Group,

I just installed a Manik brush guard on my '98 Expy, a pain but I did it! Bought it from a guy for $150, a bit rusted in spots on the very bottom but I sanded and painted so it looks pretty nice now.
Anyway, I'm looking to put a set of driving/fog lights on the guard. I know the brand names are the best, but I can't afford them now so I'm looking at an alternative, a bit funky but what the heck...
I found lights at the local Tractor Supply store, they are for tractors and front end loaders, but they are exactly what I would like for Expy. They have heavy duty polyresin black cases, 55 watt Halogin bulbs, and a nice fence-style stone guards on the front. They run about $27 each plus tax. Okay, they are tractor work lights but they really do look nice and I think they'll work fine for what I need them for. What do you all think, am I nuts or "if it works for me it's fine"????

I am also looking at a remote control kit to run the lights so I don't have to go through the firewall, anyone installed a kit like that? Do they work or am I wasting my time?

Tim

 

It sounds as if the lights are floodlights. If you are driving slowly, they'll probably do a good job of lighting the immediate area. However, you will probably overdrive them at >30mph.

I think PIAA sells a kit that allows remote operation of their lights. I wonder if it's adaptable for other brands?

FWIW, my take would be to hold off until my budget allowed for a good set of lights tailored to my needs.

 

PaulC,
Okay, that's the kind of feedback I wanted. Define what you mean by "overdrive them at >30 mph"???? What will they do, not "reach out" as far as I want them to?

Tim

 

Understand that I'm relying on your description of the lights. Given that tractors travel at low speeds and often need a lot of light to illuminate a work area, I'm presuming that they're floodlights, which are designed to spread their light over a broad area. The lens would have a lot of fluting to cause the needed diffusion to accomplish this. The compromise in this type of light is that unlike a car headlight, they don't project a lot of light directly forward (like you said "reach out") for a great distance.

Therefore, when you drive at higher speeds, they won't show you what's out in front of you early enough for you to react to it. That is what I mean by overdriving the lights.

 

PaulC,

Thanks for explaining it so I can understand. I can see your point.
I'll have to think this one over I guess...

Tim

 

I'm really happy with my Hella 500's. The stock Hi beams were not bright enough for me, so I have them hooked up to come on when the Hi beams are on. Only paid like $70 for them.

 

Tyger,
I like the Hella's, and the price is good too! I would like a square-ish light over the round ones, just personal preference I guess.

What about the remote control switches, anyone have any comments on them?

Tim

 

Funny you mention that, cause I was looking on Ebay at the guy I bought mine from, and all he has right now is the 550's (squarish) ones. I also saw the remotes on ebay, but I really don't have use for one the way my lights are set up right now.

 

I do like the 550's too. The new smaller (FF?) lights are nice, but waaayyy too small for the front of my truck I think. I need some bigger lights up there! No offense to anyone who has the smaller lights, but I want something a wee bit bigger.

I'm not real good at wiring, so I thought the remote would give me a break from fishing wire through the firewall.

Tim

 

If it's the wiring you're worried about, don't sweat it. The hardest part, was drilling the 1/2" holes in the bar! If you need wiring help when you get your lights, or would like some of my install pics, shoot me an e-mail!

 

Tyger,
Hey, the holes are already drilled, I'm a step ahead I guess! Any suggestions on where to put the wire through the firewall, location?

Tim

 

Sure, give me 5 min, and I'll get some pics posted.

 

There is a Rubber Plug right here....


Here it is....

 

I stuck the relay under here....

 

OMG!......That thing is dirty under there....lol