lighting
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Joined: Apr 2004
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lighting
i am going to get a westin push bar installed on my 1991 f150. i was interested in getting some extra lights that mount directly to the bar. i was wondering how hard it is to get the wiring hooked up for them? and does the switch that is inside the cab require drilling? thanks for the help
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
Wiring for extra lights is very simple but be sure you use a relay. The lights you buy will most likely come with one, if not then any auto parts store will sell a headlight relay for $5 or so. It will have a diagram of how to wire them. You may have to drill but it all depends on the kind of switch you use. Some switches use a bracket that mounts under your dash (I know KC uses these) and requires no drilling if you can find a screw down there to use. Otherwise you'll probably be looking at putting some sort of hold in your dash.
One last thing, if the wiring diagram doesn't cover this. Run power to your new switch off of your existing lighting system (i.e. splice into a park light). This will shut your auxilary lights off automatically when you turn your headlights off. Otherwise you'll pull an Ivan and forget those damn things all the time which means LOTS of jump starts. Took me quite a while to figure out that trick.
One last thing, if the wiring diagram doesn't cover this. Run power to your new switch off of your existing lighting system (i.e. splice into a park light). This will shut your auxilary lights off automatically when you turn your headlights off. Otherwise you'll pull an Ivan and forget those damn things all the time which means LOTS of jump starts. Took me quite a while to figure out that trick.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Why would drilling your dash "damage" anything? Just make sure you have your bit set and that there's nothing behind it. If all else fails and you're not comfortable with it then take your truck to a shop to install the lights. There's really not much to them at all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chatsworth, CA
Originally Posted by wyo0713
about how much damage will happen if i do have to drill my dash for the wire?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
> about how much damage will happen if i do have to drill my dash for the wire?
Being a 1991, foglamps might have been an option. What I have done with adding dash switches (even if the switch was being used for something else) is order a rear window defogger, fog lamp, power moon roof, etc. switch and then use that for the item I wanted to power. That way it fits into an empty unused factory bezel, looks nice, and is easy to hook up and source for a plugNplay replacement later on.
Being a 1991, foglamps might have been an option. What I have done with adding dash switches (even if the switch was being used for something else) is order a rear window defogger, fog lamp, power moon roof, etc. switch and then use that for the item I wanted to power. That way it fits into an empty unused factory bezel, looks nice, and is easy to hook up and source for a plugNplay replacement later on.
