So I spend a fair number of nights/mornings driving in the colorado mountains in the winter and I'd like to add driving lights to my R53 to light up the deer/elk infested back roads I usually take. But I don't particularly like the look of driving lights nor do I like the decrease in cooling they provide by blocking airflow to the radiator. So I'm thinking about installing some that I can bolt on in the fall/winter when I put on snow tires and take off in the spring. I figure a small decrease in airflow then won't be an issue and it's a question of function over form for the winter.

The question mark in my mind is the wiring. I figure I'd leave the wiring in place, have the brackets and lights bolted to the hood, and just bolt them in when I need them. Are there connectors out there that I can use that will be waterproof when they're unplugged? or some sort of wrap/case I can put over them to keep them dry? Am I crazy for wanting to do this?

 

yes there are connectors that would work. Puruse the electric parts aisle at a good parts store for ideas. The entire front clip of my 79 comes off in about 3 minutes. All the electrics route thru trailer type electric plug (lights, turn signals)

It is your car, if it sounds good, do it.

I'd consider two options

1. You are not constrained to mount the lights in the way(s) you commonly see. If concerned about blocking air flow you could hang the lights so that they are almost completely over the bumper and not grills.

2. I'd consider using a light bar, allowing the entire assembly to be removed more easily .... one piece.