1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Behind the grille light bar, anyone done it?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by divinguy, Jun 5, 2020.

  1. Jun 5, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    #1
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    Hello all!
    I'm going to put in a light bar behind my grille, and am wondering who has done it.

    If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
    Did you encounter any interesting situations or troubles?

    I'm planning on going with the Cali Raised LED, Hidden Grill brackets.
     
  2. Jun 5, 2020 at 3:25 PM
    #2
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
    I LOVE my Cali Raised hidden brackets. When I installed my Pro grille, I did have to trim the four mounting points at the top of the grille a little, but it was easy. No issues with engine running hotter due to the LED bars blocking most incoming air flow. Actually offers radiator protection. I did NOT go with the Cali Raised LED curved bars that you can buy with the hidden brackets because I am a cheap bastard :rofl: The curved LED bars I bought from Amazon are just fine; been on about a year and no condensation issues. I hope this helps you.
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
    divinguy[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 5, 2020 at 3:26 PM
    #3
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    Ohhhh, that looks real nice!
    Is that a SDHQ, or maybe an SSO winch?
     
  4. Jun 5, 2020 at 3:28 PM
    #4
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    So, I'm going to be doing it myself, in the Cali Raised install video, they took out the moulding along the side of radiator, I haven't actually had a chance to look at the lay out, but did you do that, too?
     
  5. Jun 5, 2020 at 3:28 PM
    #5
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
    SDHQ. Love the SDHQ hidden winch mount. Paired with a Warn EVO 10K.
     
    divinguy[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Jun 5, 2020 at 3:29 PM
    #6
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
    If you're talking about those two side flaps by the radiator ends, yes, I removed them.
     
    divinguy[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  7. Jun 5, 2020 at 3:31 PM
    #7
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    That is awesome on the SDHQ. I'm actually having mine put on today, about to go pick it up, even.
    How long is the light bar in your bumper?
     
  8. Jun 5, 2020 at 4:21 PM
    #8
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
  9. Jun 5, 2020 at 4:56 PM
    #9
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    20200605_170255.jpg Install looks good. Very pleased.
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
    Berdine likes this.
  10. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:04 PM
    #10
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
    Make sure your gaps look good between the top of the bumper, and the panel in between the top of the bumper and the headlight housing. The gaps can be a pain when reinstalling the bumper. Took me like 45 minutes to get the bumper realigned well.
     
    divinguy[OP] likes this.
  11. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:13 PM
    #11
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
    Oh I see, that’s the Warn semi-hidden mount from SDHQ. I was thinking about that one, but liked the fully hidden one SDHQ makes a little more, and it was about $250 cheaper than the Warn mount. Looks awesome, gaps look great, congrats!!
     
    divinguy[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  12. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:22 PM
    #12
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    I like yours too, I debated for almost a full year between the two SDHQs and the SSO.
    But, the bull bar tipped me to the semi, as opposed to the full.
    Yours is a really nice clean look. I actually thought the semi hidden would be a bit more discreet, but I'm very happy with it.
     
  13. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:24 PM
    #13
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    Now I just have to be patient and wait for the Cali Raised brackets.
    Do you know if the flaps you took out serve any practical purpose?
     
  14. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:38 PM
    #14
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    I have a 42" Arsenal behind the grille and I had a 32 in bumper until the bottom row went out in it. I put a Nilight in and will never buy another. I about to pull the Nilight and throw it in the trash can. The 42" Arsenal has been fine

    WP_20180127_12_53_18_Pro.jpg
     
    divinguy[OP] likes this.
  15. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:41 PM
    #15
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    How did you mount the Arsenal?
    Did you do it yourself or have it done?

    I got a quite for having it done, and it was over 1k with a Rigid bar.
    They're really nice, but it would literally get used once or twice a month, at most.
     
  16. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:50 PM
    #16
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu The White and Black Goat of the Woods

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2018
    Member:
    #17251
    Messages:
    1,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited CM Premium Package
    No clue. Maybe incoming air deflection, to protect the radiator, dunno.

    We like getting other people to spend money on this forum :rofl: Check out the Warn Sidewinder to replace your hook. Badass.
     
    divinguy[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  17. Jun 5, 2020 at 6:18 PM
    #17
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    Well, geez.
    That looks absolutely wonderful. Guess I'll start setting aside for it...
     
