How To: Light bar in lower grille (03-05)

So I've seen this done tons of times and a few different variations of mounting, including a pre fab mount that some guy on t4r is selling. heres how I did it without fabricating anything and only drilling 4 holes.

step 1: buy stuff
Auxbeam 32" 180w
https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-1800...TF8&qid=1469406506&sr=8-1&keywords=auxbeam+32
Universal Harness
https://www.amazon.com/Mictuning-Un..._SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=K59JRWVRGM7HGHKNNPJM

I then went down to the local hardware store and bought two L brackets, and 4 self tapping screws. Once I piled my parts together I took some measurements.

The first thing I did was make sure that with the bracket connected to the lights mounts it would sit flush with the front of the bumper. Once I knew that it would and that I could start.

Step 1: Cutting. I used a jigsaw with a metal blade to cut out the lower grille. it went through it like a hot knife through butter, and I used a file to smooth out everything and make it look nice
Step 2: I place the light bar where I wanted it height wise and marked my L brackets so I knew where to drill holes, then I mounted the lights mounts to the L brackets
Step 3: With the light and L brackets together, I slid it into the spot where I wanted it to sit (flush and centered in the grille), then marked holes to drill
Step 4: For this part, I took the bumper cover off so it was easier to drill and mount the light.
Step 5:I drilled pilot holes for my self tapping screws to go in, then had someone hold the light and mounts while I put in the self tapping screws, securing everything
Step 6: Once tightened, I put the bumper cover back on to make sure it was where I wanted it to be.
Step 7: Wiring!
Step 8: Enjoy your light!

Mounts on the frame rails (which are exactly 32" apart)


Better shot of where the L bracket mounts to the light



Finished Product

 

Didn't think about mounting it like that. Nice, clean and simple

 

I love this. It's so clean. Do you think you would be able to mount it behind the grille? What would that look like on the back end?

 

you definitely can, i moved it forward so it would be flush, but people have mounted it behind the grill. its really easy and theres a lot of space

 

I just bought two 6" LED bars and mounted them behind the bottom grille. It looks great and is pretty low-profile.

 

Here are the lights on a solid blue and white setting. The grille filters the light so it's the brightest head on. I can use multiple colors and modes, which can be controlled from my phone. Here's a link to the lights I bought for this. https://www.autozone.com/exterior-l...ype-s-6-in-smart-running-light-kit/247559_0_0