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I like the look of clearance lights / cab marker lights (whatever you want to call them), and I had them on my 90 something dually. I've been wanting to get a set for my 79, and have been looking.
I finally decided on a set of lights that look a lot like the 80/90 series with the larger grey base and plastic lens cap. I ordered the smoke lens over amber LEDs.
My question is: does anybody have a template for where exactly to mount the lights? I'd guess there is probably a regulation on how near the edge, and how close the center lights should be to each other.
Second question is how to wire the lights. My wiring diagram shows one lead for the parking lights and another lead for the headlights off the back of the headlight switch. Since the clearance lights are LEDs, they can probably tie into the switched wires without a relay?
As always, I appreciate your thoughts, suggestions and ideas!
I helped my father-in-law back in 1996 put truck can lights on his 73 F250 truck. I placed masking tape across the entire front of the cab then measured the center and marked for the first light. Then we placed the outside two where he wanted them. Then we placed the two either side of the center and he didn't like the look so we added two more for a total of 7 lights and we just measured them to all be equidistant from each other. After we marked the masking tape and re measured many more times we drilled the pilot holes for the mounting holes, then finally the holes for the wiring. Then fished the wire through and tied to the park light circuit. I hope this helps!
Garry
Still looking for suggestions on the light spacing, however...
Are you wanting them to appear factory, or just look good? Sometimes it's better to look right than to be right. Short of an actual template, I think the previous suggestion by garryk6 is best...mask the area off and place em where you like em, then mark and drill.
I can take some rudimentary measurements next time I'm out to my truck (it's stashed at a buddy's place til I get my plates in order) if you haven't gotten a satisfactory answer before then...probably be next week tho, work is very busy and I only have 1 day off a week anymore...BIG MONEY!...haaaaaa....
But I've seen them mounted equidistant and some prefer one at each outer extent and the three inner lights grouped closer together. I think it appears cleaner equidistant and set back to follow the curve of the front lip of the roof.
Drill baby, drill... and make sure they are well sealed!!!
I can get measurements from my holes, my lights are currently off. As stated some like them equally spaced others go for the middle 3 closer together and the outside ones further apart. What's your preference? Idk what's factory or correct but let me know if you want measurements.
I can get measurements from my holes, my lights are currently off. As stated some like them equally spaced others go for the middle 3 closer together and the outside ones further apart. What's your preference? Idk what's factory or correct but let me know if you want measurements.
I do like the look of your lights, and would definitely appreciate your measurements. I just procured some heavy construction paper, and hope to do the layout tomorrow.
When I helped my father-in-law do his 73, we spaced the lights around 1 or 2 inches back from the leading body line so that they formed an arc. I'm not sure how they were from the factory, but I thought they looked much better than going in a straight line across the top of the cab as I have seen some. I can't tell which way fordguys lights are in the pics above, but again, play with various looks with the tape and construction paper to help determine final location.
I do like the look of your lights, and would definitely appreciate your measurements. I just procured some heavy construction paper, and hope to do the layout tomorrow.
I'll see if I can get you some measurements tomorrow
Originally Posted by garryk6
When I helped my father-in-law do his 73, we spaced the lights around 1 or 2 inches back from the leading body line so that they formed an arc. I'm not sure how they were from the factory, but I thought they looked much better than going in a straight line across the top of the cab as I have seen some. I can't tell which way fordguys lights are in the pics above, but again, play with various looks with the tape and construction paper to help determine final location.
Garry
Now that I think about it I can't either lol, the lights have been off for a long time... other parts of the truck keep sucking up the funds for cab lights but I'm thinking they are straight but wouldn't bet my life on it. I'll see if any other pics help show which way
Looks like my lights are straight. Here are my measurements, again can't say for certain it's factory but the truck was a one owner when I bought it, and the lights were definitely old lol
I measured from the front of my lights since they are tear drop shaped (i measured from the widest points to be consistent) *Note* these measurements are not from the screw holes since I figured yours might be different. They are from light edge to light edge. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions or need some more pictures.
Why is FTE such a tightwad about members giving out reps? That sketch and measurements are definitely worth some. Nice job.
I was looking thru some pics of my truck to see if I could find anything helpful since I know my cab lights are factory...nothing really useful 'cept confirmation that the 3-in-the-middle configuration appears to be how Ford did it. They're not far off, but the outboard lights are, in fact, further out than the middle three are to each other.
It's hard to even see because part of the backhoe boom looks like an extra light...can you believe that they all WORK? Even w no lenses for Who knows how long?
I think I'm gonna get some heavy construction paper, trim it to the shape of the cab, and lay-out the lights on the paper.
I know I'll prefer the inner three more together, and the other two more outboard, as that is "correct" appearing to me.
I've looked at other trucks where the lights are evenly spaced, and even though that fits better with my OCDness, it still doesn't seem "right".
I'm in the same boat there. I think I'll put them on as per Fordguy2100's drawing but have them all at the same distance from the roof's edge. (Arcing with the windshield.)
Why is FTE such a tightwad about members giving out reps? That sketch and measurements are definitely worth some. Nice job.
I was looking thru some pics of my truck to see if I could find anything helpful since I know my cab lights are factory...nothing really useful 'cept confirmation that the 3-in-the-middle configuration appears to be how Ford did it. They're not far off, but the outboard lights are, in fact, further out than the middle three are to each other.
It's hard to even see because part of the backhoe boom looks like an extra light...can you believe that they all WORK? Even w no lenses for Who knows how long?
I provided reps to 2100 earlier this afternoon.
"Spread the love". But IMO, reps are earned and 2100 earned it... no participation trophies here!
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