Exige front grille removal? Aftermarket foglights???

[Canyonball]

Has anyone installed aftermarket foglights on your Exige? Is it imposiible to take the front grille off without taking the clam off? Also, would a (Catz) foglight significantly impede airflow to the oil cooler/s if I mounted them in the side ducts?

Sorry about the noob questions and thanks in advance...

[21TonyK]

The grille is bonded in from the rear so it's a clam off job and even then a royal PITA.

[Benjamin]

Hey Canyon - not sure about a catz install but here is a shot of the OEM lights - the kit comes with a pre cut grille and new switch plate for the interior. I had the Dealer do it (Auto Europe Michigan) - looks sweet - plus they certainly help light up the road at night - currently they only engage on high beams - helps to keep an eye out for critters on the road!

[RHT3]

Anyone added the lights to a car without them? Factory or aftermarket?

Do tell?

[codymac]

Originally Posted by RHT3

Anyone added the lights to a car without them? Factory or aftermarket?

Do tell?

Photos of my car with driving lights installed:
http://elisetalk.com/forums/showpost...55&postcount=3

What do you want to know? The Elise is a cinch.
The Exige is more complicated with two choices:
- replace grille (clam off, it's bonded in and you'll likely ruin it removing it)
- cut grille in situ to clear lights

Original thread about the parts, etc.:
http://elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21147

[TimMullen]

I wouldn't consider adding anything other than the factory driving light kit.

First, the lights are Driving Lights - very bright auxiliary high beams (which is why they only come on with the high beams). They project a bright light very far down the road (turn night into daylight) to allow fast driving at night (when there is no oncoming traffic).

Second, the lights are a complete kit. It includes the lights brackets, new dash panel, switch, and dash wiring, relays, and grill. If you try to install anything else, you will be doing a lot of work trying to duplicate the install and it will not be as good. It really not worth the effort.

Third, it isn't that expensive. Yes, it's more then the cost of just the lights, but if you try to do it your self, you will have to do a lot of extra work getting a new grill (or modifying the original) trying to wire things up (and hacking the factory wiring harnesses), drilling holes for switches, having mismatched switches, etc. It really is a bargain to get the factory kit and simply install it, than trying to re-invent the wheel.

I wouldn't even consider installing the lights in the oil cooler openings.

[kendo88]

The last time I was at Lotus training they supplied us with a template to cut the grill and a part # for the edge guard that goes around the diffuser to finish the grill. I also have a wiring diag. to add a second relay to those lights to work on low beam.

[Shawn C]

Adds weight ... pffft..

[GreatNeckLawyer]

Originally Posted by kendo88

The last time I was at Lotus training they supplied us with a template to cut the grill and a part # for the edge guard that goes around the diffuser to finish the grill. I also have a wiring diag. to add a second relay to those lights to work on low beam.

Shawn:

Any way that you could get copies of those materials to me?

I am about to install the Factory Driving Light Kit into my 06 Exige, and you have exactly what I am looking for to simplify the install (or, if you are ever in NYC and want to help with an install and have someone buy you a few beers and dinner .........)

ANDREW

[Ken Wright]

After looking at the photo of the grill above:

Look under your clam to find the plugs for the lights

If you can find them use a dremel tool to cut the holes in the grill and border the cut screen with rubber edging.

Install the switch and the lights.

I haven't done this, but to remove the front bodywork in order to put the original grill and replace it and have that as the only reason doesn't make much sense.