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Lights in the grille or replace the fog lights?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by iroc409, Oct 25, 2011.

  1. Oct 25, 2011 at 5:04 PM
    #1
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am installing some custom projector lights for auxiliary lighting in my Taco, and trying to decide where to put them. One thought is to make some cutouts and mount them in the grille. The other thought is to replace the factory fog lights.

    If I mount them in the grille, it will probably take a little more bracket work than down below. It will obviously take some fabrication and cutting, which I'm a little worried that it may not "stick" (I don't know how long epoxy and stuff would hold together out in the open, or if I can find suitable plastic to match). It would be cheaper to replace a grille (or buy one to try out) than a new bumper cover. The lights may also be a little more effective in normal conditions being up higher, but will of course need more downward aim to use in traffic.

    I am not completely sure yet, but mounting in the bumper may require cutting out part of the fog light area. That makes me a little nervous because the bumper cover is kind of an expensive part. It is maybe possible that they can fit without, but I don't think so. I haven't looked in a while to see. They can't fit in the fog light area in front of the fog light mounts.

    I do like the idea of them in the fog light area, as I think they would be more useful in bad weather. They would also not "stick out", and look more OEM.

    What do you think?
     
  2. Oct 26, 2011 at 11:29 PM
    #2
    laemmons

    laemmons Active Member

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    I did driving lights behind a billet grille. I know if you put HIDs in the fog light area they are insanely bright. But you could also spend a little more and get an LED light bar. They are super bright and will outlast your truck!
     
  3. Oct 27, 2011 at 10:33 AM
    #3
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't want them behind a mesh or bars though, because I've seen pictures of the output and that would annoy me I think (and reduce the output). So, basically I'd have to make little cutouts for the lights. They are not overly large, but it still would probably be a pain.
     
  4. Oct 27, 2011 at 10:38 AM
    #4
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OK, having some trouble with the forum at the moment, not sure what is going on. Anyway, these (http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=4924) are what I am mounting. I was going to go with one low beam and one high beam HID module to replace the fog lights, but the cost ended up being more than I can do right now. So, I am hoping these will work. Maybe eventually I will upgrade to HID units.
     
  5. Oct 27, 2011 at 10:40 AM
    #5
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I think you should retrofit a set of stock fog lights with projectors.

    Check out a product called the Blazer from theretrofitsource.com.

    Also, search 'blazer' and you'll find a write-up from someone who has already done this. The light output is great and it looks very unique.
     
  6. Oct 27, 2011 at 11:37 AM
    #6
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've looked at those, and think they are neat, but I don't think they are the light pattern I am looking for. I could be wrong, but I haven't seen any down-road pictures--only against walls and stuff.
     
  7. Oct 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM
    #7
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    What light pattern are you looking for? Those blazers will be a wide pattern with a clean cut off. They'll be very effective in foul weather and probably make your low beams obsolete. If you want something that projects further down the road, more of a pencil beam, then I'd suggest you mount them up higher and make them so they come on with your high beams only.
     
  8. Oct 27, 2011 at 11:43 AM
    #8
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am looking for a little of both. Wider pattern for backroads, length for long highway stretches. Which is why I was looking at the HID modules instead, as they are more fitting, but too pricey ($600-700 for single units, $1100 for bi-xenon). These modules are bi-halogen, so they will be both low beam and high beam. I am going to look over the truck some more, but I'll probably try to mount them higher. I guess I just need to get out there and try it, and hope I don't wreck too much in the process LOL.
     
  9. Oct 27, 2011 at 11:52 AM
    #9
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Are you set on HID or are you considering halogen also? PIAA makes an all terrain pattern with is a mixture of a fog pattern and a driving pattern. They also make a dual beam light that has a 'low beam and high beam' built into one light.

    Have you considered a projector retrofit of your headlights instead? You'll get a great overall lighting upgrade and would be cheaper than the options your considering.
     
  10. Oct 27, 2011 at 12:48 PM
    #10
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The lights I linked to I have had sitting on the shelf for a while now. They are H9 halogen units, so HID isn't mandatory.

    I've thought about a retrofit, but am a little worried about the longevity of glued-together stuff (which is why I'm hesitant to make a custom grille).

    At this point, I'd like to try these out before I buy anything else.
     
  11. Oct 27, 2011 at 12:55 PM
    #11
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I missed that link, sorry! Are those projectors self contained?
     
  12. Oct 27, 2011 at 1:32 PM
    #12
    iroc409

    iroc409 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, all of the 90mm units are sealed. They also have 50mm, 60mm, and 120mm units. The 90mm's have the most styles though.

    I guess I need to make a trip to Lowe's or something, but have any ideas on what kind of material I could use to make a trim ring into the grille?
     
  13. Oct 28, 2011 at 6:44 AM
    #13
    laemmons

    laemmons Active Member

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    Seriously, I've taken the grille out to adjust them and I can't see any difference in the brightness with the grille in or out.
     
  14. Apr 12, 2012 at 11:26 AM
    #14
    socalenduro

    socalenduro Member

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    why doesnt anyone make something like these for our trucks...
    i see time and time again people looking for something like this.
    anyone here really good with fiberglass?

    512B62m9d9iL__SS400__1d5d52b28b261061f331083f334ef456055d1a3b.jpg
     
  15. Apr 12, 2012 at 11:33 AM
    #15
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Someone around where I live cut up their stock grille and fit lights in them. It can be done and you wouldn't need to be overly great with fiberglass to pull it off either.
     

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