No real "brute force " required...!!

Once the cuts were decided on , its a pretty simple cut and weld project with just a little fabbing to do for the mounting plates.

The trick is to make up the mounting plates and bolt them to the chassis FIRST...

...then tack weld the guard to the brackets.
This makes alignment real easy.

Then its really a matter of finish welding all the bits ,tidying up the welds and getting it Powder Coated ( I'll be doing this soon...been too busy as yet!)

Its true though ...the "stock" ML320 Brush guard isnt cheap..I was lucky to swipe my wifes!
She was happy to lose the extra pounds , given So.Cal gas prices !

Its probably about a $650 - $850 modification for a finished guard ,depending on how much work you do yourself.

Guard Plus Powder coating is about $650...and I bet any welding shop would do the sectioning and mount plates for $200 ish.

Not bad IMO ,considering the cost of the only other alternative thats out there .

I'd do it again even if I had to buy a new guard...I love the unique look.

Kind of like "Mad Max" meets Tonka Toy!

atb

jo