2012+ Grillcraft Install with Custom Stealth LightBar

So I've wanted to change the look of my '13 for a while and was hesitant to get too aggressive with a truck that's so new but ultimately I caved in with some front end mods.

I'd already done the BHLM and wanted some additional lighting and a better grille option.
I went with a grillcraft and then made a cheap, easy light bar that mounts behind the grille and mounted hella 700ffs on it.

I'll share the project for those considering the same.

Before:


BHLM only:
[/URL

Removed the grille, taped off painted area and laid the Grillcraft over the stock grille to see where the mounting studs end up:



Marked out where to cut:


Cut out the stock grille (leaving 1/4" on the left and right edges) with a rotozip bit in a dremel. After these rough cuts I used a small grinding wheel and then a flapper wheel to smooth my cuts. I then drilled the holes for the studs on the new grille. The instructions that came with the grille were excellent and available on their site for those with questions about this part. It's very very very easy.


Grille installed. The emblem is a RAv4 door emblem:


This is an example of how I wanted the final product to look. This is mocked up with some old hella 500s off another truck. They're too small in my opinion:


I set about coming up with a mount for the lights. I relocated the horn down below the grille to make some room. I used some angle iron strut to make mounting tabs. I drilled into the stock bumper support next to the headlight on both sides. I then braced that with a center piece that's parallel to the bumper cover. The center piece bolts to each of my tabs and then across the center outdoor air temp support bracket. I bolted it there as well. This gave me numerous mounting options for the lights and I chose my ideal positioning:



When the weather is above freezing ill paint this bracket. Also note that i know how to drive stick. No tranny cooler to deal with. If you have a tranny cooler you can do this but it does make the front cavity a bit tighter.

Final test fit:



Lights on:



I've since remounted the emblem so it's straight.
Now off to do the BHLM on BlueOx's Taco.

 

I should ad that I did the grille inside and the rest outside in 33 degree weather and snow. In other words it goes quick.

Precious vehicles are resting in garage and are afraid of the snow. I really only play with the taco over the winter because I'm usually busy with other car projects in the spring, summer and fall.

 

Rear bumper was a previous mod. I wanted the front of the truck to match the rear (slight deviation from stock, a little functionality too)
[/URL

 

Nice job. Looks Hella good.

On the rear did you make a place to put your tags? Hard to see.

 

It came with a spot but based on mounting the lights I moved the plate and drilled some holes.
And thanks!

 

What kind of bumper? Can you still use factory tow package?

 

Body armor and yes, factory hitch stays.