Baja Design S8 Light Bar and The Hood Bulge

I’ve made the decision to go with the BD S8 40” light bar after reading countless threads regarding light bars in hood bulge. The backlit feature is hard to beat and it appears to be offered on both white & amber versions. Black Friday sales are just around the corner!

In my research, I ran across many installation problems. Does anyone have instructions and/or a video of a clean install without running into problems? I’d love to see it and have no desire to run into headaches that I could avoid!

It appears that you need two separate switches to operate the backlit function and light, am I correct? Is there another harness and switch you would recommend in lieu of the BD wiring harness? I’m not interested in the Switch Pro, currently. Please provide switch setup pics, I’d love to see them!

SDHQ seems to be the premiere bracket for the hood bulge mount on Tundras. Is there another bracket system anyone would recommend?

 

I didn't have any install issues, and I'm running a Switch Pros. BD wiring comes with the switches and the lenses are 10" in length, I think I paid around $9.00 each to change the center to spot, the lenses are offered in clear or amber so you can have outside amber, inside clear or any combination. . Sorry I don't have a installation set of photos.

 

If you need the SDHQ hood bulge kit, i have one for sale. DM sent

 

I will actually be re-doing my S8 install this week. The biggest issue is the end clips that get trimmed on the hood bulge. The ends of the bar make contact with them. Do not cut them out completely.....you WILL have issues if you do. The coners of the bulge with flex in temperature changes and stick up in heat. Ask me how I know....I ended up buying a new bulge...hence the re-work this week. Have you looked at the installation instructions yet? If you go by them, the light optics will not be centered between the top and bottom of the opening, and there will also be about an inch gap between the bottom of the bulge and the front of the bar. My OCD did not like that. I pushed mine all the way back, it is centered, and also allowed be to reuse the screen portion from the removed scoop. I will also be experimenting with some wire mesh as a screen replacement to compare light transmission/blockage between the two screens. If you weren't aware, you will need to cut out the hood supports and drill 3 holes in the bottom side of the hood. The hood supports can be easily cut with tin snip pliers. It does not have to be a cutting wheel if you don't have one. Get a switch mount from @abomb60 to mount the switches. I got my switches from Air OnBoard.

 

Keep this great info coming…I’m finding it very helpful!