That is a sweet mounting job Andreas. Looks very stable and with the inset lights it looks like a custom factory install. Kind of like what a Dakar race truck would have.
Looks like it's even easier to get at the mount to adjust the aim then when they were out front.
It will be interesting to see if the new set up makes any difference to cooling in the summer time especially running with them on on hot summer nights.

 

nice fab skillz man. looks factory.

 

The 4000s have an amazingly robust mounting system. That said, it's a bit more difficult to access the adjusters now - but it's really a one-time thing. When they're tightened down with an allen wrench, they're on - period. Probably easier to steal the entire truck versus trying to swipe the lights.
As for cooling - there are plenty of openings leading to the radiator. I just replaced it least week and was surprised by how big it is. And I've owned the truck for nearly 9 years.

Thank you. I'm just a hack with a welder.


Andreas

 

Wow, turned out quite nice - when you said you were cutting into the grill I was a bit skeptical, but they turned out wayyy better than expected. Well done.

How sturdy is that bar? Would you expect the same stability if it were to stick out a few more inches from the grill? I'm looking to put the same 4 hella lights that I had before on a light bar without modifying the grill at all

 

As long as you don't rely solely on the factory bumper for support, you'll be fine. It's simply too thin & flimsy to be the only mounting point.

I re-installed the harness today and once again enjoyed the outrageous light output that these beasts deliver. Holy cow!


Andreas

 

Hey everyone, I just joined this forum tonight for two reasons:
1) I know Andreas and took a look at this mod today. It is beautiful and so clean in person. Hell, the Hellas seem more secure than the factory lights!

2) I bought a '97 SR5 today! It's high mileage but is in decent shape and was a pretty nice deal. I took it by Andreas' secret fabrication center for a PPI and he gave me the go ahead.

I'm looking forward to getting the gold badges off the truck and cleaning it up a bit. Who knows, I may even get one of those fancy inset Hella lights set ups in my grill.

-Robb

 

Nice look!

a

 

Welcome to the family Avalon. Thanks for the "in person, on location" review.
Lots of support and mod ideas for your truck here.
Don't forget to post up some pics of your new baby in our introductions and new arrivals sub forum.

 

looks sick i like that idea

 

Are you trying to fit 4 4000s between your headlights? This is theoretically impossible without obstracting your headlights. I have 3 on my '05 and 2 on '01 (3rd is in the mail).

 

Thanks and will do... Once I clean the road salt and unnecessary plastic off of it.

 

Pics, or the truck simply does not exist!


Andreas

 

Susquehanna Motorsports?

Love the look!


Andreas

 

Andreas,
I used to get them from my local supplier for around $120 a piece (those comes as a single unit and no wiring provided, everything needs to be ordered separetly - most professional race series are like that). But recently Canadian suppliers are jucked-up the prices and this light become over $150 a piece, so the last (3rd one for my wife's 4Runner and 6th for the family) is coming from Sierra Expeditions. Will there is a great guy to deal with. I deal with them on regular basis and their customer support is great.

I deal with Susquehanna Motorsports before for some other parts. Unfortunatelly their shipping time to Canada are a bit long and I need it fast, plus I was getting warranty parts from ARB through Will anyway, so dropping something else in the box was a logical step.

 

No no, just 4 Hella 500's... very standard simple lights, the same as in my little 'avatar' picture. I've got the fogs on the outsides and the spots in the middle. They've treated me well so far and I've never seen the light output of the 4000's or any other fancy lights, and dont want to be tempted to upgrade. Now that I have the factory fog lights in my new rig, I might upgrade the Hella bulbs to the 100W yellows (I think theyre 100W?)

 

500 are good lights.
As comparison to 4000, then 4000 are awesome. I have both on my truck. I'll make some pictures on the weekend and post them up.

 

A lot of it is not the Canadian suppliers fault, a lot of mfgs. are starting to consolidate their distribution chains and the Can. market is just not big enough so our stores/suppliers are having to buy from US suppliers (marked up) and then add their mark-up to that. Also the cross border shipping costs are just insane. If you want to blame someone blame the mfgs. for not maintaining a Can. dist. network.

 

we getting any of those pictures? anyone else with custom fab'd lightbars?

 

From whom?


Andreas

 

from this post - im goin to design up a lightbar this week and then have a shop weld it up unless I can find time between class... I'll be doing my own wiring again though.... thats easy enough