Brackets version 2.0.  A huge improvement to my first attempt at replicating the originals.

Version 1.0 were exact replica to the factory units.  Well.. almost.  The factory units were made of steel.  I made them out of anodized aluminum.

They were adequate but had a tendency to shake and vibrate more than typical brackets especially on stiffly suspended vehicles.  Urethane motor mounts and a lumpy idle were not friendly to these brackets.  Mounting large heavy lights were also too much to handle.

The new brackets are made out of 1/8 inch thick stainless steel.  The brackets is also wider thus stiffer but the mounting points are the same. The design was modified slightly so that the left and right brackets are identical.  There were no advantages to having a left and a right.  Making both sides the same cut down on manufacturing costs which allowed me to keep the unavoidable price increase to a minimum.

During the design phase, it was observed that the large 8 inch Hellas would not clear the grille due to the depth of the lamp housing.  The solution was to make a 'long" version.  So now. the brackets come in two sizes.  The original which will accommodate most lamps used by 2002 owners, such the Hella 500.  But if you would like to install a large lamp like the Hella 2000 or the Bosch Oscar, the "long" bracket is made specifically for such an application.

The two brackets side by side for comparison purposes.  The "long" bracket is 3/4 inch longer than the standard size bracket.

These are the original BMW brackets on a 72.

Big Bosch lights.

As soon as I get pictures of cars with the new brackets on, I will post them.

Same price for either size.

$40 a pair + $8 shipping anywhere in the US.

INSTALLATION SUGGESTIONS

Don't drill your front bumpers.  These brackets mount to the hood support behind the grille.  If you look behind your grille, you will see the two holes where the bracket is designed to mount onto.  On AC cars, the condenser and fan assembly uses one or two of the holes.  You can still use that same location to mount the brackets.

Some early cars, 71 and older do not have those holes.  The factory bracket was made available starting 1972.  But if you have an early car, you can still mount those brackets.  It will require that you drill 2 holes on the hood support, just like the factory did.

The mounting holes as seen through the grille of a 1974 2002.  Notice the vertical rib on the grille.

On 74s thru 76, one of the grille ribs will have to be cut for the bracket to fit through the grille.  That is not an issue on the early cars as they they did not have a vertical rib like the late cars.

A hack saw will do short work of that rib.  Make sure you don't cut the wrong one.  It's the inner most vertical rib, between the first and second slat from the bottom.

Rib piece removed.

Brackets get mounted with the grilles off.  You will need four (2 per side) 8 mm bolts, 4 flat washers, 4 lock washers and 4 nuts.  If the existing holes have nothing mounted on them, the length of the bolts should be at least 40 mm long.  You should get the wiring done at that time too.  Follow the wiring instructions provided with your lamp.  ALWAYS USE A RELAY.

Now,  slide the grilles on around the bracket.  (I used my 74tii as a demo car.  It's undergoing body work, so please excuse the apparent roughness of the vehicle.  One day, it will be NICE)

Then mount your light.  But watch the threaded mounting rod of your light.  It may be too long and may need to be trimmed.  I know I had to cut the one on my Hella 500.

"Long" brackets with Hella 2000 Lamps.

Now adjust the aim of your light beams and enjoy.

Email me at bimmerfan02@hotmail.com for more details or to order a set.