I need some brainstorming help!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
I need some brainstorming help!
So I decided very last minute that I wanted to put a light bar on my truck, so I'm trying to get it installed before it gets painted. The problem is that the bar mounts don't sit flush with the roof. I can use some modified nylon spacers to take up that angle, so that's not the issue. What I can't figure out is how to make it so that the nutsert (or just a plain nut on the inside) sits flat, and doesn't follow the same contour of the roofline. Any ideas??
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
Only thing I could say is to use a nylon like spacer on the inside of the cab and cut it to fit the contour of the roof so the bolt will pull straight.
Ive seen these light bars before and they are very bright. I thought of going this route for my '82 when I install a roll bar. But I like the four round headlight bulb look more fitting for these.
Ive seen these light bars before and they are very bright. I thought of going this route for my '82 when I install a roll bar. But I like the four round headlight bulb look more fitting for these.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
I've thought about that too, the only issue is the double wall roof, it's not gonna be easy. Plus, I've got a headliner that's going in also, so it can't be thick. I also thought about having a metal spacer made, having it threaded and then welded to the roof
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
Most large lights/light bars are not mounted to the roof, they are mounted to braces/frames/roll bars that are mounted to the bed.
Does that light have a cover for it? It won't be legal on the street unless you cover it over with something.
Does that light have a cover for it? It won't be legal on the street unless you cover it over with something.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
I haven't had much luck finding a decent bar to mount it on, plus I'd rather not have have the bolts accessible, since these are quite commonly stolen. The cover is in the works, I still have a month or two to figure that out before it's on the road
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Dude, get yourself a stick of Epoxy putty.
Grease the bolt and use a flange nut.
Mix the putty and put a glob between the nut and roof.
Screw the bolt in (not too tight)
This will form a bed to correct the contour and also hold the nut in place.
Everything will be well supported and it will be easy to thread the bolts back in after the truck is painted.
Grease the bolt and use a flange nut.
Mix the putty and put a glob between the nut and roof.
Screw the bolt in (not too tight)
This will form a bed to correct the contour and also hold the nut in place.
Everything will be well supported and it will be easy to thread the bolts back in after the truck is painted.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
Ive seen quite a few trucks at work coming in that has off road lights like I want to put on the roll bar I want and they just have plain open covers that allow light through but protects from damage. I am thinking its one of those things that here its street legal to have them with or without the cover that covers the light up.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
There are height above road laws here.
If the lights are not on, LE will not have a problem at all.
If the lights are not on, LE will not have a problem at all.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
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From: Orlando area
Cutting a round hole in the panel will not weaken it any, and the headliner will hide the hole. You could even make up a spacer if you want so the outer and inner panels both provide support.
I even used the opening to spray in some rust preventer - sound proofing stuff (which I believe also adds strength to the roof).
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
Certain applications you can get away with it. I have snowplow lights, they are above the height of the headlights, and they do not bother me or anyone else. If you have a service truck with some sort of lighting for the job they do, they will probably be alright too.
Any lighting like roll bar lighting has to be covered, even if they are off. They won't pass inspection and the cops will pull you over in a minute. Is this just a thing in my state? I am not sure.
Any lighting like roll bar lighting has to be covered, even if they are off. They won't pass inspection and the cops will pull you over in a minute. Is this just a thing in my state? I am not sure.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
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From: Orlando area
If you want to go this route check out Whelen Replacement Strap Kits & Low Profile Mounting Kits - Whelen Engineering Automotive
