2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain Discussion for all Dodge Rams from 1994 through 2002. Please, no engine or drivetrain discussion.

Need to drill 4" holes in stock bumper - how?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-18-2008 | 05:04 PM
  #1  
CORed's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Chattanooga, TN
Question Need to drill 4" holes in stock bumper - how?

OK... silly question. I'd like to put auxiliary backup LED lights in my stock chrome bumper to add light at night when backing, closing gates, hooking / unhooking trailers, loading bikes, etc.

But what is the best / easiest way to drill a 4" hole into the bumper so I can install the lights?

I want them flush or sunken so as to limit damage.

TIA,
CORed
Old 02-18-2008 | 05:44 PM
  #2  
strokerace's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Hardinsburg, Indiana
If you have one of those dremel tools, they are great for stuff like that. If not you could drill a pilot hole and use a jig saw, if the lights your using have the rubber grommets around them they will hide some of the imperfections if your off a little
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:00 PM
  #3  
caper's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 611
Likes: 1
From: Cape Breton,N.S / Ft Mac AB
I just did this mod and used my factory driving lights in the holes , tricky job lost of measureing and I used a jig saw . Ya have to cut the grommets and remelt them back together to fit the lights. I'll try and post a pic.
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:05 PM
  #4  
vzdude's Avatar
DTR's 'Go to Guy'
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
What would be wrong with using a hole saw? You know.....the kind that goes in a drill? They make them for metal.
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:10 PM
  #5  
caper's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 611
Likes: 1
From: Cape Breton,N.S / Ft Mac AB
Might work but bumper is not flat and I think it would bite a little , plus in my case the hole had to be just the right size and was not near any of my hole saw sizes.
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:11 PM
  #6  
caper's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 611
Likes: 1
From: Cape Breton,N.S / Ft Mac AB
Heres a pic not a close up though.
Attached Thumbnails Need to drill 4" holes in stock bumper - how?-%7E3023474.jpg  
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:13 PM
  #7  
vzdude's Avatar
DTR's 'Go to Guy'
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
It takes a steady hand, but I have done it before. Front bumper and grill guard I installed for a customer had to have a couple of 2" holes in the bumper. Like I said.....slow and steady!
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:20 PM
  #8  
displacedtexan's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 0
From: Place with no quail:(
I would buy a good metal hole saw and just take it easy with it like VZ said.
Old 02-18-2008 | 06:32 PM
  #9  
mikmaze's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,502
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Grove, New Jersey
two words that help a lot : weather stripping... makes up for not so perfect cuts, and gives the edge a nice finished look.
Old 02-18-2008 | 07:31 PM
  #10  
vzdude's Avatar
DTR's 'Go to Guy'
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
I used door edge guard from Walmart! Put the slit at the bottom, and it looked VERY slick! Cut it with tin snips.
Old 02-18-2008 | 07:43 PM
  #11  
bnold's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
From: Dallas area
Good metal hole saw... take it slow, but not too slow to where it is real grabby.. should be easy enough
Old 02-18-2008 | 08:13 PM
  #12  
s-cube's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: Arkansas
I use norseman drill bits with lennox holesaws. Predrill the 1/4" hole and like the others said take it slow.
Old 02-18-2008 | 08:36 PM
  #13  
CORed's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Chattanooga, TN
So a metal 4" hole saw seems to be the recommendation after drilling a pilot hole. Awesome... thanks guys.

BTW, the standard 4" lights that squeeze into the rubber grommet... are they just UNDER 4" so they fit into a 4" hole cut by a hole saw?

Thanks much! I'll be looking for a 4" hole saw soon.

CORed
Old 02-18-2008 | 10:33 PM
  #14  
Fueling around's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 0
From: Northwest, Minnesota USA
Be prepared:
A quality 4" hole saw is not cheap. Add more if you have to get an arbor.

If you pre-drill the 1/4" center I prefer using 1/4" stock in the arbor. On an uneven surface a drill in the arbor can easily oblong the pilot hole.
Old 02-19-2008 | 08:51 AM
  #15  
high bid's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 8
From: Sarasota, FL
Originally Posted by caper
Heres a pic not a close up though.
HOly s%$#@....I think you need to change your user name to "top heavy." No high speed turns for you.

whats the rating on that alum bed mount?.....pretty cool!



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:28 PM.