Recon Cab Lights
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Oklahoma
Recon Cab Lights
I have made an agreement to purchase a brand new in the box set of smoked recon cab lights. What I would like to know is personal experiences with the installation, quality, longevity, and the big thing, what are the chances of creating a point for water intrusion once I punch holes in the roof? Also curious if anyone has ever tried to fish the wire harness w/o dropping the headliner, and then using some type of self tapping screw or such? Any input will be appreciated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Lake Orion, MI
I cant answer all your questions but I can address the question about water leaking into your headliner. About 3yrs ago my wife bought me some cheapo ($20) cab lights from AutoZone for my 92 F150. I installed them myself and never had any problem with water leaking. The bottom of the lights had foam that created a good seal. I wired it into my running lights so I wouldnt have any extra switches. The Recons are obviously more expensive so I would think of better quality so I really wouldnt imagine you running into any problems, mine worked up until I sold the truck and Im sure they still work great. Just my $.02. Here is a pic of my truck (please ignore my little sister, it was the only pic I had of the fron of the truck).
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From: Oklahoma
Thanks for the input! I have read through several threads on the subject and haven't noticed very many, if any problems with leaking. I really just don't like the thought of dropping the headliner since I hae the overhead display and pillar gauges. That was the reason for the question regarding the different type of screws. Also, I think I remember someone has fabricated a template for installing these. I have read motomans instructions several times and seems pretty straight forward.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
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From: Pea Ridge, AR
Thanks for the input! I have read through several threads on the subject and haven't noticed very many, if any problems with leaking. I really just don't like the thought of dropping the headliner since I hae the overhead display and pillar gauges. That was the reason for the question regarding the different type of screws. Also, I think I remember someone has fabricated a template for installing these. I have read motomans instructions several times and seems pretty straight forward.
I went with dodge, and have not had good luck, had to take them apart in ways they were not intended to be taken apart, and seal up the lens' with clear silicone to prevent moisture intrusion(This is only within the light housing itself)
As for the housing, I used clear silicone under the foam, and on the screws before installing them to prevent leaks inside, and have no issues with water in the cab.
Greg(Shake-N-Bake) I believe has a template that he made. Did you order the lights from Clay? When I ordered mine he was going to send a test template, but since I had the dodge lights it wouldn't have been the same.
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From: Oklahoma
Alan, I found an ad on cl for a new set and I think it's a really good deal if I can make arrangements with the seller. ($40) It's a brand new in the box set to include the wiring harness that recon supplies, for Ford. They are the smoke lens and suppose to be the led lights. I read several posts and everyone seems to be in agreement that it's not that bad after you get everything positioned and accomplish the 1st hole. I fall in that same thought process, might benefit from a couple three cans of 12oz. courage. I've been wanting to do this for a long time but I'm a cheapo.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Epsom,NH in the summer.
Make a temple for all the lights. That will help line up the lights because of the two outer lights set back some. Also you should pull down the headliner just a little so it does't tear. I put a set on a 2004 F350. Use some silicon on the screws.
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From: Oklahoma
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Senior User
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From: Epsom,NH in the summer.
I used 3/4" sheet metal screws. Make sure the drill holes are not to small you will break a screw
Les
Les
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
I didn't go the recon route but rather the OEM cab lights - I got a smoking deal on Flea bay for the set plus the harness. Here's a write-up on my install.
Cab Light Install
Cab Light Install
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
All I can say is to measure, measure, measure and start poking holes. You will need to peel back the headliner a little but not too far or it will crease. I swapped out the orange lens last year for smoked lens and like the look better. Good luck.
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Posting Guru
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From: Oklahoma
Is there such a thing as a template that would actually tape down to the top of the cab w/o drawing out everything with measurements? I see Alan posted above that Greg made a template, maybe I should contact him and see if this is what I'm trying to find. Thanks
Posting Guru
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From: Albuquerque
Dave, do a search on here about cab light install. Can't remember his name, but a fella out of Az did a great write-up couple years ago to include the measurements. Most important, theres pictures too!
Found it, ShakeNBake posted it, great writeup, Greg.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...hts-today.html
Found it, ShakeNBake posted it, great writeup, Greg.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...hts-today.html