BucketMan

I installed an ARE Series cap a month or so ago on my 2011 FX4. I was impressed with the cap, but the one thing that lacked was the pathetic 12v light they put in there. Im still amazed with the technology out today that a company would still install these anemic pieces of crap in such a nice product. All to save a dollar I imagine.

Anyways, I knew I wanted better light and that LED's were the way to go. I did some research and found the product I needed. I ended up getting 3 LED light bars, (1) 12" and (2) 24" LED light bars. The 12" is mounted above the rear lift gate window and the 24's are above either side window.

I used these found on superbrightleds.com:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...SMD.htm#photos

I was super impressed with the quality and light output. Weather proof and no need for resistors, ready to be wired in. A great product. I used the clips that are availabe to purchase to mount the lights to the cap. I simply removed and reinstalled the screws holding the window in place.

I did my best to keep the install clean and neat. I weatherproofed all the connections and hid the wiring as best I could. The switch is always hot so I can have power with the key off. All said and done I have around $100 in this including the lights and some misc. parts (wire loom, wire, etc).

Any comments and critique are welcome, be happy to answer any questions as well.


On to some pics:

12" above gate:


24" above side window:


light on in day:


Wiring hidden behind window seal and with loom:


Wiring to weather proof rocker switch:


On at night:

murf

That looks awesome!

murf

Actually where'd you run your power from?

BucketMan

Well, I re-used the power from the original light install by ARE. They ran it from the power supply connection (bolt with red cable) to the fuse block in the front of the engine compartment.

Warspite

Good Show! The install is well-placed, neat and professional! And the bars do a better job than a simple dome cluster (which is a cheap option), so you really did your homework with this one!

Punishher7

Nice job. I might look into something like that in the near future.

chocolateskwlbuss

Looks nice and bright. I love superbrightleds.com, buy all my stuff from 'em

cmedel85

Clean

BucketMan

Thanks guys, really liking this mod so far.

danimallv

Hey.. I have your same topper and they ran wires, but I didn't buy the ARE light kit (i have the harness connection though). Do your lights come on with a switch or when the hatch door opens?