• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Replacing Tow Hooks With Lights

S

spectron65

SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2002
Messages
570
I was looking at my AV today. I probably will have little to no use for the 2 tow recovery hooks in the front bumper since I am not planning to go off-roading anyway.

What I do a lot of is night time driving and you can't have enough lights. I just picked up my 50 watt 885's for my fog lamps and my Silverstar 9005's and 9006's for the low and high beams today.

Question to the mod gods of our club: how do I go about removing the tow hooks and replacing them with 2 more lights, preferably more yellow/amber.

???Any suggestions?

Or is this a stupid idea? ???


Anxiously waiting for reply :cautious:
 
I checked under the hood. The tow hooks are attached to the frame by simple bolts. Looks like easy to remove.

The hard part is wiring two squarish looking lamps to fill the holes in the front. Iwas thinking of 2 amber fogs or Xenon type lamps.

Nobody has really expressed interest in this thread since I posted it so I think I will have to have this mod professionally done.
 
Spectron,

If you get it done, please pst pics and types of lights installed.

This seems like a very good idea.

jw
 
Hey spectron :0:

I took my hooks off last night just to test out a few options for mounting some lights. I don't think it will be hard to find a light that will fit. My 86 Mustang had some Marchal fogs that would just about fill this opening perfectly. It looks like the hardest part will be fabing the mounts.

Still checking around to find a rectangle design that I like. Let me know if you come up with anything.

ps: I like the bowtie :cool: but why red on the letters ???
 
ps: I like the bowtie ? :cool: ?but why red on the letters ???[/quote]


I actually like the red on blue look (at least for the first year). When I get tired of it, I can always switch to a different color--very easy. I already have the Testor navy blue and metallic silver paint pens for next year(s).

To be faithful to the AV's "morphing" qualities, I do intend to change the look on a yearly basis by changing the cladding letters, color of decals, etc.
 
spectron said:
ps: I like the bowtie ? :cool: ?but why red on the letters ???I actually like the red on blue look (at least for the first year). When I get tired of it, I can always switch to a different color--very easy. I already have the Testor navy blue and metallic silver paint pens for next year(s).

To be faithful to the AV's "morphing" qualities, I do intend to change the look on a yearly basis by changing the cladding letters, color of decals, etc.
Click to expand...

Where did You Get your Testor Paint Pens?

jw
 
How do you get the paint off with out messing up the plastic if you dont like the result
 
Agent Maxwell said:
Where did You Get your Testor Paint Pens?

jw
Click to expand...

I got mine in a 3pack at Walmart for about $10. I have seen these at hobby stores also. I have white on right now but I may switch to Silver or Black later.

[attachment deleted by admin larger then 100KB]
 
How about putting true HID auxiliary lights in place of the tow hooks? Or would they end up being mounted too low? It says the space required is 3" x 6 ?" x 5"deep. I didn't measure the truck, would those fit?


​

-- SS
 
Tiregod1 said:
Any idea on cost?
Click to expand...
A quick Google search of "Xenarc HID X1010" turned up a couple places that show them in the $400 range.

-- SS
 
Ok Guys and Gals,

I'm gonna try it. LOL

PIAA Lights

I work in a Tool and Die Shop, I'm gonna see what kinda mounts they can fabricate for me. Prob won't be till after xmas. Lights are ordered just gotta wait for them to come in.

I'll let everyone know how it goes.

jw
 
spectron said:
I was looking at my AV today. I probably will have little to no use for the 2 tow recovery hooks in the front bumper since I am not planning to go off-roading anyway.

What I do a lot of is night time driving and you can't have enough lights. I just picked up my 50 watt 885's for my fog lamps and my Silverstar 9005's and 9006's for the low and high beams today.

Question to the mod gods of our club: how do I go about removing the tow hooks and replacing them with 2 more lights, preferably more yellow/amber.

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ???Any suggestions?

? ? ? ? ? ? ? Or is this a stupid idea? ???


? ? ? ? ? ? ? Anxiously waiting for reply :cautious:
Click to expand...



This was a rather easy mod and a early one for me. Removed the tow hooks & replaced them with the dual sport PIAAs


[attachment deleted by admin larger then 100KB]
 
NYAVALANCHE said:
This was a rather easy mod and a early one for me. Removed the tow hooks & replaced them with the dual sport PIAAs
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply NYAvalanche. The pic is nice too. Looks like you did a good job, but was kinda hoping for a pic with the lights on, if not asking too much.

1. I was more interested in just a single large headlamp (you have 2 small ones) on either side.

2. Is this a mod I can (or any other member) can do? Is is pretty complicated as far as wiring and drawing power/

3. Where are those lamps attached to? What brand? Wattage?

4. How do you control the lights. Auxilliary switch somewhere in the dash? Do they act like fogs or low beams?

questions, questions, questions.....
 
These lights are both driving or fog lights

I mounted them to the cladding lip and they are firm (No vibration)

The PIAAs came with everything, switch relay & I have the dual switch to the center console by the cup holders.
 
Hmmmmmm....intriguing. I have no use for the Tow hooks either. I'll have to investigate this. My dad and brother made my custom Flag holder for my AV so I'm sure a light bracket would be no problem for them.

Damn you! Another mod! >:D
 
NYAVALANCHE said:
These lights are both driving or fog lights
I mounted them to the cladding lip and they are firm (No vibration)
The PIAAs came with everything, switch relay & I have the dual switch to the center console by the cup holders.
Click to expand...

So My PIAAs arrived today!!

I have one question.

Where did you take the wires into the truck? I hate trying to find places to bring wires into the cab. (Sometimes I think it'd be easier just to drill a hole and put a body plug in it.

jw
 
Have you seen the black Av in the Yokohama tire ads with the round lights in place of the tow hooks.....Looks great..maybe that can give you an idea..Just pick up a 4 Wheel Drive and Off-Road magazine and check out the ad.. :)
 
Ok, The weather Finally Broke Enough to get my PIAA's Installed! ?:) ?I would like to thank MrBill for telling me where to drill into the firewall to get power cables through! For those that get the PIAA's at least, ?you don't need any custom brackets. ?I pulled the Tow Hooks Out, ?Used the Vertical Tow hook bolts with Nuts and lock washers and drilled a hole into the standard PIAA mounting Bracket. ?It gives it a great stealth look and the Lights are awesome, they really fill out the dead area that is there when you click on the Highs!

I'll get some Pics Tomorrow.

jw
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top