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G550 4x4 mods to exterior

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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 11:23 AM
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G550 4x4 mods to exterior

I've asked this in the other G550 4x4 threads, but have yet to see any responses. I have a truck coming in late May/June and would like to get those top visor lights working. Anyone have any luck doing this? I'd also like to replace the ugly bumper bars with something that looks more like the truck in the following video - go to 1:00 mark. I was assuming that this was the euro style rear end, but it seems they have the bumper bars like we have in the US. I'd like an OEM skid plate, so let me where to buy.

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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 12:02 PM
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http://vikingoffroad.com/categories/...eatured&page=1

https://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/

https://www.gwagenparts.com/product-...ed-light-bars/

Expensive, but not chinese junk.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 12:02 PM
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Oh, and also this bumper:

https://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/p...ry-rear-bumper
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 12:21 PM
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Thanks. I spoke with gwagenparts.com and they have the OEM skid plate set (F and R) and 6x6 beadlocks, but have yet to figure out the visor lights - not that they can't, they just haven't had a customer ask.



Last edited by twist-a-grip; Apr 21, 2017 at 12:36 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by twist-a-grip
Thanks. I spoke with gwagenparts.com and they have the OEM skid plate set (F and R) and 6x6 beadlocks, but have yet to figure out the visor lights - not that they can't, they just haven't had a customer ask.


Problem with the Rear Skid Plate for the US Spec...the Bars are welded heavily underneath, so I think it will be extremely difficult to add the Euro Spec Skid Plate. They did this to pass CDOT to prevent the Gas Tank being punctured during a rear-end collision.

It is hard to tell with these photos, but I don't think the US Spec will have the ability to remove them:



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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by NYCBenz
Problem with the Rear Skid Plate for the US Spec...the Bars are welded heavily underneath, so I think it will be extremely difficult to add the Euro Spec Skid Plate. They did this to pass CDOT to prevent the Gas Tank being punctured during a rear-end collision.

It is hard to tell with these photos, but I don't think the US Spec will have the ability to remove them:



Hmmm. While I didn't get my creeper out to check, and I had to be supervised while looking around a sold 4x4 at a local dealer, I thought I traced the bumper bar's connecting points to just a handful (or two) of bolts and struts. You seem to be pretty knowledgeable about the G, so I don't want to disagree with you too much, but I have a hard time believing the bar is welded to the frame rather than just bolted to the OEM black skid plate. Since these suckers are $2500, I won't order one until I get my truck and completely understand that the OEM skid plate and bumper bars can be removed and replaced.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by twist-a-grip
Hmmm. While I didn't get my creeper out to check, and I had to be supervised while looking around a sold 4x4 at a local dealer, I thought I traced the bumper bar's connecting points to just a handful (or two) of bolts and struts. You seem to be pretty knowledgeable about the G, so I don't want to disagree with you too much, but I have a hard time believing the bar is welded to the frame rather than just bolted to the OEM black skid plate. Since these suckers are $2500, I won't order one until I get my truck and completely understand that the OEM skid plate and bumper bars can be removed and replaced.
Lol, I may be completely wrong, but pretty sure it is a completely different set up than the Euro Specs.

any current 4x4 owners on here who can confirm?
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 05:12 PM
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OK....so I am at the NY Auto Show (with my new Company), and I ran upstairs to the MB Stand to confirm.

First time I have actually looked underneath the bumper, and it DOES look like there are bolts that can be removed to expose the Fuel Tank, and to add the Euro Skid Plate!

Here are your photos I took especially for you : )











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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 05:28 PM
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Thanks, man!!
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Old May 15, 2017 | 03:02 AM
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In order to get the lights to work, you must drill a hole in your roof to create a hole for the wires. From there you can connect them up. The Euro spec vehicles come with a small antenna on top, which can be used to route wires inside. Unfortunately, the US version does not include that.
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Old May 15, 2017 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Biglife
In order to get the lights to work, you must drill a hole in your roof to create a hole for the wires. From there you can connect them up. The Euro spec vehicles come with a small antenna on top, which can be used to route wires inside. Unfortunately, the US version does not include that.
I have a 2011 G550 and I have the little rubber covered front antenna. I think quite a few years do in the US. You could certainly use that.
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Old May 15, 2017 | 03:55 PM
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@Caskieatl - that's the issue, the 4x4 does not come with an antenna, therefore you must drill a hole to create the opening...
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Old May 15, 2017 | 05:38 PM
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Totally not true. I got the lights to work on my car. No drilling required. I will explain in another post shortly
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Old May 15, 2017 | 05:39 PM
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Oh and the Euro Spec skid plate cannot be fitted on the US Spec car unless you buy an entire rear subframe. Difficult to make happen.
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Old May 15, 2017 | 06:25 PM
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see my new post in the forum with explanations
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Old Feb 2, 2019 | 10:46 PM
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2013 C350, 2013 GL450, 2018 G550 4x4^2


Got my euro skid plate to fit just fine. Easy peeezy.. few bolts and it’s done. And that factory black US spec plate was like over 400lbs, My vehicle said ahhhhhh thank you.
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Old Feb 2, 2019 | 10:49 PM
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Old Feb 2, 2019 | 10:57 PM
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Unbolt the rear bumper and put some chairs under it and slide it out of the way to expose the mounting behind for the plate/guard , The bumper is attached with 8 bolts, of which only four will be reused.also temporarily remove some smaller fasteners holding a portion of the fender to the bumper, just unscrew and remove and replace when attaching bumper. The bumper outer bolts will remain, The inside bolts will go away as the mounting no more after black US plate guard is gone. Unbolted the upper and lower plate bracket bolts. Pull the bracket out of the frame and remove bar, no need to jack up or even remove wheel. Plenty of room. Drop that darn heavy guard, install the new Euro spec in same fashion although I fabbed up inner mounts for the guard to mount to add strength more than just the outside two bolts mounting the plate to the vehicle. Very thing else is pretty straight forward.

Last edited by Isaac13; Feb 3, 2019 at 12:49 AM.
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Old Feb 2, 2019 | 11:02 PM
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That bolt in pic is the bolts to remove on oem black bracket. Once it’s loose pull outward and the inner piece that resides in the hole that is part of the bracket, once removed it exposes a large opening enough to pivot the bar and slide it out over the top of the tire. Swap out the brackets for the new one and put it back together. Very simple

Last edited by Isaac13; Feb 3, 2019 at 12:40 AM.
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Old Feb 2, 2019 | 11:13 PM
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Ok the bummer is paying the money to get the lower bumper brackets that attach to the guard. They only come when u purchase a set of bars. So yes they are many aftermarket look alike that come with all the parts. But some of these are China knock off aluminum and not steel plate. My setup is original OEM from Germany Mercedes parts. U can tell the difference in the hole pattern as OeM is three upper, five middle, three lower with two outer holes, I could be wrong but this is how I was able to tell the difference between original and knock off. Good luck folks

Last edited by Isaac13; Feb 3, 2019 at 01:03 AM.
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Old Feb 2, 2019 | 11:15 PM
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