Light Bar
Light Bar Guides
If you're planning to go on an off-road trip, the first thing you should do is ensure that your vehicle's up for the job. You should see to it that the engine's running properly, that the brakes are functional, and that the fuel tank holds sufficient fuel. And if you want to enjoy an extra measure of safety, you could equip your vehicle with a light bar. A light bar is definitely a good investment. Luckily, you can purchase this product right here at Carparts.
• Constructed from durable aluminum or steel for maximum lighting support
• Can be mounted to different areas on your vehicle's exterior
• Can improve your vehicle's rugged looks
Light Bar Purchase: How to Come Up With an Informed Decision
For vehicle owners who love to drive off the beaten track, especially at night, or those who simply want to improve their driving visibility while enhancing the looks of their ride, a light bar proves to be a very practical addition. With this, you can outfit your ride with auxiliary lights, such as LED lights, to increase your visibility during nighttime driving or when the weather is harsh. With its many different types and style, there sure is one that will make your ride stand out and will offer the best value for your bucks.
Types of light bar according to materials
Lights bars come in many different types. They are usually categorized according to the materials from which they are made of, such as:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Plastic
Other factors to consider
Color/Finish. Light bars come in a wide range of finishes, such as high-gloss black powdercoat, polished, black, chrome, textured matte, and primered. If you're getting a steel light bar, make sure it's powdercoated so that it won't rust. A polished finish, on the other hand, won't crack, rust or peel, and necessitates very little maintenance. For a more customized appearance, choose a finish that complements your ride's paint and the accessories you've used in customizing your truck.
Mounting location. It should be a main consideration when buying a light bar. Roof-mounted light bars can accommodate more and bigger lights while front-mounted units are designed in such a way that they don't overpower the vehicle's front-end components.
Secure mounting system. This is important for the front-and roof-mounted light bars. They should come with a reliable mounting system, so your auxiliary lights won't fall off when the vehicle goes through the harshest terrains.
Ease of installation and removal. If you don't want to drill holes in your ride, go for light bars that ensure easy, bolt-on installation. Other units are held in place by snapper pins positioned on each leg, while some require drilling.
Other factors that must be taken into consideration when purchasing a light bar are vibration resistance when installed, number of lights that can be accommodated by the bar, and manufacturer warranty.
How to Remove an ABS Plastic Light Bar from Your Truck's Roof
No matter what your reasons are for purchasing a light bar, it is important that you install it properly to maximize its functions. With a well-installed light bar, you can take full advantage of your auxiliary lights without fear that they may fall off whenever you're traversing a cruel, uneven terrain. If you have an existing ABS plastic light bar in your ride and it seems like it has already seen better days, or you simply want to keep it for future use, here are the steps in detaching it from your roof:
Difficulty level: Easy
What you'll need:
- Phillips screw driver
- Ratchet
- Socket wrench
Step 1: Find the four screws holding the ABS cover on the light bar. You'll find them along the back edge of the bar, screwed into the light bar reinforcement on the roof.
Step 2: With a Phillips screwdriver, loosen and remove the four retaining screws. Be careful not to lose them so you can reuse them later if you want to reinstall the light bar cover.
Step 3: Raise the rear edge of the light bar cover and slide it forward, far enough to detach the front end from the light bar reinforcement. Lift the cover and set it aside.
Step 4: On the left side of the bar between the first and second lights, look for the jumper harness that's connected to the wiring harness. Carefully unplug the electrical connector so as not to break the retaining clip.
Step 5: Using a socket and ratchet, unbolt and take off the four mounting nuts on the inside of the light bar reinforcement. Slowly detach the light bar away from the roof to avoid damaging the paint while carefully feeding the jumper harness out via the hole in the reinforcement.
With these steps, you'll be able to take the light bar off the roof without scratching the paint and denting the roof itself. This task can be done in less than an hour.
