Installing a winch on OEM RG Holden Colorado bullbar

[@cameronjordan7430]

I bought a second hand genuine bar for my MY13 Collie from a panel beater for $100 a couple of years ago, saw the holes in the rear section and thought that must be for a winch, spoke to a mate who knows a bit (lot) more than me and he confirmed it. I then bought a cheapy winch (wish I had deeper pockets at the time) and started working on it. I was able to mount it on the front of the cradle instead of the base, I cut a bigger hole in the front of the bar than you did attaching the guide to the outer of the cradle rather than the front, and I cut an access to the winch clutch through the grill rather than the rear of the cradle. It looks a bit more industrial than your work but it did the job and doesn't overly look out of place. All in all, it was great to even work out I could put one on there, I really wouldn't have thought it was possible... and I worked at a Holden dealership for two years.

[@handymatt9377]

My main gripe it that the service the winch I have to remove the entire bull bar which is rediculous. I guess it is neat as it all hidden away but access is hopeless.

[@GavPhillips-r7t]

Hi, great job, was wondering if I could add a winch and found your video, thanks, just I question in regards to the fair lead, looking at its placement it is down quite low, I know it would be difficult to know exactly where to cut the hole but were 100% happy or should it of been a little higher? Thanks again and great job fixing and installing that winch.

[@chrismoore1981]

Great Work Matt. I bought a 2nd hand colorado with a factory bullbar and I was thinking I would have to replace the whole bullbar to add a winch. Never knew about the cutout in the back. Great to know a winch can be added in the future without replacing the bar.

[@handymatt9377]

Yea, it's funny because I was in exactly the same situation...second hand bar etc. And without the cutout for the fairlead in the front you really don't know the mounting tray is in the back.

[@jonnywilliams1144]

Good work … I’ve been considering something similar

[@handymatt9377]

Yea, as I mentioned in the video I had the thing sitting in the garage for months as I was a bit wary to get a start but it was pretty straight forward in the end.

[@michaelclissold2506]

I have the 2015 version with the same problem and before I found your video I had been told but both arb and ironman that I'd have to change the entire bullbar which didn't make sense. But I was curious how did the winch go in proper use didn't have a problem pull your rig?

[@handymatt9377]

Only used it once to test it out (not full recovery situation). Pulled the rig fine up a slight incline but admittedly it was on a dry track...no sticky mud with high resistance.

[@lanekerr4991]

Hey Mate, looking at doing the same, quick question, is there a reason you didn't use the 4 holes around the cut out as they look like they would line up with the winch bolts. Thanks :)

[@handymatt9377]

They were close mate but didn't line up. Maybe a different model winch might have been a straight install.