Added a whole bunch of toys to the Commander

[Matt_]

Well... Rob decided to be a nice guy and welcome me to the forum today. He requested that I post something about myself. Being the nice guy that I am... I decided to comply

Just installed some neat accessories on the jeep.

Heavy duty front skid plate, 4XGuard Brush Guard with 2" receiver and grill hoop kit, and 4 Hella Rallye 4000 lights.

This is going to be a "multi-post" thread to get all of the pictures in...

 

[Matt_]

Only had to drill 2 new holes in the Matrix. I used the existing license plate holes for the center support.

Materials to start:

Cut a piece of L-Bracket the same width as the license plate:

You'll notice in the previous picture that I put the bolts in from the back of the Matrix. Thats so I could use the remaining bolt length for mounting my license plate without actually using the license plate as a load bearing component:

I ended up having to cut two slots in the bracket for where the bolts for the lights will come through. Painted it black with a hammered finish.

Then I mounted the Thule bar. Leveled everything the best I could. Then drilled two more holes, one through each 4xG upright and put a 1/4-20 bolt through each. This last step made the light bar as sturdy as can be. It's now one "solid" piece with the 4xG.

 

[Matt_]

Added the lights:

And some factory quality wiring (i used weatherproof disconnects for all of the lights and also the loom-to-car connection... so everything can be quick disconnected for service)

I just need to get some relays (they were sold out!!!) and a 15/16th drill bit for my switches tomorrow and im set

 

[Matt_]

Ok.... all done with the wiring.

I ran the wiring through the firewall using an existing grommet:

I'm a nut with my wiring harnesses... if it doesn't look factory installed, i didnt do my job right!

Ran around the fender to the battery:

 

[buRRp]

 

[Matt_]

My secondary Harness for the quick disconnect:

 

[Matt_]

Some finished shots of the wiring....

One thing I mis-judged was how far away the rad hose was... I like having plenty of distance there, but should be good.

And some more of the light bar itself:

 

[Matt_]

Ok, now for work on the interior...

Where it comes through the dash:

Template for my switches:

Bet you cant find my wires.....

 

[Matt_]

A quick test before cleaning up and aiming them:

And done!

 

[Matt_]

Took some pics with the lights on. I probably should have used my phone or a crappier camera.... used my Cannon in "auto" mode and it dimmed the hell out of the reflection of the aftermarket lights. So it makes the difference between the stock lights look not as drastic, because the stock lights didn't reflect a lot off of the trees. The reflection from the fogs was ridiculous.... (hence, the cannon cut down the light intake to compensate)

STOCK LOW BEAMS

STOCK HIGH BEAMS

OUTER HELLA PENCIL FOGS

OUTER HELLA PENCIL FOGS + INNER HELLA DRIVING LIGHTS