Considering a CDC Light Bar on my '03 MG Cobra Convertible

I'm considering a late winter project of adding a CDC light bar to my '03 MG convertible. The car has 27k miles and mods; which removes it from being a wholly "original" car. What are your opinions of a CDC light bar on a Cobra convertible? I def value the opinion of the forum members here and was curious, overall, how the light bar rates among popular opinion for aesthetic modifications.

I think it makes the car look so much better. I had to take the seat belt loops out do to rubbing when seat was back. You wont regret it. Pretty simple install as well.

I will add this, take your time and be patient
I'm very happy with mine, It changes the look of the car for the better IMO.
but it can be overwhelming cutting holes in the interior of a perfect car

No vert here, but the ones I've seen in pictures I like. Go for it.

I really like the look. The DSG convertible that I recently bought had one already installed but I would have put one in anyway. You will not regret it.

Must have for a vert!

Agree a must they look funny without them.

I bought my convertible last year. I showed pictures to my wife of Mustangs with the lightbar installed and she immediately said we were getting one. So, it's on my list of modifications for the car.

And I agree with the rest. They make the car look so much better!!!!

You will love it. I'd also add that the right speedster cover with the light bar can take it to a whole nother level
I dig my setup but obviously I'm partial to it

It's one of those take it or leave it things. I personally never installed one because I don't want to cut up my interior.

i installed one on mine because i really like the look. you do have to drill into the door jamb area, and cut holes into the plastic quarter panel trim which then get covered up with plugs. the holes are there so you can tighten the allen screws. and if you get one with a built-in brake lamp (i didn't) you'll obviously have to modify some of the wiring.

i noticed that my local tracks let me run faster - before saying anything - after i installed it, even though it doesn't really meet any rules requirements. lol

FromGTtoSVT said:

It's one of those take it or leave it things. I personally never installed one because I don't want to cut up my interior.

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I like them a lot, but I with you and do not want to mess with the interior panels.

I kicked this around for a few years because I also didn't want to cut up the interior. I took my time deciding what was best for me not for the next possible owner of the car and decided to get it. Havn't regretted it at all. I think they look great with them. Lately ive been looking for a screen not the plexiglass wind deflector for the bar. Cant find one yet that I like. I'm tired of my mullet getting f-ked up..

First thing I bought for mine, looks great, I do keep my eyes open for a mint set of panels to have and put away.

I would buy another set of panels to cut and keep the original panels in storage. You can use rear inside quarter panels from other 99-04 cars. LMR has the dark grey paint/stain to cover any panel color.

I don't believe the switch is still available for the lighted stylebar. You can also contact CDC to make you an unbranded bar for the same price.

RI-SVT said:

First thing I bought for mine, looks great, I do keep my eye for a mint set of panels to have and put away.

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Thanks for the pics and comments gentlemen- especially from RI-SVT, who obviously has the same color. It certainly helps. For those who have the bar, did you get the light as well? Any opinions on light vs no light?

ShaneCobra74 said:

Thanks for the pics and comments gentlemen- especially from RI-SVT, who obviously has the same color. It certainly helps. For those who have the bar, did you get the light as well? Any opinions on light vs no light?

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The light here, I do have the harness kit for the light as well, looks even better with the light imo

KLLR SNK said:

I would buy another set of panels to cut and keep the original panels in storage. You can use rear inside quarter panels from other 99-04 cars.

I don't believe the switch is still available for the lighted stylebar. You can also contact CDC to make you an unbranded bar for the same price.

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Great idea. I'd probably feel better having a spare set around. I used to be into Mopars and parted out a 68-70 B body convertible years ago. Those inner 1/4 panels were like gold in decent shape. Although Mustang convertibles are much more common, I'd still like to grab a set before I committed to the mod.

They're up on Ebay, but I see lofty prices at 165-195 per side. My Mopar panels were at $600 a set. It appears on Ebay at least- we're already not far off. Guess I better start looking locally for some panels. Insane prices, like Cobra tail lights come to mind.

My buddy is removing his bar with the light, and he will be selling it with the trim panels that have the holes cut into them. I can see what he is asking, I believe his car comes out of storage in April, so not sure if your in a hurry.

My car came with this mod and it has the light bar. I dig it. It's a smooth, clean look.

As for the seatbelt loops, yes, you'll have to remove your OEM loops. I added the Roush low-profile loops that were designed to work with light bars. They work great and look great as well.

A pic from yesterday: