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Hidden Lightbar Worth It?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by OuchIDied, Apr 10, 2020.

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  1. Apr 10, 2020 at 7:28 AM
    #1
    OuchIDied

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    OuchIDied [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm going a little stir crazy and need a project. Wanted to do a hidden lightbar behind that grill on my 3rd Gen.

    Originally I was going to go the roofrack lightbar combo, but I'll personally never have a reason for a roof rack and I can't suffer any MPG loss (100 miles a day back and forth to work).

    I'd be going with the KC 30" bar, and probably use their amber covers on 2/3rds of it. Mostly interested in the offroad heavy snow scenarios I find myself in every year in PA.

    Main concerns are light output being behind the grill, not being able to aim downwards enough, and how douchey I'd be for having it.
     
    OuchIDied, Apr 10, 2020
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  2. Apr 10, 2020 at 7:36 AM
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    Bags4x4Taco

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    Bags4x4Taco Well-Known Member

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    I did the hidden light bar from Caliraised. It was very bright and saved my radiator when chunks of ice took out my whole front end. Grill did not effect light much.

    85C0CFC7-CD4D-4F87-80E1-CAF41CCD8980.jpg
     
    Bags4x4Taco, Apr 10, 2020
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    OuchIDied[OP] likes this.
  3. Apr 10, 2020 at 7:37 AM
    #3
    Tacospike

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    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

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    Light output is still really good. Being behind the grill you will have some minor interference where the grill stops some light but still not that much at all.
     
    Tacospike, Apr 10, 2020
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  4. Apr 10, 2020 at 7:47 AM
    #4
    OuchIDied

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    OuchIDied [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Very nice. I'll look up videos for the install...

    I'm an absolute wiring noob when it comes to automotive. I imagine it isn't hard? Any major drilling, splicing, etc? I'll probably get an OEM looking switch from Cali or whomever.
     
    OuchIDied, Apr 10, 2020
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  5. Apr 11, 2020 at 8:27 PM
    #5
    uncle ed

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    uncle ed Well-Known Member

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    Check out SDHQ mounts for behind the grill
    I run this with a 30 inch bar and pods
    Minimal interference from the grill
    Clean look
    Many threads here to help you make a choice and then wire
     
    uncle ed, Apr 11, 2020
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  6. Apr 11, 2020 at 11:43 PM
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    Apollo14

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    I think CaliRaised has the best bumper bar application.

    Here is mine with the CaliRaised bumper bar and ditch lights in a pitch black back mountain road in Colorado near Aspen:

    Headlights:
    IMG_3400.jpg

    "Burn Ya Bastard" and "Roo Lights" switches activated:
    IMG_3399.jpg
     
    Apollo14, Apr 11, 2020
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  7. Apr 11, 2020 at 11:59 PM
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    grubburg

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    grubburg Well-Known Member

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    20191129_183956_HDR.jpg

    Like my kc c series. 16k lumens.
     
    grubburg, Apr 11, 2020
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  8. Apr 12, 2020 at 7:47 AM
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    OuchIDied

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    OuchIDied [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How much cutting of the inner wind deflectors on each side of the radiator were needed? I hate cutting or removing parts entirely. Didn't know if there was a way to bypass that step.

    How easily accessible is the front of the light after? I might need to snap on covers before inspection.
     
    OuchIDied, Apr 12, 2020
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  9. Apr 12, 2020 at 7:56 AM
    #9
    Shveet

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    Shveet joe-shmo

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    Shveet, Apr 12, 2020
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  10. Apr 12, 2020 at 8:06 AM
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    Apollo14

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    just take them out. They are just held in with plastic Christmas tree fasteners. You can keep them if you want. There is no way to bypass that step as they are in the way of the light bar.

    Also, you can trim the plastic in front of the bar if you want. Though I still prefer the stealthy look with trim in place. However, I must admit that cleaning the front lens is a bit of a PITA with the trim blocking my fingers and rags when trying to wipe it down. I’m sure they maybe a tool someone could jimmy up to help cleaning behind there though.
     
    Apollo14, Apr 12, 2020
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  11. Apr 12, 2020 at 8:33 AM
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    Shveet

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    Shveet joe-shmo

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    I cut mine something like this, i don't have a 100% photo of the offcut, but i recall following something along this line. just double check before hand;
    upload_2020-4-12_11-33-27.jpg
    this is how it looks when it's mounted;
    IMG_20200412_113049.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2020
    Shveet, Apr 12, 2020
    #11
  12. Apr 12, 2020 at 12:17 PM
    #12
    OuchIDied

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    OuchIDied [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I appreciate the responses. I'm going to go forward with the install. Thanks everyone. I'll post pictures when done.
     
    OuchIDied, Apr 12, 2020
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  13. Apr 12, 2020 at 2:29 PM
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    Apollo14

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    Don’t forget the switches!
    :thumbsup:

    29DEE0A6-EB3A-4648-BED8-18E72D3D29CC.jpg
     
    Apollo14, Apr 12, 2020
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  14. Apr 13, 2020 at 9:32 AM
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    CaliRaisedLed

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    CaliRaisedLed Well-Known Member Vendor

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    CaliRaisedLed, Apr 13, 2020
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  15. Apr 18, 2020 at 10:05 AM
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    RushT

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    RushT Amateur Everythingist

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    Check out diode dynamics. They also have a 30” light bar and mount kit for the Taco.
     
    RushT, Apr 18, 2020
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  16. Apr 18, 2020 at 10:08 AM
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    Apollo14

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    Buy nice or buy twice...just sayin’



     
    Apollo14, Apr 18, 2020
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  17. Apr 18, 2020 at 10:33 AM
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    RushT

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    RushT Amateur Everythingist

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    RushT, Apr 18, 2020
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  18. Apr 23, 2020 at 7:44 AM
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    asalaun62

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    asalaun62 Active Member

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    Which switch panel is that up top? Looks similar to CaliRaised but not exact? Or is it?
     
    asalaun62, Apr 23, 2020
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  19. Apr 23, 2020 at 9:14 AM
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    Apollo14

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    yes. It’s the CaliRaised one. The cubby is just stuck in the back with four screws.
    I did note that when you out the switches in, they felt very “loose” in the spaces; meaning they had a bit of side-to-side movement. But when you put the panel back into the dash, they snug up.
     
    Apollo14, Apr 23, 2020
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  20. Apr 23, 2020 at 9:31 AM
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    asalaun62

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    asalaun62 Active Member

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    Thanks for the info. I’m new to the Tacoma scene so I am sorry if this has been asked, but that panel just fits the toyota style push switches, not your average large rocker switch? Like one of these guys

    9948354C-B648-44C8-879F-2A1E97704341.jpg
     
    asalaun62, Apr 23, 2020
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