Fit 4 9" lights on 4xGuard Matrix!

[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:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/20110604110911-1.jpg

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

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/20110604112219-1.jpg

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:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/20110604112627-1.jpg

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.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164001-1.jpg

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.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164002-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164003-1.jpg

[Matt]

Added the lights:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164007-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164008-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/20110604125316-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/20110604125327-1.jpg

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)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164010-1.jpg

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

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164Done6-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164Done3-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201164Done4-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

That's some serious lighting man. Looks pretty cool to

[Matt]

Thanks man. going to finish wiring the switches after i have my coffee this morning. I think im doing some flush mount button switches under the left side cubby hole (where i'll eventually put a CB).

[Matt]

Which reminds me.... im probably going to use one of the Matrix light tabs for a CB antenna mount https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[Matt]

Ok.... all done with the wiring.

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

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165001-1.jpg

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

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165002-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165003-1.jpg

Ran around the fender to the battery:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165004-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165005-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165008-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165009-1.jpg

[Matt]

My secondary Harness for the quick disconnect:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165010-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165012-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165011-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165013-1.jpg

[Matt]

Some finished shots of the wiring....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165014-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165015-1.jpg

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

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165016-1.jpg

And some more of the light bar itself:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165017-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165018-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165019-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165020-1.jpg

[Matt]

Ok, now for work on the interior...

Where it comes through the dash:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165006-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165007-1.jpg

Template for my switches:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165021-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165022-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165025-1.jpg

Bet you cant find my wires.....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165023-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165024-1.jpg

[Matt]

A quick test before cleaning up and aiming them:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165026-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165027-1.jpg

And done!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165029-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201165028-1.jpg

[Matt]

....................maybe this should be moved to a "how to" section lol

[LWM]

....................maybe this should be moved to a "how to" section lol

I did move it to "exterior modifications".

[Matt]

lol that makes sense... dont know why i didnt post it there from the start! I think i was planning on just posting some pics of everything installed... and went a bit further

[Sal-XK]

I feel sorry for the person that flashed there brights at you, what a response they will get LOL

[Matt]

lol... night-time tanning.

Their faces will look like that scene from the Cone Heads where the dad takes a picture before the dance and Chris Farleys face was burned from the flash.

[cico7]

maybe it should have been in his "My Garage"...

[Matt]

Why burry stuff like this in the "garage"? In that case we'd have a bunch of garage threads and no mod threads for people to search out. :p

Instead, I posted the mod pics in my garage thread and a link to this thread for details on the install.

[LWM]

maybe it should have been in his "My Garage"...


Why burry stuff like this in the "garage"? In that case we'd have a bunch of garage threads and no mod threads for people to search out.

^ what he said.

[IamJEEP]

That mod came out shaweet! Great job on the lights, bro and great write up. I'm like you with the wiring making it look factory. I hate seeing 15 different loose colored wires all over the place. Details is what separates you from the rest of the pack, nice work.

[Matt]

Thanks guys!

And yeah... wiring is one of my "things" that I hate seeing done hastily. On the flip side, it sucks doing it and takes forever... but its worth it in the end IMO.

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

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201166002-1.jpg

STOCK HIGH BEAMS

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201166003-1.jpg

OUTER HELLA PENCIL FOGS

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201166004-1.jpg


OUTER HELLA PENCIL FOGS + INNER HELLA DRIVING LIGHTS

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/201166005-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

It still shows a pretty big difference bro. Also the lights shouldn't get beat to death down on the bumper as they would mounted to a roof rack. Do you guys have to have the covers on your off road lights while driving on paved roads?

[Matt]

Yup. We have to keep covers on while driving on the street. They're very lenient with that law here though. .... but these lights are huge so ill probably keep covers on lol.

[IamJEEP]

That's a lot of light! Great mod, they will come in handy doing night trail runs.

[txbajacommander]

That looks great, good job showing the amount of light that they put out. I'll have to try doing that. How many watts are the Hellas BTW ?

[Matt]

Thanks. :)

They're 100watts each. I kind of wish I had 4 of the spot lights since the XK has pretty good high beams already. But they were free from a friend so I can't complain!

[txbajacommander]

can't beat free!

[Brandon1024]

Which hellas are you using for your driving lights?

[Matt]

The Rallye 4000 Euro Beams. The outside pair are the Rallye 4000 Pencil Beams