Different take on a Pro grille light bar install

So number 1: I had zero interest in taking this entire bumper assembly off again.
Number 2: I didn't want to have to modify the grille in any way in case the OEM light finally becomes available or a better aftermarket option comes along. So this basically sits right behind the grille, filling that space as I wanted. It doesn't poke through at all.





This thing is effing BRIGHTTT. Even during the day it blinds you.

I got easy access to behind the grille by simply removing the top 3 grille shutter bolts, loosening the bottom 3, then zip tying it back out of my way.



Next thing was figuring out how the hell I was going to mount it while keeping in mind that I didn't want to cut, drill, etc into the grille itself. Aha - how about using the big front end clips on top as hangers with all thread rod? These bolts simply go down to the light bar itself, which handily enough came with 2 mounting methods: the ends like any light bar would, as well as some that can swivel and adjust in the rear of the light bar. Note: I painted the all thread rod flat black. Just so the bare stainless didn't stick out since it could be seen from certain angles though the TOYOTA letters.



The harness I bought was very nice, however, they were stingy as hell with the length. I was forced to route the wires for the switch along the dotted line. Thoughts? It doesn't seem like this area gets particularly hot and there's no moving components to worry about there so I don't think it will be an issue.




Overall, I'm super happy with how it came out. I know a lot of people are sort of in the same boat as me. Maybe this will help others out with another mounting idea that IMO is considerably easier than removing the bumper and modifying the grille.

This is the bar and harness I went with:
https://www.nilight.com/products/ni...-truck-suv-atv-utv-boat-jeep-5-years-warranty

https://www.nilight.com/products/nilight-16awg-wiring-harness-kit-12v-2-leads-2-years-warranty

 

Love it! Great idea for mounting the light bar as well. Kept it simple and effective. Could probably swap out the switch for more of an OEM style that matches the cluster lower left of the steering wheel.

 

Thanks!
Yeah eventually I’ll probably change it. For now it does the job though.

 

@brucega7x were you able to bolt the grill shutter back in its original location after the light bar install?

 

Yep. There’s plenty of space there for the light bar to not interfere with anything.

 

Can you show pictures of how the button looks inside the cab?

 

So did you use the rear/swivel mounts to connect to? Don't have my tundra yet so tough to make sense of the pics. Also from the front pic it looks like a 24" or so light bar would be optimal to fill in the grill side gaps, would that work or is there obstructions where the 20" is essentially the limit? great write up thanks!

 

Went for a longer harness and uograded from 20" to 21.5". Ill post my build when it arrives.

 

Yes, the ones the mount underneath/rear and swivel.
You could go wider with no issues. I didn’t pay enough attention to how they measure these.

 

Nice! Can’t wait to see pics.

 

Its perfectly fits into the slot! Wow

 

Question on how you routed the wiring. Battery is on passenger side. Dont believe its long enough to run the switch on drivers side

 

Post links to the bar and harness please!

 

It is long enough. I had to run along the fire wall. And you will need EVERY BIT (and I mean EVERY damn bit lol) of slack you can get to reach into the cab and to somewhere reasonable. It’s a nice wiring harness but seriously, another foot of damn wire would have helped tremendously.

 

Can’t wait to see more photos of the install!

 

They are bright. Just don't be that guy that drive around with it on cause you are too cool. There is a clown around here with a Raptor that just cruises around during the day with a full light bar and 4 LED pods on and even mid day its obnoxious.

I actually found my light bar I had was not great for street use. I live in rural Utah, so lots of very empty stretchs of dark road with lots of deer, and I found the light bar caused too much glare off of any road signs and even off just the reflective paint they use for the lines on the road. It would kill my night vision and make things worse.

I really only use it when offroad.

 

Pics of how you ended up mounting it?

 

https://www.nilight.com/products/wi...er-relay-blade-fuse-1-lead-2-years-warranty-1


https://www.nilight.com/products/ni...-truck-suv-atv-utv-boat-jeep-5-years-warranty

 

It took a little engineering to make it work. You have to install c-clamps to absoultely secure it. Meaning hitting up trails without worrying its gonna fall out from vibrations.
Side note i had to fabricate my own c-clamp for immediate install. I will look online for a better solution

 

Rough draft but mold to the exact LED light size then cut/fabricate. Drill hole then screw on to grill. (Use 1/2 screws to avoid screws from drilling to other side)

 

I wanted to update and say that the way I mounted is not a go for long term use.

Sadly, I'm seeing a tiny crack developing in the plastic from where I drilled and hung the light with the all thread. Apparently the little bit of shaking/wobble the light is allowed to do has been enough to cause a crack to develop.
Hopefully it hangs on long enough for someone to come out with another mounting method.

 

You need amber light, way less reflective and better in snow, fog, rain, dust, etc

 

Where did you mount to? The grille itself?