Kit for my Mazda3

[Bunyip]

So it isn't a 4x4, or even slightly off road (but it does have BFG tyres )but please bear with me.

We have a 2014 Mazda3 and I would like to put a lightbar on the front of it as we have to dodge all sorts of wildlife on the way home and it would be great to see them before they are in front of the car.

The 2014 Mazda3 has a rather large piece of plastic for a grill which doesn't seem like it will hold much weight, especially over the dirt roads to get home.

I was thinking a small nudge bar type arrangement with a number plate holder and lightbar mounting tabs would do the trick, however whenever I google there is nothing like that on the market that I can find, they are all for the CX range. If it deflects the stupid pademelons and wallabies all the better but I am aiming to avoid hitting them at all.

Anyone seen something like this around or have suggestions as to who to approach to get something made up? My concern is as it protrudes from the front of the car it would have to be airbag compliant etc... so getting one made especially might not be a great idea.

Thanks in Advance

Bunyip

[chester ver2.0]

Can you mount the light bar behind the grill on the radiator support or some such

You would loose a little light but it would be negligible

[Mace]

Perhaps remove the grill insert and then mount in there?

https://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2010-2013-mazda-3-skyactiv-how-guides/50378-how-remove-front-bumper-grille-insert.html

We need to do another counter lunch.....

[Bunyip]

Perhaps remove the grill insert and then mount in there?

https://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2010-2013-mazda-3-skyactiv-how-guides/50378-how-remove-front-bumper-grille-insert.html

We need to do another counter lunch.....

Thanks Mace,
This will come in very handy for my daughters 3 as she recently smashed her grill and I have been wanting to replace it.

Mine is the next model with the large vertical black grill.

[Hoyks]

You could look at something like this that bolts onto the number plate holes.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/License-Plate-Bracket-Bull-Bar-Front-Bumper-LED-Light-Bar-Mount-Holder-Offroad-/272663859952

The other option is to get some metal and fabricate your own. In behind the grille there should be some structure you could bolt it onto. The problem is that the bumpers are so far out from the structure that what ever you build has to be quite long to clear the bumpers. With the extra unsupported length the bracket has to be stronger so it doesn't bounce around, but you don't want something made out of RHS as it won't be too pedestrian friendly.
You don't want it too low either as the shadows will make minor pot holes look like chasms.

On the plus side is that light bars are reasonably light and have a low Centre of Gravity, so don't bounce around and give that strobe effect that spotties on poor mounts used to do.


Or you could go something like this that follows the lines of the vehicle and can double as a BBQ table

https://www.whichcar.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/led-light-bars-comparison

[rockrat]

Can you mount it on a roof rack cross rail on the roof?

[#jonesy]

Saw this at Bunnings of all places and came with its own number plate bracket
Bunnings light bar]

[Bunyip]

You could look at something like this that bolts onto the number plate holes.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/License-Plate-Bracket-Bull-Bar-Front-Bumper-LED-Light-Bar-Mount-Holder-Offroad-/272663859952

I have one of these, but where the number plate mounts does not seem to have a lot of support behind it.

Or you could go something like this that follows the lines of the vehicle and can double as a BBQ table

https://www.whichcar.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/led-light-bars-comparison

Maybe not, trying to be a subtle as possible . Don't want to have a rally car look about it, just want to see the bloody wildlife.

Thanks for your suggestions (1 & 2 at least )

[Bunyip]

Can you mount it on a roof rack cross rail on the roof?

I was thinking about that, but want to be low key if possible. Might have to go down this path in the end, or those windscreen mounts if I can get some that fit.

Thanks

Bunyip

[Bunyip]

This is basically the same model as mine, the number plate attaches to a moulded area in the centre of the grill.

It feels to me that the grill is only held on my clips around the edges with no support in the centre.

I have seen some mount it in the long "slot" under the grill but am thinking this might impede air flow

[Mace]

I wonder if you fitted something like these, could you change globes over to a H3/H4 driving light globe?   

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2016-Mazda-3-Clear-Lens-Driving-Bumper-Fog-Lights-Bulbs-Cover-Switch/301894758431?fits=Model%3A3%7CMake%3AMazda&hash=item464a54701f:g:-sAAAOSwpOxaAoHH

[Bunyip]

I wonder if you fitted something like these, could you change globes over to a H3/H4 driving light globe?   

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2016-Mazda-3-Clear-Lens-Driving-Bumper-Fog-Lights-Bulbs-Cover-Switch/301894758431?fits=Model%3A3%7CMake%3AMazda&hash=item464a54701f:g:-sAAAOSwpOxaAoHH

I think we may have a winner!! The standard globes I have read are not that useful, but upgraded ones can make a difference. For US$100 landed not a bad price, I believe Mazda are asking $300 for the kit.