  18. Jun 5, 2020 at 6:43 PM
    #18
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    I mounted it. The one in the grille is easy once you get grille off. Mounts to support bar. You will see it when you remove grille. It probably took longer to run wire and switch. Relay is energized off my low beam fuse under the hood with add a tap. I got a switch to fit blank left of the steering wheel. I illuminated off the switch next to it. Switch is either a CH4x4 or a MicTuning

    20200605_205520.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
    divinguy[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  19. Jun 5, 2020 at 7:08 PM
    #19
    Midmo_tundra

    Midmo_tundra New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2015
    Member:
    #1550
    Messages:
    254
    Missouri
    I have a 32” (measures ~31”) Rigid Industries Radiance plus light bar behind the Platinum grill. It’s just mounted to the support bar that goes across with the standard light bar feet. And I’m running a 32” Headlight Revolution 32” bar in the bumper with the CaliRaisedLED brackets. Really like my setup, had a difficult time figuring where I wanted to mount it with the billet Platinum grill.
    6D7F0252-BB7F-4745-BD31-5378E8342577.jpg
    E2C4722C-06D2-4A7A-B503-ED3735289572.jpg
    Also ran a 32” light bar same mounting behind the TRD Pro grill on my old 2014.
    46FE73E7-A19C-4C09-852C-D9270CF58937.jpg


    Will say, I like the CaliRaisedLED brackets. I used it on our 2014 4Runner also and it calls to remove the wind deflectors but I was able to cut slots into the deflectors and reinstall them on the 4Runner. No idea if it’s possible on the Tundras. Best photo I got on my phone, gives you an idea kind of.
    0AFB6347-FDCB-4E80-9E05-AFC6FD3DEAE5.jpg
     
  20. Jun 5, 2020 at 7:13 PM
    #20
    divinguy

    divinguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36355
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    P@t
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra CrewMax Platinum
    Bull bar w/integrated light bar. NFAB Podium Running boards Vision Fury Wheels Front window Tint Dual DVD Players Century Canopy w/integrated lock, and Thule Crossbars
    That looks great!

    I swapped out the Platinum grille for a Pro, so it has the nice gaps that the light will be able to shine through.
     
    Midmo_tundra likes this.
  21. Jun 5, 2020 at 9:22 PM
    #21
    Bigharv68

    Bigharv68 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2019
    Member:
    #26746
    Messages:
    41
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2024 Platinum
    I used the Cali Raised Brackets as well. Easy install. Wired them to a voswitch. 20200505_150212.jpg 20200505_150825.jpg 20200505_163555.jpg
     
