rajbertel

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-BUMPER...VXwMpN&vxp=mtr

rajbertel

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BUMPER-PROTECTOR-FOR-TOYOTA-LAND-CRUISER-98-07-CENTER-TYPE-Unpainted/111821565975?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3D6ade2a1c06f944a394857df50b8f5dc0%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D192025914329

nullrock

so i got it delivered and installed on my 2003 LX470 and it looks absolutely beautiful. But one problem, now its complicated to open the hood since it sits so close to the hood.

How do you open the hood once you have this front bumper lip installed?

Thanks mate

hankinid

No idea as to how you'd open the hood. Maybe get a paint can stirring stick?

Remember that the so-called bumper protector is designed for a Land Cruiser. Cruisers' hoods open without lifting the entire grill connected to the hood...hood release is under the hood, not under the grill.

nullrock

My bumper guard is exactly as rajbertel's. After installing the bumper guard there isnt enough room left to reach the hood latch to open it. So Raj I believe yours is an LX470 not a cruiser right?

How do you manage to reach the hood latch to open it?

hankinid

nullrock, thank you for the thank you.

OP is looking at the same issue you get with many off-road replacement bumpers for the 100 series. Tabs for mounting lights face to the rear, so the tabs interfere with shutting (the first time you've discovered an "aw-shat" moment after you've installed the bumper) the hood with attached grill. Conversely and a bit OT, it's a big help when you're doing a timing belt as there's no grill to work around.

I'm also wondering how well the bumper "guard" actually guards, if you're backed into by a 3/4 ton truck with a Ranch Hand bumper.

Steve

nullrock

The bumper guard is just a name and its for cosmetic looks, it doesnt protect against nothing

Dockof-bay

Hey nullrock,

I recently picked up a 99 LX470 and would like to do this upgrade. Two questions for you. Did you solve the opening your hood problem, and how do you mount the bumper guard. Also, would you recommend this mod?

Thanks,

Dock

The Ikon

rajbertel

I tied the latch with a thin mesh wire running behind the grill and i used to snug the wire behind the chrome grillafter closing the hood.