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Opinions needed: Light bar position in grille

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by nzbrock, Feb 19, 2024.

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Which Option Looks the Best?

  1. Option #1 - Bottom

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. Option #2 - Lower Third

    2 vote(s)
    66.7%
  3. Option #3 - Middle

    1 vote(s)
    33.3%
  4. Option #4 - Upper Third

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. Feb 19, 2024 at 1:28 PM
    #1
    nzbrock

    nzbrock [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2013
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    #94572
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    Noah
    San Marcos, TX
    Vehicle:
    99 TRD Prerunner 3RZ
    SAW 2.0 Coilovers Wheeler's 5 Leaf + 3 AAL Bilstein 5100s LCE long tube header Flowmaster Delta 50 Muffler FJ Trail Team Wheels 4Runner overhead sunglass console 4Runner leather seats All LED lights Red/Clear Tail Light Tundra Brakes HID Projector Retrofits 4Runner Auto Up/Down Windows Bullet Liner Cargo tie down system E-locker axle swap w/4.56 Gears ARE MX Cap Prinsu Toprac Custom heated turn signal/puddle light mirrors Volant Intake Tube
    I need your input!

    I am looking into installing a light bar in my satoshi grille on my 1999. I previously had 2 Hella 500s converted to 55w HID, but I didn't like how long they took to power on. I was also concerned about blocking airflow to the radiator, trans cooler, and ac condenser.

    I am not concerned about difficulty in mounting the light bar, or anything related to that. I can fabricate almost anything needed to get it positioned exactly where I want it. I would cut a slot through the sataoshi grille and add edge trim similar to what I have on the bottom edge of the grille.

    I have decided to go with a Hella Black Magic Tough Slim Curved 20" bar.
    I printed out the diagram to scale and cut out the curve profile and it almost exactly matches the grille and bumper curvature.
    Image (7).jpg
    Image (6).jpg
    Image (5).jpg

    What I need help with is deciding how high in the grille to mount the bar. This is purely an aesthetic decision. For all of these options I would remove my grille emblem. White paper templates were used to get an exact size. The light bar would obviously blend in better.

    Option #1 - bottom
    Image (1).jpg

    Option #2 - lower third
    Image (4).jpg

    Option #3 - middle
    Image (3).jpg

    Option #4 - upper third
    Image (2).jpg
     
  2. Feb 19, 2024 at 3:03 PM
    #2
    darth_bronchioles

    darth_bronchioles Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2021
    Member:
    #379008
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    207
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    Male
    California Central Coast
    Vehicle:
    1999 Supercharged Tacoma 4x4 Limited
    TRD Supercharger URD 7th injector kit K&N intake 4Runner Mirrors Fog Light Mod
    Options 1 and 2 are the most aesthetically pleasing, imo, but having it mounted 1/3 the way up would allow for the full beam without the bumper blocking any light. I have no idea which, if any, of these are the best option for airflow though.
     
  3. Feb 19, 2024 at 4:05 PM
    #3
    nzbrock

    nzbrock [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2013
    Member:
    #94572
    Messages:
    3,258
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Noah
    San Marcos, TX
    Vehicle:
    99 TRD Prerunner 3RZ
    SAW 2.0 Coilovers Wheeler's 5 Leaf + 3 AAL Bilstein 5100s LCE long tube header Flowmaster Delta 50 Muffler FJ Trail Team Wheels 4Runner overhead sunglass console 4Runner leather seats All LED lights Red/Clear Tail Light Tundra Brakes HID Projector Retrofits 4Runner Auto Up/Down Windows Bullet Liner Cargo tie down system E-locker axle swap w/4.56 Gears ARE MX Cap Prinsu Toprac Custom heated turn signal/puddle light mirrors Volant Intake Tube
    I doubt the airflow would change much between all the options. I’m also not too concerned about the lower part getting blocked by the bumper. I’ll eventually get some fog lights that would cover that area. Thanks for the input!
     
  4. Feb 20, 2024 at 2:21 PM
    #4
    Potomus Pete

    Potomus Pete Love my little truck

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Hippy
    Sarasota Florida The Great Place To Live.
    Vehicle:
    1999 Prerunner single cab. With a BO7A rear end
    All kinds 3 inch body lift/2 1/2 suspension lift. 31/11 1/2/15 tires All work done by myself for years. The only work performed by mechanic was fuel pumps. I also have a 90 Mustang 350 hp and I can never understand how come my Tacoma gets more respect Just got a 99 Jeep TJ that I rebuilt, and painted in the garage
    One or my favorite none. Grill is too nice
     
    nzbrock[OP] likes this.

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