RE: 2003 F250SC
Need advice and assistance on:
A) installing strobes in rear tail and front parking lenses.
1) best place for strobe power supply.
2) best cable path both directions.
3) cable conduit methods.
4) potential damage to lenses from strobe heat.
5) source for a nice looking 6 switch array and location for installation.

B) install digital compass/outdoor temp sensor at front of <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">headliner</a>.
1) best routing/location for sensor.

C) convert the 5 cab lights to a traffic advisor.
1) need to find a source for the electronics.

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome aboard cingraham!

My advise would be to check out your local highway safety store. I don't know how to make that clearer

Anyhoo, there should be a place in town where the city/ highways takes all their trucks to have them converted with all the highway safety gear that's required. Ask around at the city vehicle depot or at your nearest Dept. of Highways branch, they'll probably know. At the least you could probably check out the trucks, I'm sure whoever did the work will have their name on there somewhere.

If you were in my town I could take you right there, but I'm assuming that the same type of thing exists where you are.

If you can locate this place they'll probably be able to help you out with parts and answer your installation questions.

Waxy

 

I actually have a 8-bulb strobe kit that will be finding it's way onto my Excursion very very soon. As far as the intall goes , it is actually quite simple. The "scariest" part is drilling the hole into the back of the lens housing to put the strobe bulb in. Everything else is very very simple...

 

My 2000 superduty has the 90 watt/6 way strobe kit. they offer bulbs in both clear and amber. I have 2 amber bulbs installed in the reverse portion of the <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">taillight</a>, 1 strobe per corner light up front, and 2 grille mount stobes. Sure is bright! Entire setup cost me about $300....

FLYINFORD

 

Cingraham,

I have Whelen insert strobes installed in my front <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/"><a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">parking light</a></a>s, tail lights, and backup lights. The inserts in front are drilled in to the inside of the <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/"><a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">parking light</a></a>s bulbs. The tail lights are just above the bulbs, and the backup lights are to the upper inside corner of the bulb. The installation is simple, but, because of the crewcab, and the amount of strobes I have, I run 2 packs. I have a 4 outlet pack mounted inside the console (check my gallery) I built to hold all of my equipment. The strobe cables from my <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/"><a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">parking light</a></a>s and grille lights are routed through a plastic plate in the firewall near the steering column, and run into the console. I have a 6 outlet pack mounted in the tray behind the rear seat which controls the 4 strobes in the tail/backup lights, and 2 more in the rear window. The strobe cables from the tail lights and backup lights run up the frame, through the rubber grommets in the back of the cab and come out under the carpet panel on the inside. Simply cut the middle of the grommet, then run the cables and seal with silicone. I have the hot, negative, ground, and control wires running to the rear pack in the tray under the plastic drivers side step panel. That takes care of about half my lights. For the switchs, I have 2 sw300 boxes mounted in the console that control my emergency and non emergency equipment. If you have an overhead console, you can mount switches inside, or if you are creative, you can make a plate and install them in the pocket next to the steering wheel. AC appliance switches are great for this purpose. They are small, and heavy duty enough to handle the power required. Another idea if you want even smaller switches is to use relays and phone cable. Just depends how creative you want to get. As far as heat, I have had no problems in the 3 years since the installation. My truck has sat as long as 3 hours with the lights going blocking roads after storms knocked down powerlines. Hope this answers your question. For converting the cab lights to a traffic advisor, I would get an arrowstick controller. You can pick them up on ebay, or at Galls for about $110. Check here: http://www.galls.com/shop/viewProduc...029&catcode=35

If I can help with anything else, let me know.

Bluehawk

 

BlueHawk, Your gallery says you have 24 strobes????? Where on earth do you have them at?

 

I finished my strobe project; simply have one in each tail and parking lens. I customized a control panel that's integrated into the dash. I used all Whelen product for bulbs and power supply. It's been just fine. There was no real hard part but it took time to do a nice clean and professional appearing job. The reflective back side of the lenses are very soft. I would not use a spade bit. Use a fine tooth hole saw that mounts in your hand drill. Bench mount the lens housings so they don't slip. Regards.
curtis ingraham

 

how much does the pack cost?? that would be awesome!

 

I paid under $300 from a company off the web in Seattle WA. I believe I got them from www.netsiren.com. Add another $100 for good multistrand wire, terminals, polyloom (that black accordian like conduit that's split), switches, etc.

 

I'm thinking the UFO sightings are going to go up in maine...

 

I have 2 in the front parking lights, 2 in the grill, 2 on the dash, 2 in the rear window, 2 in the tail lights, 2 in the backup lights, and 12 in the lightbar on top. I used all whelen products with the exception of the 2 in the rear window which are show-me strobes. Most of my lighting equipment has come from Galls, Inc. www.galls.com. Have been told it looks like a rolling Christmas tree. Should've seen me and my partner rolling down the highway together at night. My Ford has 24 strobes. His D*dge has 18 strobes. We usually don't have trouble getting through traffic. People are usually pulling over 2 blocks ahead of us.

Bluehawk

 

I have a Whelen 8-port power supply and am going to install a strobe in the reverse lights, rear cargo lights, the headlights, and 2 red grill mounts. I think I will go with 2 led units in the front and rear windows. What do you think?

 

And I thought I was the only one witht the idea. I got some coming myself.

How does the front turn signals come out? (2001 F250)

My use is going to be for plowing, I got tired of remembering to remove the beacon of the roof before pulling in the garage.

 

The stobes in the rear cargo lights are a bad idea. There is not enough airspace in the housing, and it builds up heat. The result could end up being a melted light. I would go with tail lights, and backup lights. You could also go with strobes in the rear window, say towards the middle, with the LEDs to the outside.

As for the front turn signals, the housing on my 2000 F250 has 2 screws underneath. The side marker beside the headlight, has a push in plug. The side marker and turn signal come out as 1 piece.

Bluehawk

 

Just reread your post. If you are using a snowplow on your truck, I would put the strobes in the grill. The plow will likely block them in the turnsignals when raised up. The top of the grille, towards the outside, will keep them visible at all times. You could also put them in the turnsignals, but, would still have the grille strobes, or a dash unit, for added protection.

Bluehawk