I have just had my aev fitted and was thinking that as I am not going to put a winch on it I want to cover the area where a winch would sit. I was thinking of maybe using the same sort of mesh on the front of the bar, to make a cover for the top, has anyone done this or does anyone know what the specs are on the mesh on the front of the bar. thanks

 

Why'd you get a winch bumper if you're not getting a winch?

 

The winch mount in integral to the strength of the AEV bumper. I think that AEV actually has made a plate to fill this in if you are not running a winch.

 

huh? The winch plate attaches to the frame behind the bumper... It make make your frame extensions up there more rigid... but the actual bumper is not any stronger due to the plate. I may have misunderstood your post, if so... appologies.

Anyway, not sure that AEV makes a plate to fill it in or not... I didn't ask, but everyone that sells the AEV bumper doesn't advertise it. As far as buying the AEV w/out buying a winch... plenty have done this for various reasons... and I'm certainly one of them. My question would be... why NOT buy the AEV (except that is cost a lot $$)... it is a SWEET bumper. Not that I won't buy a winch at some point, it's just not a priority for me... so I (like the fella above) chose to cover up the hole [for now]. I just drilled a couple of holes above the opening to mount a license plate bracket and then attached a plate of choice.

 

AEVis claiming that their winch mount is neccesary to run the bumper, for the added strangth. Due to this you can no longer just buy the bumper, the winch mount is mandatory if you make the purchase. This is directly from Dave on the AEV forum, so I am not speaking from personal experience, just on what the designer is stating.

 

Probably because he wanted the bumper but not a winch.

 

That's interesting... So not only are they raping you on the bumper (btw, I voluntarily got raped for their bumper ), they are now requiring you to buy the winch plate too. LOL Greedy Bastards I did call Quadratec which is who I originally bought mine from and they said the same thing... gotta buy the whole package deal When I bought mine (May/June) you could buy just the bumper and I think it was $749 or $799. I did take a look at the winch mount, and it does look like it would add protection if someone hit you with the corner of their car right in the middle of your bumper... or if you centered a pole w/your bumper.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE their front bumper... after all that's why I bought one... but think their customer service (or lack of) absolutely SUCKS!. I've heard of and personally know a couple folks that have had great service from them... of course they bought their AEV Conversion Jeeps (TJs) too... one w/a Hemi. My experience hasn't been that great w/them.

 

glwood is right I just wanted the bumper but not the winch and they do not separate one option from another, maybe down the track I will get the winch but it will be after I get a locker and a lift. And to be quite honest I havent needed one yet even though on our farm we have some pretty gnarle hillclimbs, I just would have thought they would include the cover for the top of the bar that covers the hole left where the winch would normally go, my preference would be for the same mesh that is used on the front of the bar ( sure it would be fairly inexpensive for them) .I did pay $2000 aust for the bumper and which is $700 more than the next best bumper, I agree it is a nicer bumper though, but I would think it is just a matter of customer service to provide a bar that 100% caters for your needs, as opposed to me having to make this part myself......soooo if anyone knows the specs on the mesh let me know.

 

Call or email AEV about the specs of the mesh, they might be able to actually hook you up with some. Those guys are great. I sent an email asking a simple question about an order I am going to place and received a very nice and very detailed email response.

 

I'm about to install mine but really would like to wait a few weeks to buy the winch........is the hole large enough to install the winch later without taking the bumper off?? If not, I need to plan to buy a winch soon then. Thanks in advance for the help.