I suppose you could buy the safari bar and then get the front skid plate look by painting it on like some one here has recently done.

The choice is yours

[Joe_Black]

Considering that Ron (VXC) no longer makes anything the question is pretty moot.

[nfpgasmask]

Well, I am going for form AND functionality here really, and from the looks of Ron's website, I thought he was still selling certain pieces (like the skid plates)??? But if not then I guess my mind is made up for me! I am leaning towards the bar, and I have been thinking of making some mods to the bar as well. Plus, if I EVER get a friggin roof rack, the safari bar will make a nice tie down point for a canoe.

Bart

[etlsport]

on my last visit to rons website it looked like he was going to start making parts again? i could be wrong (hopefully not.. im hopin for a set of hood fangs before too long)

im pinchin pennies so i can get a safari bar from tone soon, i was torn between the two, and decided that since im parallel parked in the city a lot, it would be good to keep the crazies a few inches from my front end, also want to mount some piaa lights on it for late night hunting/fishing trips when i go camping

[johnnyapollo]

I recently received the rear skidplate from Ron, so I do believe he is manufacturing again.

As for the preference - I think the safari bar looks better on an off-road VX while the skidplate looks better on a street VX. The safari bar, as mentioned above, does not provide much in the way of structural enhancement - it's mostly a bracket for off-road lights (or you can do what BigMike did and weld some additional brackets to improve the safari bar's capabilities). If you place halogens in the running light slots, you can forego the off-road lights and use the skidplate as-is - this is what I opted to do. It's really your own preference.

[Ldub]

Here's another option you might want to look into...



Get in touch with Tone for details.

[biju]

About 5 weeks ago Ron contacted me to see if I was interested in some plates... I put down a 50% deposit... So me thinks he's still taking orders for some, but I don't know for sure... I could have been one of the last orders??? (I hope not, as I'd like to order another set for the Proton depending on how this set turns out...)

Drop him an email and see...

-biju.

[nfpgasmask]

Hey, well, don't take this the wrong way, but that brush guard just completely ruins the good looks of the VX imho. I love the front end of the VX so much, I really would hate to cover it up with that thing. On the other hand, having protection for my VX's bitchin' grill, lights and cladding is an attractive feature of that rig, but its just not my thing.


Bart

Here's another option you might want to look into...



Get in touch with Tone for details.

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, I will check with him soon. First on my list is new rims and tires, so it will be a while before I can afford the skid plates. Plus, one of my other hobbies is about to suck $1000 of spending money away from my VX. (So I am torn in other areas as well)

Bart

About 5 weeks ago Ron contacted me to see if I was interested in some plates... I put down a 50% deposit... So me thinks he's still taking orders for some, but I don't know for sure... I could have been one of the last orders??? (I hope not, as I'd like to order another set for the Proton depending on how this set turns out...)

Drop him an email and see...

-biju.

[Joe_Black]

I'm glad to hear that Ron is (possibly) still up and running. He's definitely one of the VehiCROSS saints and does beautiful work.

[etlsport]

those skid plates definately look awesome, and apparently they hold up pretty well too! (photo from anita's gallery)

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, see, that's the thing, if Ron is still making the skid plates, I should get a set, simply because they may not be available forever. Tone's bar on the other hand may eventually go away also. (although, Tone seems to be a 100% died-in-the-wool-VXer)

I guess I will just have to get my new rims and tires first, then sit in the VX and meditate for a while. Maybe she will tell me what she wants to wear on the front end.

Spending money like water,

Bart

I'm glad to hear that Ron is (possibly) still up and running. He's definitely one of the VehiCROSS saints and does beautiful work.

[goffaramma]

I ordered the set of skid plates (front and back) from Ron about a month ago and they're supposed to be finished pretty soon. I can't wait to get them on. He's still making them, so if you do end up going that way, you're good to go. Good luck with your decision.

[WormGod]

Here's another option you might want to look into...



Get in touch with Tone for details.

I recall Tone saying he was gonna produce the brushguards on a per-order basis.... is this true? I wanted one, but it totally slipped my mind after getting my new car. Guess I will try to contact him.