mounting light bar / license plate holder to TL

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Old May 7, 2019 | 11:33 AM
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mounting light bar / license plate holder to TL

'04 TL. I expect to get a ton of negative responses about how it will look ugly etc., but I'm asking anyway. I'd like to mount a license plate / light bar (see link below) and add to round LED lights above or below the bar. What would it take to mount something like this to the existing to "capped" holes to the right and left side of the front license plate? Longer screws? would it bolt into something solid in the bumper? The headlights on my TL are horrible and don't give off enough light. Also I've always loved the "rally car" look...and I've never seen it done before on a TL. I'm not interested in investing a lot in mounting them flush with a OEM driving light kit etc. Want to give this a shot.

Here's the bar:
Amazon Amazon


Thanks in advance!
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Old May 7, 2019 | 11:57 AM
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Nothing solid behind the existing holes. I wouldn't 'bolt' anything to it and hope it holds..
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Old May 7, 2019 | 12:12 PM
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If your headlights aren't giving off enough light, something is wrong. The factory headlights on these are probably the best and brightest out of any car I have owned.

As for mounting up front...the only solid mount I know of on the front is the tow hook hole. Otherwise you will have to customize it all and starting drilling/cutting.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Jackass
If your headlights aren't giving off enough light, something is wrong. The factory headlights on these are probably the best and brightest out of any car I have owned.

As for mounting up front...the only solid mount I know of on the front is the tow hook hole. Otherwise you will have to customize it all and starting drilling/cutting.
Mine are the worst I've ever owned. I drive with my high beans on and oncoming cars don't even notice. I think it's because of the cloudy lenses. I've "de-clouded" the twice but it gets bad again fairly quickly.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
Nothing solid behind the existing holes. I wouldn't 'bolt' anything to it and hope it holds..
OK Thanks. Good to know.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by skierz
Mine are the worst I've ever owned. I drive with my high beans on and oncoming cars don't even notice. I think it's because of the cloudy lenses. I've "de-clouded" the twice but it gets bad again fairly quickly.

Clearing the lens is one thing, but afterwards, you must properly protect it with a high quality UV resistant Clear coat to prevent it from oxidizing again.


Also if they're truly that bad, it may be due to a previous owner putting some crappy bulbs in there and burning the inner projectors' bowls.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 06:41 PM
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I had my headlights "cleaned" by the dealer detail guy 2-3 years ago and they are just now starting to show some signs of clouding back up. Well worth the money I paid to them. Well aware I paid more by going through the dealer, but it was zero hassle and I knew if it got f'd up the dealer would take care of it. If I keep my car another year, I will probably go through them again.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Jackass
I had my headlights "cleaned" by the dealer detail guy 2-3 years ago and they are just now starting to show some signs of clouding back up. Well worth the money I paid to them. Well aware I paid more by going through the dealer, but it was zero hassle and I knew if it got f'd up the dealer would take care of it. If I keep my car another year, I will probably go through them again.

How much did he charge if you don't mind sharing?
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Old May 7, 2019 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
How much did he charge if you don't mind sharing?
I "think" it was $75 or $100. I really don't remember...I paid for a full detail and had them do the headlights at the same time. I just don't remember the exact breakdown of what cost what. No matter, it was worth it for me to not have to deal with it myself.
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Old May 11, 2019 | 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by skierz
Mine are the worst I've ever owned. I drive with my high beans on and oncoming cars don't even notice. I think it's because of the cloudy lenses. I've "de-clouded" the twice but it gets bad again fairly quickly.
Those D2 headlight bulbs tend to get dimmer with age. Perhaps its time for new ones.
.
.
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Old May 13, 2019 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
How much did he charge if you don't mind sharing?
I did something similar to Jackass, paid a headlight guy to wetsand them, and put a 1X clear over them. He had a 2X clear that is more of a factory paint clear (came with two year warranty). It was ~$100 for the 1X, and one year warranty. They look brand new.
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