Grill Guards BEST?

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Dec 15, 2004 | 02:20 PM

TomR1972

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Grill Guards BEST?

I have a 2004 f150 4x4 fx4 in dark blue. What from ya'lls opinion would look best for that? I was thinking a black manik any thoughts? I do want to put lights on it. Also off this topic question i have a leer camper on my truck that i'd love to put a light in. I put my dogs in the back and want to be able to flip a switch on the dash to look at what kind of trouble they are up too!! Anyone done that? Where do i run the wires through and how much of a pain in the **** is that going to be? Thanks for letting me roll on, though you didn't have a choice lol!

Thanks,
Tom

Dec 15, 2004 | 06:16 PM

lewisbest

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From: Goldsboro, NC

grill guard

I don't lnow much about the manik grill guards. I think your going in the right direction with black. I have pics of my black westin in the gallery.

Dec 15, 2004 | 06:22 PM

TomR1972

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Awesome!

That westin looks great on your truck. Awesome truck! Thanks for the input ......would i get you to tell me how much that cost you and how hard is it to put on

Dec 15, 2004 | 06:28 PM

lewisbest

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From: Goldsboro, NC

It cost me $400. The install, even though the instructions suck, is very easy and could take an hour at most. I did it by myself in about 30 minutes.

Dec 15, 2004 | 06:30 PM

TomR1972

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Not bad at all

Great thanks for the info did you buy it locally to you or online?

Dec 15, 2004 | 06:32 PM

lewisbest

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From: Goldsboro, NC

bought it locally

Dec 15, 2004 | 08:21 PM

GordoPanocho

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From: Austin TX

I have the one-piece, black Manik brush/grille guard and think it does the job quite well. Of course, I don't plan on hitting anything with it (knocking on wood). I bought it from my local dealership just a few months ago for $400 installed (before taxes). I made friends with the accessories guys a bit, so they supposedly made a profit of $8 off of me. Others in town were quoting much higher prices ... especially for the install.

* http://users2.ev1.net/~austinmerrills/gordonmerrill/truck/images/2004-08-23_manik_750x566.jpg
* http://users2.ev1.net/~austinmerrills/gordonmerrill/truck/images/2004-08-23_manik_750x617.jpg
* http://users2.ev1.net/~austinmerrills/gordonmerrill/truck/images/2004-09-12_750x480.jpg

Now, you will lose your tow hooks with the Manik. You'll lose them with almost all guards. There may be one or two guards out there that will allow you to keep your tow hooks (if needed). Search this forum for answers to this dilemma ... again, if needed.

Westin is very good (from what I hear), but it always seemed to cost more. When it comes down to it, what do you really get for that extra $50-100? Good luck!

Last edited by GordoPanocho; Dec 15, 2004 at 08:26 PM.

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Dec 15, 2004 | 08:58 PM

easterisland

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Brentwood TN

Westin has a minimum pricing policy ( and enforces it) which causes prices to be a lot higher to the consumer. It is a good quality product and you keep the factory tow hooks.

Dec 15, 2004 | 10:07 PM

#10

kittyhawk

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From: Houston Texas

Look at the ranch hand..

Dec 16, 2004 | 12:47 AM

#11

blitzen25bm

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 922

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From: san diego

i really like those maniks. a lot more than the westins which im a huge fan of. can i still attach a strap to the brushguard to pull my buddies out or will i have to attach it someone to the back of the truck?

Dec 16, 2004 | 09:13 AM

#12

easterisland

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Brentwood TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitzen25bm

can i still attach a strap to the brushguard to pull my buddies out or will i have to attach it someone to the back of the truck?

never attach a strap to a light duty grill guard to pull someone out of a hole. They are basically a decoration.

I have a ranch hand front and rear bumper replacement ordered for my truck. Those are tougher than a flimsy grill guard and I wouldn't have a problem attaching a strap to either of them and pulling someone out.

Dec 17, 2004 | 09:47 PM

#13

Ford-man22

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: South ALABAMA

I have a Polor Bear by Aries. working on pics, should be up next week.

Dec 18, 2004 | 12:12 AM

#14

blitzen25bm

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 922

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From: san diego

Quote:

Originally Posted by easterisland

thanks i figured that but had to make sure, i'll probably just add a tow ball to the back and use that if i ever get a grillguard.

Dec 19, 2004 | 06:05 AM

#15

Blue Blooded

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From: Central New Jersey

I ordered the Smittybilt Predator bumper guard. Unfortunately, there is no pictures of it on our trucks, only shown on super duty. Looks awesome, and would seem to afford at least some protection