• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


thinking of adding a hidden light bar

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #21
digging into more options... I figure, once this is mounted, you won't want to tear it apart to fix it (if it's a cheap part)

I'm reaching out to Diode Dynamics on a dual 12" light bar setup
IMHO setting up 2 x 12" bars would fill the space nicely (there's a 28" opening) - granted they're $340 and you still need a wiring harness, figure $400 for all parts

Diode Dynamics Stage Series 12in SAE/DOT White Light Bar (Pair), SAE/DOT Driving
(example below)
 

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #22

RCST

Member
Messages
36
Reactions
12
Points
2
Location
WA
Vehicle
2021 Explorer ST
#23
How are you going to mount it?
 

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #24
How are you going to mount it?
behind the grill, most likely on the crash bar support, will need to trim the radiator air deflector as it runs overtop the crash bar, but should be able to drill/attach there - just need the correct height mount to get it inside that pocket under the main grill
1678321617959.png
 

RCST

Member
Messages
36
Reactions
12
Points
2
Location
WA
Vehicle
2021 Explorer ST
#25
Nice, can't wait to see how it turns out.
 

Messages
210
Reactions
91
Points
27
Location
Waupun, WI, USA
#26
I would suggest using rivnuts in the crash bar. Do not just tap it.
 

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #27
Yep that’s my plan
 

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #28
parts arrived, DD had a 15% off sale - just need to wait to get an intercooler then I'll crack the front off :)

DD said with these mounts instead of the regular ones should reduce the overall width from 30" to 26" which should fit perfectly!!

Parts ordered:
Diode Dynamics Stage Series 12in SAE/DOT White Light Bar (Pair), SAE/DOT Driving ~$400
Heavy Duty Dual Output Light Bar Wiring Harness ~$60
Stage Series 12 Inch U Bracket Pair ~$45

with the sale I got everything for ~$415, I was originally thinking a $100 light bar, but it's a $60k SUV, may as well go with a decent setup (but not obscene like Baja Designs)

IMG_7388.jpg
 

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #30
IMHO, a $60,000 vehicle comes with a lighted glove box. :LOL:
LOL
 

Sperez

New Member
Messages
16
Reactions
4
Points
2
Location
Sugar land
Vehicle
2023 explorer st
#31
I added some amber leds on my explorer, they are hidden and mounted on the crash bar
 

OP
Toadster

Toadster

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
310
Reactions
190
Points
37
Location
Folsom, CA
Vehicle
'23 ExST, '17 Raptor, '16 FoST, FFR Cobra
Thread Starter #32
I added some amber leds on my explorer, they are hidden and mounted on the crash bar
Pics?
 

Sperez

New Member
Messages
16
Reactions
4
Points
2
Location
Sugar land
Vehicle
2023 explorer st
#38
Very nice! How’s The light output at night.
It’s actually good, I’ll post some pics later
 



Top