Behind the grill light bar DIY project

Hello all,

I've been wanting to do this project for a while but I didn't want to spend the extra cash before attempting it myself so here go's.

I started with basic supplies that I could find at my local Home Depot. Here's the list:

(1) 1-1/2 in. x 14-Gauge x 36 in. Zinc Slotted Angle Bar $16.48
(2) 14-Gauge 6 in. x 5 in. T Straps $4.20 ea.
(5) 1/4 in. x 1 in. Stainless-Steel Hex Bolts w/ washers and nuts
(1) Can of Rustoleum Primer Spray Paint
(1) Can of Rustoleum Flat Black Spray Paint

Two Lights of your choice.

The T straps are bolted to the back of the angle bar using 4 of the hex bolts, washers and nuts in alignment with the two mounting bolts for the AC Condensor. Once in place, I drilled a hole through the center hole of the angle bar and hood release support bracket. This support bracket is what I used to keep everything center. Using the remaining Hex Bolt, washers and nut to secure the bar to the hood bracket.

Once everything looks good, remove from the Taco, and tighten all bolts using Blue Loctite. Prime, Paint and reinstall.

I used the angle bar specifically because it had holes already tapped. This allows for adjusting the desired width space between the two lights.

This is a simple project and I hope this helps anyone who might or may be thinking of attempting this themselves. Feel free to ask any questions or PM me.

Lots of pictures next:

 

Awesome job! subbed for a future mod

 

Thanks.

I've learned a lot from being a member here at TW! I wanted to give back.

One other thing I did was to round the edges of the angle bar using a dremel. Makes for a safer and cleaner appearance before painting.

 

I probably should have put this one in the "What have you done to your Taco lately" but . . .

I just finished my Billet Grill. Both the grill and the billet were purchased from Ebay. Installed up front and with the new lights changes the look completely! Oh and a new set of headlights to replace the yellowed warn ones. Turned out ok.

 

sub'd. nicely done

 

I tried this with my hella 700's and there was no way to make it work. ended up going with BAMF's behind the grill light bar. This is very do-able with a smaller light setup! There was enough slack in all the wires to hide everything after re-routing them...including the horns

 

Looks great! Did you wire to a switch, or to your existing lights?

 

Na, lights came with wiring and switch. I just used what I had.

 

sub'd

Looks good OP. Will use the same write-up but for some Hella Supertones I'm throwing in.

 

I used one $15 3' piece of 3" structural aluminum angle and had zero issues fitting my 700's. It can be done. Only thing I used was a grinder to cut the aluminum, a drill, and basic hand tools.

 

Nice project!!!

One question, is there any vibration on the lights???

Clean and easy install!!!! Congratulations!!

 

No, no vibration at all. Bracket sits nice and tight with three bolts.

 

Great write up.. I was looking for help, thanx.

 

Could it support a 20"light bar?

 

But where did you move the horns to. I know the factory are small and i put these bad boys in. Did you relocate them?

 

I went ahead and got my truck done. Thanks for the info. I mounted the horns on the rail it self. One on front and one on the back.

 

@06midnight What kind of grille is that on your truck? love the way it looks. Is that one you made yourself or just an aftermarket grill from somewhere

 

I need to buy longer 10mm bolts for the radiator support. What is the thread size I need?

My brackets are a bit thicker and the stock bolts can't grab to tighten up.



TIA

Chase