New lighting idea

billythekid [OP] · 11-21-2012, 06:56 AM

So I wanted to get a response here and any opinions.

Idea: I've been fabing up some rear and front bumpers for friends jeeps recently and started thinking of some more lighting options. The one jeep I did had lights mounted on the hood (pic below)

My idea is to fab up some mounts that run through the cowl vents on the FJ. Mainly to mount an LED light bar of various sizes. The only problem I see is aiming of the light pattern to minimize glare on the hood. I still have to take some initial measurements, but there should be enough room to open the hood and clear the wipers.

I think I am going to start this project right after thanksgiving. I have a full machine shop at my needs, and material would be low cost. After I do some CAD drawings of the brackets I will post up some more pictures.

The plan is to take the measurements, draw up 3D and CAD drawings, and size the mounts for weight and fatigue. After this I can machine the mounts. The idea is to make it a bolt on option with minimal to no driller/modifications to any factory parts.

**Lmmmmm** · 11-21-2012, 08:15 AM

there is always interest in additional ideas on how to accomplish this.

here is the same idea by another member using a modified hood. Toyota FJ vented aftermarket hood w/ integrated RIGID light: SPECTRE

keep us apprised of your progress...as there is plenty of interest in this type of mod.

billythekid [OP] · 11-21-2012, 08:38 AM

I like that idea too. But not what i was thinking...

I want to come through the cowl vents by the windshield (see pic)

The brackets will come up through the vents to allow you to mount a LED light bar...the point of this is to make it bolt on, not to modify any factory parts

Hannibal · 11-21-2012, 09:15 AM

Without hindering wiper movement or affecting the opening of the hood itself?

How about these "A" pillar mounts or something for us roof rack-less souls?

If you've got the skills and the machines, we've got ideas all day long to throw out to you. I look forward to this thread!

Thx!!!

billythekid [OP] · 11-21-2012, 09:19 AM

That was actually my second idea, I could fab a bracket to support the panel by the a-pillar, or just have a single bracket come from the cowl vents on either side to mount lights. I just want to keep this strictly bolt on, which I am sure I can do. Im looking at maybe two options for the brackets.

1) led light bar mount across the cowl for various sizes

2) two single light mount brackets that also come from the cowl vent
- I will look into the a-pillar panel situation (where the antenna mounts)

**NestahEdition** · 11-21-2012, 09:36 AM

I made a set of light brackets to mount my Rigid dually's on the cowl panel cover (antenna base mount).

***FJNewb*** · 11-21-2012, 10:36 AM

Personally think the fake air vent at the front would be the best spot for them. Lights stick up through the cowls I have a hard time in my head imagining they'll look "clean".

**tgormtx** · 11-21-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Hannibal previously said:

Without hindering wiper movement or affecting the opening of the hood itself?

How about these "A" pillar mounts or something for us roof rack-less souls?

If you've got the skills and the machines, we've got ideas all day long to throw out to you. I look forward to this thread!

Thx!!!

I'd definitely be interested in the a-pillar mounting... or perhaps even a mount uses the forward rack slot. That way you could easily remove the mount of you installed a rack without worrying about filling drill holes in the a-pillar

FJX2000 · 11-21-2012, 11:57 PM

I think someone just needs to build so many mounts and add so many lights that it's just ridiculous. I think this guy had the right idea...

BIGGUY · 11-22-2012, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Hannibal previously said:

Without hindering wiper movement or affecting the opening of the hood itself?

How about these "A" pillar mounts or something for us roof rack-less souls?

If you've got the skills and the machines, we've got ideas all day long to throw out to you. I look forward to this thread!

Thx!!!

Somebody made a light mount for a rackless FJ. They had a bar that bolted down in the front two spots where the rack feet would normally go and then had the lights mounted to it. A rear one could be made the same way for back up/utility lights and a mount off the center ones for lights to the side also. I don't remember who it was or what thread I saw this setup in though.