Raptor style grill marker lights cheap and easy

[Ksnau]

So I bought these on eBay back in November of 22. They were only $8.99. I'll post a screenshot if anyone wants to also buy them. I also made a video of how I installed them so I'm not going to put install details here. I will warn you. I'm terrible at making videos so if you have questions let me know here And I even had to add some instructions in the comments of the video, but I just thought it was a really cheap and easy way to add the grill marker lights and I think they look good even if they are zip tied to the grill right now.
Link to video

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[Bucko]

Not bad...I installed a set similar to this on my F-150.

 

[Alpo]

So I bought these on eBay back in November of 22. They were only $8.99. I'll post a screenshot if anyone wants to also buy them. I also made a video of how I installed them so I'm not going to put install details here. I will warn you. I'm terrible at making videos so if you have questions let me know here And I even had to add some instructions in the comments of the video, but I just thought it was a really cheap and easy way to add the grill marker lights and I think they look good even if they are zip tied to the grill right now.
Link to video

Did the same

 

[Captain Trips]

Did the same

I like the tires on your BS. What size are they, is the BS lifted?

 

[Alpo]

Did the same

Thanks. Yes it’s a 1.5 in lift with 245/65R 17
And stock rims

 

[Alfa 2407]

Danggggg that's a good looking rig

Did the same

Dangggg that's a good looking rig

 

[MontyPilot]

Did the same

How did you put them on the grill?

 

[Alpo]

There is a “space” behind the grill. You need to take the top of it apart. Open the hood and it’s the top and behind the grill. After that’s off you can access behind the grill. Then you can drill the holes. On the grill there’s a mess design. Figured out the center for up/down then eyeballed where I wanted them . Count the mesh “diamonds “ so both sides are spaced the same. Drilled holes then mounted lights. Ran the wire harness down to the front driver side marker light. Depending on the lights the only real problem was the plug size on the lights . I had to grind down some plastic on the plug it’s self so I could fit it through the grill. Next time I would probably cut the wires then splice after they’re through the grill. Not that hard of a job . Just a little nerve racking drilling holes in a brand new car.

 

[AHerdOfMoose]

There is a “space” behind the grill. You need to take the top of it apart. Open the hood and it’s the top and behind the grill. After that’s off you can access behind the grill. Then you can drill the holes. On the grill there’s a mess design. Figured out the center for up/down then eyeballed where I wanted them . Count the mesh “diamonds “ so both sides are spaced the same. Drilled holes then mounted lights. Ran the wire harness down to the front driver side marker light. Depending on the lights the only real problem was the plug size on the lights . I had to grind down some plastic on the plug it’s self so I could fit it through the grill. Next time I would probably cut the wires then splice after they’re through the grill. Not that hard of a job . Just a little nerve racking drilling holes in a brand new car.

What kind of drill bit did you use/would you recommend for drilling?

 

[Meanderthal]

What kind of drill bit did you use/would you recommend for drilling?

Step drill bits are great for getting larger holes in thin materials. They don’t grab and pull like a standard spiral bit. A game changer for sheet metal and wonderful in plastics too.

 

[Chiefthepup]

What kind of drill bit did you use/would you recommend for drilling?

I used a dremel tool which was nice cause I was able to slowly cut, try to fit, repeat, til it snapped into place

 

[Meanderthal]

Step drill bits are great for getting larger holes in thin materials. They don’t grab and pull like a standard spiral bit. A game changer for sheet metal and wonderful in plastics too.

But if you need a rectangular hole as the OP shows above, you will need a Dremel (or equivalent). In that case, don’t use a super high speed because you melt more so than cut. Start at about 30% speed and don’t go much above 50% speed. I prefer to use double cut carbide burrs. The single cut burrs will “pull” much like the standard spiral drill bit. You might even want to consider a “blade” or “disc”. If you use a disc, make sure it is spec’d for cutting plastic. Metal cutting discs can get clogged with melted plastic and then grab and cause bigger problems.

Here are some of those discs:
Dremel EZ476 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock Rotary Tool Cut-Off Wheels For Plastic - 5 pack https://a.co/d/3RgtLmN

 

[Chiefthepup]

But if you need a rectangular hole as the OP shows above, you will need a Dremel (or equivalent). In that case, don’t use a super high speed because you melt more so than cut. Start at about 30% speed and don’t go much above 50% speed. I prefer to use double cut carbide burrs. The single cut burrs will “pull” much like the standard spiral drill bit. You might even want to consider a “blade” or “disc”. If you use a disc, make sure it is spec’d for cutting plastic. Metal cutting discs can get clogged with melted plastic and then grab and cause bigger problems.

Here are some of those discs:
Dremel EZ476 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock Rotary Tool Cut-Off Wheels For Plastic - 5 pack https://a.co/d/3RgtLmN

Oh my bad I should add I am not OP. Just happened to have installed some lights on my grill as well lol. Thank you for sharing Great advice!

 

[Mark S.]

I prefer to use double cut carbide burrs. The single cut burrs will “pull” much like the standard spiral drill bit. You might even want to consider a “blade” or “disc”. If you use a disc, make sure it is spec’d for cutting plastic. Metal cutting discs can get clogged with melted plastic and then grab and cause bigger problems.

Here are some of those discs:
Dremel EZ476 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock Rotary Tool Cut-Off Wheels For Plastic - 5 pack https://a.co/d/3RgtLmN

Perma-Grit makes a line of tungsten-carbide cutting and abrading tools/bits specifically designed for plastics.

https://www.permagrit.com/

 

[Meanderthal]

Oh my bad I should add I am not OP.

Nope, my bad!

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