Recon Cab lights
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Killeen Tx
Recon Cab lights
For those who have installed the Recon cab lights that were NOT a factory option, where did you get the power from?
I have the wiring harness that Recon supplied, just wondering where everyone connected the power.
Also, the sheet metal screws supplied to anchor the lights to the roof are a bad idea IMO. I guess it's off to the hardware store for bolts, washers and nylock nuts.
Starting to think I should have bought the factory lights and wire harness then switched to smoked lens and LEDs.
I have the wiring harness that Recon supplied, just wondering where everyone connected the power.
Also, the sheet metal screws supplied to anchor the lights to the roof are a bad idea IMO. I guess it's off to the hardware store for bolts, washers and nylock nuts.
Starting to think I should have bought the factory lights and wire harness then switched to smoked lens and LEDs.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Killeen Tx
Finally got around to installing the Recon lights.
To answer my own question, I tapped into the fuse panel on the passenger side. I found a low profile mini fuse with a power lead coming out of the top. This allowed me to tap into the fuse for the lights and reinstall the fuse panel cover. Other piggy back style taps would not allow the cover to go back on.
Also learned that cheap quality tools are not the best thing to use on a $60k truck. I purchased a knock out punch from Harbor freight and while working on the first hole it broke
. Good thing I had a "christmas tree" bit. The Recon instructions called for a 7/8" hole but it really only needs to be a 7/16" hole, just large enough to fit the electricla plug through.
It turned out good, no issues after the first hole.
I'll get a better pic in daylight but here is a pic at dusk.
To answer my own question, I tapped into the fuse panel on the passenger side. I found a low profile mini fuse with a power lead coming out of the top. This allowed me to tap into the fuse for the lights and reinstall the fuse panel cover. Other piggy back style taps would not allow the cover to go back on.
Also learned that cheap quality tools are not the best thing to use on a $60k truck. I purchased a knock out punch from Harbor freight and while working on the first hole it broke
. Good thing I had a "christmas tree" bit. The Recon instructions called for a 7/8" hole but it really only needs to be a 7/16" hole, just large enough to fit the electricla plug through.It turned out good, no issues after the first hole.
I'll get a better pic in daylight but here is a pic at dusk.
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That's ballsy, I guess I'll have to get the nerve to do it in the spring. I didn't even notice my truck didn't have the cab lights until a few weeks later. Lol. Serves me right for buying dealer stock, instead of ordering it. I've already installed all the other things it didn't have- block heater, heavy front springs, upfitter switches, so I may as well do the cab lights too.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Great Falls, Montana
Looks great Gunny!
I have the Recon Smoke Cab Lights, still in the box. I'll be installing them as soon as the weather gets a bit more friendly.
Questions:
1) Did you use small machine screws, lock washers, nuts ?
2) Did you put silicon sealant between the roof and lamp base ?
Thanks for any words of wisdom!
Questions:
1) Did you use small machine screws, lock washers, nuts ?
2) Did you put silicon sealant between the roof and lamp base ?
Thanks for any words of wisdom!
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 208
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From: Killeen Tx
I have the Recon Smoke Cab Lights, still in the box. I'll be installing them as soon as the weather gets a bit more friendly.
Questions:
1) Did you use small machine screws, lock washers, nuts ?
2) Did you put silicon sealant between the roof and lamp base ?
Thanks for any words of wisdom!
Questions:
1) Did you use small machine screws, lock washers, nuts ?
2) Did you put silicon sealant between the roof and lamp base ?
Thanks for any words of wisdom!
Once the holes were drilled I took underbody coating, sprayed some into a cup and applied it around the edges with a q-tip to protect again corrosion.
I used clear RTV silicone, applied a small amount around the holes, not around the light base. The foam seal is pretty thick. Once the lights were installed I applied more RTV on the inside.
Hope this helps anmd good luck.
The hardest part for me was being careful to not crease the headliner while working with it.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,155
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From: Great Falls, Montana
Thanks Gunny for the details. I find it nice to learn from others experience.
I see you installed the Bilstien 5100's ....... What has been your experience with them? Why did you dump the stock shocks? Thanks, Roy
I see you installed the Bilstien 5100's ....... What has been your experience with them? Why did you dump the stock shocks? Thanks, Roy
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From: Killeen Tx
There are several threads about replacing the stock shocks. I changed them out because of the poor ride quality and what I had read on here.
The stock Ranchos's arent true Rancho's, they are built to Ford specifications which IMO were under engineered to support the weight of these trucks. When I removed the stock Ranchos after 6k miles I could compress the shock, sit it down and walk away and it would take 30 mins to rebound.
After installing the Bilsteins I could immediatly tell the difference. Better rebound on large bumps, less wheel hop on bumps and overall better ride quality. Worth the $ IMO.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,155
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From: Great Falls, Montana
Thanks Gunny! Your input is a value.
Yes, I'll look for the appropreate thread for more info.
Have a Great Day Marine! Thanks for putting your butt on the line for this Country!
Roy
Yes, I'll look for the appropreate thread for more info.
Have a Great Day Marine! Thanks for putting your butt on the line for this Country!
Roy
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Why I posed interior light above I have no idea (sorry).
This should help anyone adding cab lights to a truck that did not come with them.
I can only assume that the wiring harness and plugs are there on all trucks as the wiring harness also has the wires for the side air bags???
Thanks
This should help anyone adding cab lights to a truck that did not come with them.
I can only assume that the wiring harness and plugs are there on all trucks as the wiring harness also has the wires for the side air bags???
Thanks