    divinguy[OP] likes this.
  22. Jun 5, 2020 at 11:27 PM
    #22
    Tundyfundy

    Tundyfundy Petunia The Tundra, and her sidekick Colbie

    Joined:
    May 5, 2017
    Member:
    #7567
    Messages:
    2,699
    Gender:
    Male
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Magnetic Grey DC SR5 4x4 2016
    SUSPENSION: Bilstein 6112 coilover (1.9") w/ Powder Coated Springs and Spring Perch (TRD Red), JBA Upper Control Arms, Bilstein 5160's w/Billet Aluminium Reservoir Brackets, +2 Coachbuilder Shackles, Diff Drop Kit, Carrier Bearing Drop Kit, Brakeline Extensions, ABS Extension, Poly Bushings for Leafs, Coachbuilder Shims (2 Each Side), Coachbuilder Bumpstop Extensions, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Front Sway Bar, Air Lift 5000 airbags w jounce bumpers, Daystar Airbag Cradles WHEELS AND TIRES: BF Goodrich KO2's 275/70/r18, BORA wheel spacers 1.25", TRD Wheel Caps,TRD Valve Stem Caps, Spare Tire Lock PERFORMANCE: Bullydog GT Tuner(Performance Tune), TRD Intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (with Modified Exhaust Hangers for Levelling Tail Pipe),TRD Brake Pads, TRD Oil Cap (US), TRD Radiator Cap, TRD Oil Filter, Optima Yellow Top Battery,GP Battery Distribution Blocks, StopTech Slotted Cryo Treated Rotors, Goodridge G-Stop Steel Braided Brake Line Kit PROTECTION: PNP Engineering Type 4 Rock Sliders (With Full Dimple Plate) ,ADD Stealth Fighter Rear Bumper w Red/Blk Shackles and Custom Stomp Pad, TRD Skid Plate with ReadyLift Spacer Kit, Victory 4x4 LCA Skid Plates, JOMAX ABS Sensor Armor, Rear Diff Breather Mod, ARK splash guards INTERIOR: Husky Liners X-Act (Front and Full Coverage Rear and Front Weather Beater Trans Hump), Interior LED Bulbs, WheelSkins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover(EuroPerf), Clazzio Genuine Leather Seat Covers(BLK/DRK GRYwith custom stitching and embroidered headrests), Clazzio Seat Heaters (Front and Rear), Entune Startup Screen MOD, Entune Off Screen Mod, Tinted Windows with Windshield Visor, AJT Key Fobs,Eagle Claws Floor Mat Clips, Bodyglove Visor Organizer,Custom Door Cup Inserts, Glass Break Sensor,AJT Radio Knobs, Custom Dior Cup Inserts EXTERIOR: Full Debadge, LED Brake Light Bulbs, LED Rear Turns, LED Reverse, LED Plate Lights, LED Cargo Lights, LED Third Brake Lights, LED Front Marker Lights, LED Fog Light Bulbs, Lamin-X Fog Light Covers (Amber),2018 OEM LED Headlights, iHacker harness, VLED Universal Puddle Lights, VLED Interior Footwell Lighting (Front and Rear),VLED Extreme Amber Fornt Turns, NSV Knight Rider Light bar, Baja Designs Sport Squadron Pods in Rear Bumper (Driving/wide), Painted Red Tow-hooks, Bed Rail System, Blind Spot Mirrors, Hitch-safe, Tail-gate lock, EAG Raptor Grille, Custom Grille Badge,Full Vinyl Wrap (Matte Black/Matte Pine Green Mettalic), Charvonia Designs Tie Bed Tie-Downs, Bull Ring Bed Rail Anchors, Line-X, Tundra Bed Mat, Bakflip F1 Bed Cover SOUND: Noico 80Mil Sound Deadening and Noico 170 Mil Thermal Insulation (All 4 Doors, Roof, Floors, Rear Panel, Dash). Hertz Uno K170's Component Speakers (Front Doors with Upgraded Sail Panels), Hertz Uno K170 Coaxial Speakers (Rear Doors), JBL C1-075ct Tweeters (Total 4) in Side Dash and Center Speaker, JBL Stadium 5 Amp w/Remote Bass Adjustment Knob and Amp Rack, 12" Infinity Reference Subwoofer in Custom Enclosure w/ “TUNDRA” Logo, Fast Rings Foam Speaker Rings System(4 Doors), Fix 86 DSP
    I think they route the air onto the radiator as opposed to passing around it.
     
    SupraTundra and Cthulhu[QUOTED] like this.
  23. Jun 6, 2020 at 12:11 AM
    #23
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    No brackets needed on either one of my light bars tapped right into the bumper support for the bottom and the there’s a support in the grill you can screw into
    95F757DE-F299-488A-B1DB-99D740E589EC.jpg
     
  24. Jun 6, 2020 at 2:55 PM
    #24
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    That is what I did and used the ones that came with the bar. In the bumper I had to cut the top off and drill new holes.
     
  25. Jun 6, 2020 at 7:07 PM
    #25
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    Ya I did the same but didn’t cut the bracket just drilled new holes.
     
  26. Jun 7, 2020 at 6:07 AM
    #26
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    I had to cut the top off the bracket otherwise they interfered with the bar above the bumper
     
  27. Jun 7, 2020 at 12:18 PM
    #27
    AZ_Tundra1

    AZ_Tundra1 Gold member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2020
    Member:
    #47514
    Messages:
    101
    Gender:
    Male
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 White Tundra SR5
    Bilstien 6112 front shocks set at 1.9"
    What bumper light bar is that?
     
  28. Jun 7, 2020 at 2:32 PM
    #28
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    32” Eyourlife is the brand it’s about 7 years old now got it off
    eBay still works and looks awesome. No issues.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #28
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  29. Jun 21, 2020 at 9:37 PM
    #29
    French Avocado

    French Avocado Double Entundra

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45583
    Messages:
    1,382
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Utah / Wyo
    Vehicle:
    2020 Platinum MGM; 2008 Ltd TRD SRP
    Has anyone placed thin LED light bars in the middle of the 2020 Platinum grille on both sides of the Toyota badge? I do not like the blank row and think light bars would look nice. However, they would need to be really thin (about 1 1/8 inch) to fit the space.
     
  30. Aug 6, 2021 at 4:16 PM
    #30
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2018
    Member:
    #22402
    Messages:
    16,055
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    George
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra DC SR5 Barcelona
    Alot of them
    Is that the NSV in the bulge? Thinking I'm going to have to get BD S8 for mine.
     
To Top