Wondering if this Brush Guard would be worth or not.

I have been looking into buying a brush guard for my truck, and in my searches, I found a great deal for a Westin brush guard that would perfectly fit my Tacoma. It seems to be in good condition and the gentleman selling it seems like a nice guy. However, I wanted to consult the forums to see if the spot of rust, and two rust bubble spots would be a big enough issue to pass up on the deal. I do not mind repainting and using a rust reformer, but wanted to see if it would spread like crazy. Thanks! (it is only $225 or less compared to $700~ new so that is also in my consideration.)

 

the lower bar rust doesn't appear so bad. it looks like the paint just flaked off and the raw metal got some surface rust on it.

the upper bar is slightly more concerning, as that appears to be a rust bubble, where the rust has started forming, and is pushing the paint away from the metal. this could be anything as simple as the same sort of spot as the lower, where the paint poorly bonded with the metal, and allowed the rust to form, or it could be a sign of the upper bar rotting from the inside out, meaning that the upper bars structural integrity relies on the paint to hold it together...


if it was my money/truck, and it was a part i wanted, i would still end up getting it, even in a worst-case scenario that both the upper and lower bars are entirely rotting out. my thought process is that $200 buys all the main mounting components and hardware, and as long as it's all steel, $500 buys a ton of replacement steel to cut out and weld in replacement for any defective/rotted parts.

 

Thank you. I appreciate it very much. I do not have enough money to spend on a brand new one but I would gladly put the effort and time in to repair it! Thanks so much and have a great day I appreciate your advice again!!

 

I would avoid a brush guard. Speaking from experience.

Verify where the upper supports attach to the truck. Most use the lower radiator mounts to attach to the truck to keep the bar upright. Problem with that is something as simple as bumping a car in a parking lot could damage the mounts and take out the radiator.

I bought an Armadillo brush guard after a dear strike. Then I found out why they are called "damage multipliers." When I learned about this, I immediately started looking into a steel front bumper. The bumper I ordered has an option for head light guards as well. Before and after pics.

 

I like this bumper...not the armadillo...minus all the accoutrements.

 

If you don’t have the money for a new one, it means you shouldn’t spend any money at all on one even if you had an extra grand in your pocket. Spend it elsewhere. Bush guards are truck ornaments. Unnecessary and doesn’t make your truck better, just a little longer.
Sorry. I’ve been drinking tequila. My life advice comes in hot.

I guess I just mean if you don’t have money to waste, don’t waste money on a brush guard.

 

It's the Summit from Relentless Fabrications. Available with or without bars.

https://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/tacoma/products/2016-tacoma-summit-front-bumper

 

That is beefy!

I like it.

Looks like some cutting is required.

Bigger wheels/tires and a TRD Lift would make this ideal for my Sporty Spice Taco.

 

I had similar thoughts. 3.5" lift with heavy suspension, sliders, and 265/70/17 KO2's on 17x9 wheels. And more stuff. Build thread is in the signature line. Needs a little updating. Bottom pic is current with the KO2's. New RTT is in the works.

 

Is that specific guard worth restoring? Yes.

Do I like brush guards in general? No.


I made a comment on a different thread about why guards like the Westins are not good for the Tacoma:

In that same thread I recommended a bumper instead. I got this knockoff on Amazon for about 300 bucks. It still pushes away brush, but it's more modern and doesn't have the leverage to twist on the frame like a guard can.



Get what you want, though. If I really wanted a Westin style guard, I'd not hesitate to repaint that used one.

 

@Rock Lobster

I do like the above bumper because it doesn't expose the undercarriage.

My concern is the TSS so any obstruction turns me off.

 

The hoop sits about an inch or two below the grille, so even a low-set sensor (like what's shown or on the Pro grille) isn't obscured.

 

I appreciate your advice, I think it is just excitement which makes me want to spend my money on adding cool stuff to my truck, as I have been saving for the purpose of modifying my first car (or in this case truck). Thank you though I probably should cool my jets.

 

Wow. Your truck is absolutely baller. In my far future I plan on getting a really cool bumper like you have, but as I am a bolt-on skill-level mechanic I was thinking the westin could possibly be better for a farter arounder like myself. I appreciate your refined high-art paint drawing, that is a pretty good illustration of the specifics of bumper vs brush guard. I found a truck that looks very similar to mine paint and yearwise with the same westin guard which is one of the reasons I was drawn to it rather than a bull bar or bumper.

 

Honestly, though I like how it looks but I can't help seeing it as a big pair of nerd glasses for my truck. Almost makes it look like it deserves a wedgie. Is that just me?

 

Buahahahaha!

Good morning.

This is one way to look at the "bulkiness" of that Brush Guard.

I'm with you on keeping the sleekness (albeit truck like) look of the 3rd Gen Tacoma.

 

Haha, Good morning too you too.
Mine is a gen2. I do like the sleekness however I find the bulkiness + sleekness a cool combo. Ya never know

 

Welcome to the Forum.

Save your Money and buy a Bumper if you want to protect the front end.

Brush Guards are called Damage Multipliers for a reason.

Learn to weld and build your on projects.

 

Car gaurd.