Hey guys,
Been looking through posts on how to mount lights to the top of the Xterra, and this was the end result. Just thought I'd post maby give people a few ideas on how to do it.

I went out and purchased a piece of 3/8" aluminum U tube. I chose the aluminum beceause it's lightweight and easier to work with than steel. I used the factory bolts that secure the top of the wind diflector to hold the whole bar in, and a 4-pin trailer harness connector to connect the bar to the wiring that runs inside the X. This way the bar can be removed if you need to carry something on the racks. (it's basically the poor man's alternative to that rotating bar found in the forums). The metal cost me all of $15 and all the hardware for everything came out to $50 max and that includes wire.

The final look: As you can see, made one for my buddy as well. IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/lightbar.jpg[/IMG]

The bar before it went on:
IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic3.jpg[/IMG] IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic4.jpg[/IMG]

The notches cut out to go around the roof rack: IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic5.jpg[/IMG]

The bar mounts to the factory torx bolts for the wind deflector: IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic7.jpg[/IMG] IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic8.jpg[/IMG]

You can't see it in the pic, but the wires go through the roofrack and down through the roof down the A pillar and then under the dash, to the centre console where the relays are mounted.

view from inside and the back:
IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic9.jpg[/IMG] IMG]http://vif.com/users/kursk/pic12.jpg[/IMG]

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Also, I can take more pics of the wiring install if you are keen.

Xkursion

Looks good but have you considered how much stress will be placed on the two screws by wind pushing on the lights at speeds. If you look closly at the nuts in the roof rack, they are just pressed in, and with enough force, will just pull out. You may want to consider drilling all the way through the roof rack and using long bolts with a nut on the bottom of the rack.

Richard

I mounted mine with not factory bolts (I think it's a M6 1.25, I can't remember) in the factory nuts, they have been beat with limbs, pressed on by 75mph interstate runs etc. haven't flew off yet....

One suggestion, I use the rear most basket holes due to light painting the hood. But with that sunroof it's gonna be hard figuring out which will work better.

Agreed. I've had mine mounted almost identically to the way xkursion just did his (I used 2" aluminum angle iron instead of the U channel) and even used the factory bolts. It's been almost a year now and nothing yet has even knocked them loose - highway speeds, small limbs, etc...

xkursion - Nice job! Nice pic's too! You even chose some great lights (I've got 6 Hella 500's on my truck!)

-Gonzo

Could you post some larger pics? I'm having trouble seeing details from across the room.

Resize your pictures.

They are too fricking big.

Thanks for the comments, yes I will resize the pics.... my bad.

The plan is 4 500s up top and another 2 in the brush guard when I get it.... just waiting on that next paycheque