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Did a little bidding at a local auction and got three LED light bars for about $110. One 50" curved, one 50" flat and one 22" flat. The 50" flat will go to the kid for his Harry Bristmas present. The 50" curved went on the front of the XJ and the small one went on the back. And yes, that really is imported dirt from Fordyce Creek wheeling
But as usual, I needed to do a little tinkering first. I really didn't want wide angle reflectors on the front curved bar and I didn't want narrow beam reflectors on the back up light bar. So I did a little swapping. I put all the narrow beam reflectors on the front bar and took all the wide beam reflectors and put them on the rear. Ran out of narrow beam refletors for the front though. Ended up having to keep four on the edge. But maybe I could raid the kids bar. Nah, I let it alone. The rear bar had different leds on it. They were wide angle LEDs with a convergent lense. I took the second lense out for a really wide angle beam. The rear bar has about a 120° angle on it, perfect for back up lights
Then I needed to put a switch in for the new front bar. The one supplied just wasn't what I wanted, so I got a novelty switch and made a little panel for it to replace all the idiot lights I didn't use anymore. Then while I was at it, I made a new panel to go in the clock area and cig lighter. I got a new lighter socket and USB charging port to put in. Backup light is wired into back up light circuit
Final result was a nice pattern on the front. This is a two acre field next to the house. I parked at the edge and could basically light up the whole field except the near corners. The pic really doesn't do it justice and show the whole thing, but I am pleased with the result
You like, eh!
They really are a good value for real output. Turned out well and even more important, useful. I like the position of that rear bar. High enough to keep rear viewing clear and low enough to not get banged up on branches. Keeping the top low is what I'm trying to keep from changing. It's why I haven't put a spare back up top. Not just branches, but cog, and aero for that all important fuel mileage.
Liking the cig lighter panel ideas. Not the best use of space how they designed it.
Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.
Thanks. The cig lighter needed improvement. Too many things to run on 5V nowadays. Going to do the same to the wife's car for Christmas. So far no whistling from the light bar eigher
A bit old thread, but I'm curious where did you get your mounting bracket for the above the windshield.
It is bolted to the A pillar in the crack between the door and the piller