How-To install cab lights
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 596
Likes: 58
From: West Plains, MO
I just did this installation, intending to cover up the holes from a previous owner - turns out he'd used the cheap Chinese lights with inline screws and didn't even put them in the factory locations, so I'll still have to fill those holes. Probably will solder them because I don't want to risk setting the headliner on fire, or my new wires either! 
Anyway, I bought the lights from Ryder Fleet for the best price. I ordered pigtail sockets and bulbs too, because it was not clear from the website if those came with the lights or not. Turns out they are complete with bulb & socket. Good quality too.
I marked and drilled the holes (No. 32 drillbit) for #8 sheet-metal screws. (The Truck-Lites came with machine screws which require nuts). I also hard-wired my lights since I didn't have a factory harness handy, so only a 3/8" center hole was needed for a grommet. It was easy to use a piece of baling wire to fish the wires the 12" distance from hole to hole, and the few inches from the right-most hole to the visor opening. Solder and shrink tubing at the T connection for each light, and run in the screws!
All that's left to do is fish the wires down the A-pillar and hook it up
Anyway, I bought the lights from Ryder Fleet for the best price. I ordered pigtail sockets and bulbs too, because it was not clear from the website if those came with the lights or not. Turns out they are complete with bulb & socket. Good quality too.
I marked and drilled the holes (No. 32 drillbit) for #8 sheet-metal screws. (The Truck-Lites came with machine screws which require nuts). I also hard-wired my lights since I didn't have a factory harness handy, so only a 3/8" center hole was needed for a grommet. It was easy to use a piece of baling wire to fish the wires the 12" distance from hole to hole, and the few inches from the right-most hole to the visor opening. Solder and shrink tubing at the T connection for each light, and run in the screws!
All that's left to do is fish the wires down the A-pillar and hook it up
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hi Brad. I read your write up. Really, I actually read it. I installed mine the same way on my last truck. However, I bought a 1990 with the factory holes and harness in place already and replaced the lights with the link provided in the post previously. I notice the whole light doesn't quite sit flush with the contour of the roof. Mainly the center 3 lights. Yours look the same way in your pictures. Is this normal on all Ford trucks this era? 1990 reg cab, factory holes and harness. Thank you
Thread Starter
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Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
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New User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 4
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complete instalation
[brad i have 5 new ford clearence lights w pigtails +wire harness i am disabled vietnam vet + live at corning ny not all that far from you i have a beautifle 95 f-250 and would like you to instal l the vlights for me??? my phone # is 607-776-3413 please call i will come to you for instalation. thanks barry a QUOTE=Diesel_Brad;19793950]What do you need to know?[/QUOTE]
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 55
Most definitely YES; add a dedicated Ground wire; not only to cab lights, but to anything that is chassis Grounded; in most cases, I use both, the existing chassis Ground and also a dedicated Ground wire.
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