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My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:06 pm
by Ljbyrne98
First post like this here so please be nice
Anyway I just wanted to share my new lightbar, I haven't seen any mounted like this before so I thought I'd post it up here.
Here are the pics:
The mesh doesn't affect the light at all and the only "problem" I had was I needed to move the number plate up a few centimetres as it cut off the top of the lightbar.
I tested it on the black spur at 4am and I couldn't be happier, it was like driving at day. And for anyone who is interested it is a 560mm 120w light bar.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:16 pm
by Lancer1993
Thanks for the post, I've been considering something like this, nice clean stealth look, good job. Now wondering if I can mount my 110mm round spots behind there? Only issue I can see is it they need adjusting its not a quick road side fix.
How is it mounted?
560mm so thats about 22" single row, how tall is it?
Also get a slim line number plate, check with your states DMV and they will give you some prices.
Mine was about $160 and is just 100mm tall so comes to the top of the bottom grill.
You could leave the grill off for that not so subtle look, but I guess this it on its less prone to damage from stones and stuff?
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:18 pm
by keats1379
could you possibly show a picture of the bracket with how you mounted the bar?
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:24 pm
by Ljbyrne98
I'm not too sure on the height of if but I measured as twin row that was 75mm so I assume it's probably 60-65mm. I'm not too sure if the spots would fit but if they did its not too hard to adjust. There's 5 clips under the front of the car, just take those out and adjust from the bottom. It's mounted on a stainless L bracket. It one one of those number plate light mounts and I just cut the bar off of it. The number plate fits pretty much exactly between the two mesh parts. And I wasn't a fan of leaving the grille out but that's just personal preference. I like to keep things hidden, basically a sleeper in terms of light.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:27 pm
by Ljbyrne98
This is what I used to mount it, I just cut the bar off the front and mounted it backwards. It's just bolted between here the bumper connects to the subframe.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:48 pm
by lancerdarryl
Good job
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 2:15 pm
by Lancer1993
Thats a smart idea, I would have just got some cheap alloy angle and cut it to size, I know those bars can be expensive in stores, some $60 at SCA compared with $20 on eBay. Not sure how much to pick up something similar at a metal works as scrap. I'm sure I could rig up something.
What switch did you use on the dash?
As for the light bar
BCF has a 21.5" bar for $75 until Dec 24.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 2:49 pm
by Ljbyrne98
I had a spare one at home that had been sitting under the bench for ages, I used it because it was stainless but also because all the other steel I had wasn't long enough (i couldn't mount the bar far enough back so I couldn't fit the grille back on). Any L brackets would work though, as long as they're strong enough. The stainless had the added benefit of being a single piece so it was a lot stronger than two skinny L brackets.
And as for the switch...
I spliced it directly into the high beams. I didn't want to ruin my mint interior by drilling holes in the dash and I didn't want to go buy some buttons of ebay that would fit in my unused slots where the asc button is. Apparently that's now legal in Victoria, it never used to be but I've heard they recently changed it so it is. Which I totally knew before I did it...
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:02 pm
by Ljbyrne98
And as for the light bar I used, I don't think it's sold any more but it was a top quality one. The one you linked had a polycarbonate lens and was ~7400 lumen. The one I used was a glass lenses, about ~8400 lumens and completely waterproof. I'd be too scared to put one that low to the ground if it wasn't waterproof. Considering I'm the first one to hit the puddles of water when cruising around with my mates (who all have awd or 4wd)
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 5:15 pm
by Lancer1993
You don't need to drill holes in the dash, I'd just get a switch, move the ASC switch (on the dash) to the right/left and put the switch on the other side, less chance of hitting the wrong one. I got a 3rd party switch on eBay for about $25 for my front camera on/off and it works just fine.
This is near the gear change, its the 'Zombie Lights' one LOL next to my extra USB power ports.
What's legal? The blank spaces are there to be used, either from the factory with other things like parking assist.
I would say they are all weather proof for rain and splashes, but not to be submerged, which is unlikely on a car even that low.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 7:21 pm
by Lancer1993
Also my only concern is how it could affect the cooling, then again if you have a turbo you have a dirty big intercooler sitting there!
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 7:57 pm
by Ljbyrne98
I considered it but I didn't want to wait for the switch to arrive. I also still have warranty on my car and didn't want to void it by playing with those sorts of electricals, they'll void it whenever possible these day's. I had my custom muffler made up so I can easily change it back for my warranty required service's.
And wiring additional lights directions into the high beams is now legal, you no longer need to have a separate switch for it. They changed the laws this year I believe.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:58 pm
by Lancer1993
My car was used when I got it, but covered for an extended warranty where I have them do the service (long story) I got a new exhaust end and a few other things with no issue including a new ASX color instrument cluster with no issues. I actually checked with them first. I'm sure if its legal the muffler is no issue. As are driving lights if fitted correctly. I'd just check with them first and maybe get something in writing.
Apart from the lights I also will be getting a USB lead hard wired in the front and back to make the dash cam installs cleaner.
But its you call.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:08 pm
by Ljbyrne98
I have the exact same warranty by the sounds of it. I just felt it would be safer to swap it back for the service. I enjoy playing around with the car anyway. I got a few more things I might do but nothing major.
Re: My new lightbar
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 7:09 pm
by bumblebee
Ljbyrne98 wrote:
And wiring additional lights directions into the high beams is now legal, you no longer need to have a separate switch for it. They changed the laws this year I believe.
You might like to double check this for sure at your state level cos i know that this isnt the case for Qld