Bullbar cutting?

[SP450andLE]

I tried to use the crank handle on the Lada the other day (yep, just like those REALLY old cars ), but it wouldn't fir under the bullbars that are fitted at the moment.

What I want to do is cut a notch out of the bottom of the bar (centre of bottom bar). Like this:



So my question is... Would it affect the strength? Of course I will cover over what I cut with some sort of steel plate cut to fit in the notch. But will I also need to weld some sort of steel sterip to the back of the bar to add structural integrity? Like this:



Thoughts/ideas appreciated

(These are the bars in question):

[chrome]

cut out what you need to and fit some tapped tabs to the bar. then when you need to undo the allen ley headed bolts if u use at least 6 bolts evenly spaced arounnd your cut it will be strong enough

[Swamped]

That bar made out of cardboard will still be stronger than the rest of the vehicle Blanking the hole like you say will strengthen it a lot but if you wanted you could run a length of thick flat end on across the top to regain the strength lost up and down and if the blanking is thick enough it might end up being stronger horizontally. How thick is the tube to start with? If its real thin walled stuff the whole lot might be quite flimsy.

[hosehustler]

A good 1 inch of weld will hold 1 tonne of weight

[Swamped]

But if you superglue paper together the paper rips rather than the glue.

[SP450andLE]

The bar is reasonably thick - definitely not a flimsy bit of cardboard

[mudslut]

Why would you want/need to use the crank handle

[tomsoffroad]

Just cut the bar and weld a heavy piece of pipe in at a right angle to the bar which you can put the crank handle through.

[SP450andLE]

Why would you want/need to use the crank handle

Easier than roll/tow starting if need be. And you need it to set the timing too.

Basically it's just handy

[chrome]

Just cut the bar and weld a heavy piece of pipe in at a right angle to the bar which you can put the crank handle through.

smart man that one

[mudslut]

Why would you want/need to use the crank handle

Easier than roll/tow starting if need be. And you need it to set the timing too.

Basically it's just handy

Fair enough

[sibainmud]

If it was me, I would make the cut out the same as some 50x50 or 25x25 angle or similar and weld some of that into the bar.
Cheers,