Lights behind grille
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: South suburb of Chicago
Lights behind grille
I was just wondering if anyone has mounted lights behind their grilles. I have a 2001 F150 2x4 and I was wondering if it was possible, and what it would look like in the end.
Anyone have any pics?
Thanks
James
Anyone have any pics?
Thanks
James
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Chicago Area
I have not done that, but since no one has replied, I will say that it certainly is possible. There is a small chance that the lights could restrict air flow to the radiator and air conditioning. Might be a problem depending on where you are driving and what load you are hauling. A support bracket would have to be fabricated; might be tricky. You might have to find fairly thin lights which might not have a long range beam (if that's what you're looking for). The biggest potential problem is the difficulty in adjusting and cleaning the lights after the grill is put back in.
Most people who feel the need for extra lighting, are satisfied with a bumper, valence, or brush guard mount.
Most people who feel the need for extra lighting, are satisfied with a bumper, valence, or brush guard mount.
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Just bear in mind that if you use high-wattage lights, they will throw off heat as well as light. Not that big a deal when you are driving and bathing the lights with airflow, but if the truck is at a standstill, and the lights are on, you'll be giving the grille some BTU's. Might be a grill-melter if the lights are too close to the plastic grill mesh.
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From: central TX
I've got my driving lights mounted behind the grill. I put them hanging down from the top. There is a piece of plastic (nice and thick, won't flex/plenty sturdy) you can see if you take off the cover.
If your mounting driving light this is a great way to do it, you want them mounted a little higher (check local laws, it's usually ~42" max height, anything higher than that is an "off-road" light) so that you can aim them slightly down and still get the distance. Probably not the best spot for fog lights though IMO. They shine wider and the grill can hinder this (driving lights go long and narrow, so it's not as big of a deal), you also want them mounted lower to get under the fog (you can only mount them so high by law also, 2 ft. being the highest most places)
I doubt airflow would be a problem if you don't go to big. I cant see a couple medium sized lights block any more air than a brush guard would. If they're driving lights you'll probably be moving fast enough that the addt'l heat is near non-existant. If a Texas summer didn't do me in, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Edit here's the Il motor vehicle code (Driving up there sometime in Feb. so I thought I'd look it up) read sec. 12-207 & 210: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs...ehicle+Code%2E
If your mounting driving light this is a great way to do it, you want them mounted a little higher (check local laws, it's usually ~42" max height, anything higher than that is an "off-road" light) so that you can aim them slightly down and still get the distance. Probably not the best spot for fog lights though IMO. They shine wider and the grill can hinder this (driving lights go long and narrow, so it's not as big of a deal), you also want them mounted lower to get under the fog (you can only mount them so high by law also, 2 ft. being the highest most places)
I doubt airflow would be a problem if you don't go to big. I cant see a couple medium sized lights block any more air than a brush guard would. If they're driving lights you'll probably be moving fast enough that the addt'l heat is near non-existant. If a Texas summer didn't do me in, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Edit here's the Il motor vehicle code (Driving up there sometime in Feb. so I thought I'd look it up) read sec. 12-207 & 210: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs...ehicle+Code%2E
Last edited by tdister; Dec 5, 2005 at 07:20 PM.
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Rub my Belly
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,093
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From: Lawrence, KS
I have 2 - 6 inch 150 Watt KC Daylighters behind my grill. Had the Honey comb grill before the Billet with no problems. I used some angle iron and mounted them to the radiator support. IMO I believe that is the sturdiest place to mount them but some have had good luck mounting them to the plastic header panel. Had to take the grill surround and header panel out to mount them but it was well worth the effort.
