I remember someone posting a "how to" install a light bar without drilling holes through the interior panels. Anyone have that link or suggestions. I'll be doing the install on Friday.
I don't mine the holes I had to put on the inside of my panels. Mainly because I had some bracket fitting issues and needed the panels off to deal with it. Plus when I started to put the bolts in, a couple of them had a hard time getting the treads started. I wouldn't have been able to get those bolts on with the panel sitting in my way.
Suggestion: There is a plastic "clip" on the inside top of the panel that they tell you to remove. I wasn't sure what they were talking about but once I tried to fit my panels back on with the brackets in place I quickly saw what they were talking about. You have to remove those with a utility knife so that your panels will fit correctly in the door frame.
Also, be sure to measure a few times to get your upper holes correct. On my passenger side I came down a little too close to my speaker grill and once I mounted the bar you could see a bit of the hole exposed from under the bar. I was able to fix it with a plastic plug much like the ones we use in the door frame. But know this, those inside panels cost $295.00 each from Ford.
I don't mine the holes I had to put on the inside of my panels. Mainly because I had some bracket fitting issues and needed the panels off to deal with it. Plus when I started to put the bolts in, a couple of them had a hard time getting the treads started. I wouldn't have been able to get those bolts on with the panel sitting in my way.
Suggestion: There is a plastic "clip" on the inside top of the panel that they tell you to remove. I wasn't sure what they were talking about but once I tried to fit my panels back on with the brackets in place I quickly saw what they were talking about. You have to remove those with a utility knife so that your panels will fit correctly in the door frame.
Also, be sure to measure a few times to get your upper holes correct. On my passenger side I came down a little too close to my speaker grill and once I mounted the bar you could see a bit of the hole exposed from under the bar. I was able to fix it with a plastic plug much like the ones we use in the door frame. But know this, those inside panels cost $295.00 each from Ford.
I'm glad it worked out GDawg. I ididnt hear back from you. I've been PMing lots of people with how to avoid it. Maybe later I'll post a thread or PM you. The old thread died in the server clean-up.
I'm glad it worked out GDawg. I ididnt hear back from you. I've been PMing lots of people with how to avoid it. Maybe later I'll post a thread or PM you. The old thread died in the server clean-up.
Sorry I never replied to your last PM. The install wasn't that bad. I would have gotten it done perfectly but when I was trying to mark the holes with the template I couldn't get the paper to stay stuck to my paneling with tape. I use armor-all on my panels and no tape will stick to it. So my template on the passenger side slipped a little before I marked it. I was able to find a 1-3/4" plug to cover it. I just had to dremel the plug in half so it would fit. It doesn't look bad and you really wouldn't notice it unless I pointed it out. My wife wasn't going to let me buy another panel to replace that one. (Yes, I'm whipped... )
i'm sure someone has done it. i cant find that thread though. i'm sure if you do a little searching, you can find it. good luck. i want to instal my light bar withought cutting anything either
Its hard to install a light bar without drilling holes. only way you can do it, is by sticking the bar in and flexing the panel. so i figure you gotta have small hands to do this