KC under hood lighting.

[Edub]

Anyone here install this? How did you mount it to the hood? would love some pics if you have it.

I have a set sitting in my garage for over a year simply because I couldn't think of a clever way of mounting them.

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[kevman65]

By the description on their web page, drill a 1/8" hole and use supplied self tapping screw and washer.


What I would do, is try a good sized magnet and see if it will hold strongly to the bracing on the hood. Then buy the hardware to mount the light to the magnet.

 

[Edub]

By the description on their web page, drill a 1/8" hole and use supplied self tapping screw and washer.


What I would do, is try a good sized magnet and see if it will hold strongly to the bracing on the hood. Then buy the hardware to mount the light to the magnet.

I really like the magnet idea.

 

[Zero_Accel]

I really like the magnet idea.

I'm pretty sure most of our hoods are aluminum. The only ones with steel hoods are Mojave and 392 owners.

I'd say the easiest solution is to use a RivNut (M5?) on one of the open holes. Or some weatherproof 3M double-sided tape.

 

[kevman65]

I'm pretty sure most of our hoods are aluminum. The only ones with steel hoods are Mojave and 392 owners.

I'd say the easiest solution is to use a RivNut (M5?) on one of the open holes. Or some weatherproof 3M double-sided tape.

That's why I said the bracing, there's a good chance they are steel. I've never tested one.

 

[blau iii]

Here's my setup. I have a little toggle switch on that panel by the battery to turn them on/off. I used SS screws and found a place where there was a double layer of metal so it didn't poke through the topside. They've been on for about 18 months.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

I installed 4 KC lights under the hood. So, not only does that light up the engine bay VERY WELL but because the hood can lean back onto the windshield, that light can also light up a camp site too!
I drilled and used stainless steal fasteners.

 

[Mr._Bill]

3M VHB tape. I installed a set on my Overland in 2019. They were still holding when I traded it in a couple weeks ago. I bought another set to install on my High Altitude. I'll see if I can find any pictures.

I kept my Red Line hood struts and moved those over to the new truck.

3M VHB Heavy Duty Mounting Tape 5952, 0.5" width x 5yd length (1 Roll) (4 Pack (1 Roll)) https://a.co/d/fnpGFD5

I used this bracket for the switch. I used the VHB tape to attach it to the metal frame near the back corner of the battery.
Bracket for Panel Mount Electrical Components Like Push Button Circuit Breaker, Toggle Switch, Led Indicator Panel Mount Connector, Fuse and More https://a.co/d/hzultTJ

This is the only picture I could find. I'll take some more when I install the new set.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I installed the new set today. I roughed up the insulation a bit sticking my hands under it, but it seems okay. I ran some cable under the insulation to pull the wire through. I bought a better bracket to mount the switch. It could be screwed in, but the 3M VHB tape is quicker and easier. The wiring isn't finished, I'll do that when I install the cables for the winch and third battery.

 

[Edub]

I installed the new set today. I roughed up the insulation a bit sticking my hands under it, but it seems okay. I ran some cable under the insulation to pull the wire through. I bought a better bracket to mount the switch. It could be screwed in, but the 3M VHB tape is quicker and easier. The wiring isn't finished, I'll do that when I install the cables for the winch and third battery.

Curious how well the tape will hold up. thanks for the idea.

 

[Minty JL]

Under the hood I use one of my MATCO or Snap On lights......don't spend enough time under the hood at night to justify installing lights......but that's me

 

[Mr._Bill]

Curious how well the tape will hold up. thanks for the idea.

I installed a set the same way in my Overland in the fall of 2019. It was still holding when I traded it for the 2023 High Altitude in February. Prep the surfaces with an alcohol swab to clean it before installing, and hold the tape by the edges.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Under the hood I use one of my MATCO or Snap On lights......don't spend enough time under the hood at night to justify installing lights......but that's me

The hope is to not need to spend much time under the hood in the dark. It makes checking the oil quick and easy at night.

 

[Minty JL]

The hope is to not need to spend much time under the hood in the dark. It makes checking the oil quick and easy at night.

Fair enough

 

[HooliganActual]

Curious how well the tape will hold up. thanks for the idea.

First off, DO NOT use a magnet set up. Magnets are affected by heat and lose their attraction as they get hotter. The sun beating down on the top of the hood and the radiating engine heat will cause them to let go. I know...I tried doing that with 25# Rare Earth Magnets on my 2016 JKUR.

Second, I won't naysay the VHB tape idea. I use it for a lot of things on my build and it has worked well but the reality is that tape will eventually fail.

Here is IMHO the easiest thing to do and I have done it on all three of my current jeeps...the oldest being installed in 2016 on my JKUR:
There are two push plugs holding the center of the matting to the underside of the hood. Remove them, trim the heads to match the hole in the KC Cyclone light (or find some that are the right side) and push them back into the hood with the lights attached:

I trimmed the matting around the holes a little for a better/tighter fit and ran the wiring down behind the matting. On the JTR I hooked to Aux 4 and on my two JKURs I bought a Mopar bracket for the hood open sensor and just mounted a toggle switch there.

So far I have had these lights installed this way 7 years on one Wrangler, 5 years on another Wrangler and 3 years on the Gladiator and they haven't missed a beat.

Cheers

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