PDA

View Full Version : overhead lights walk through


pbkid
04/21/2009, 04:39 PM
ok, i got ahold of some driving lights....so i tackled the chore of running wiring and mounting them today...

did a write up while i was at it!

i unfortunately did not do a write up on how i wired them into the ignition because that can be changed per however you want them to turn on...

once again, taken with a camera phone...so forgive the crappy pics...

start with running the wires through the car however you please and up to the top of the rear like so-

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091050-01.jpg

once you remove the spoiler with a 10mm socket there is a hole with a grommet in it for the 3rd brake light, i removed the grommet because there was no way the wiring i used would fit through it...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091050-02.jpg

so, i got the wiring to the roof through that pre-drilled hole (therefore sealed properly to avoid rust and cutting holes in the roof that arent factory
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091051-00.jpg

next, i drilled a hole through the end of the spoiler to reduce water movement...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091051-02.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091053-00.jpg

i had to remove the actual LED from the spoiler to help me run the wiring...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091055-00.jpg

use a fish-tape to get the wire to go to the end of the spoiler from the center
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091057-00.jpg

buy a grommet to fit the hole drilled
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091113-00.jpg

i chose to run whats called a 'conductor wire' that we use in the car audio field to help us wire 4channel amps...basically its a 4ga wire with 9 wires inside of it. i plan on running a lot of lights so i figured instead of running 8 individual wires it would be easier to run conductor...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091118-00.jpg

next i purchased a trailer connector so that i can remove the roof rack if necessary without having to un-wire...wired up
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091149-00.jpg

zip tied to the roof rack to keep it from hitting the roof on rough surfaces
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091149-01.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091515-00.jpg

i ran the wiring along the side of the rack to the front...where i purchased 2 90 degree CB antenna mounts designed for semi mirrors, to mount the actual lights to...http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091150-00.jpg

i mounted the CB antenna mounts, and mounted the lights to those...i think they turned out well
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091515-01.jpg

next i wired up the relay and switch to the ignition
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091515-02.jpg

here's the completed look...they havent been adjusted, so one looks dimmer but its not..
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091521-00.jpg

heres a close up
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091522-00.jpg

outside my install bay
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091527-00.jpg

in front of my best buy
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3222/0421091541-00.jpg

please let me know if there are any other pics you need me to take, i still have the interior torn apart...

enjoy!
nfpgasmask
04/21/2009, 04:53 PM
Hmmm, I like the mirror mount idea. That may just work for my reverse lights that I plan to put on the back of my basket.

Sucks drilling through the spoiler, eh? Don't wanna mess that up!!

:) Bart
CrnCnn
04/21/2009, 05:28 PM
Hey Jack,

How much space would you say you actually gain by removing all the panneling? Do you have any pics of the whole rear with all that off?
pbkid
04/21/2009, 05:46 PM
Hmmm, I like the mirror mount idea. That may just work for my reverse lights that I plan to put on the back of my basket.

Sucks drilling through the spoiler, eh? Don't wanna mess that up!!

:) Bart

ya that was definately the worst part...trying to figure out how to get the wiring through the spoiler without worries of water...but i really think mine wont leak a drop..

i didnt put it above, but i also put gasket sealant at the center joint of the spoiler and the body to help seal from water
pbkid
04/21/2009, 05:47 PM
Hey Jack,

How much space would you say you actually gain by removing all the panneling? Do you have any pics of the whole rear with all that off?

not enough to make it worth it...

i took some quick pics for you though...

just a little gain on the very far back left and right

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3221/0421091854-00.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3221/0421091854-01.jpg
Moncha
04/21/2009, 07:05 PM
I copied this over to the How To's section (http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&op=newarticle&id=54) So it won't get lost in the archives eventually. I put credit to you, pbkid, and will get to changing the database entry to reflect your name.
pbkid
04/21/2009, 07:39 PM
awesome. thanks boss-man!

well, i suppose if its going in the how-to i'll finish the write up to include how to do the relay
Moncha
04/21/2009, 08:14 PM
Cool send it to me or post it and I'll copy it over
nfpgasmask
04/21/2009, 08:29 PM
I copied this over to the How To's section (http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&op=newarticle&id=54) So it won't get lost in the archives eventually. I put credit to you, pbkid, and will get to changing the database entry to reflect your name.

Hey Moncha, so the How-To's section is working? Do you want me to transfer my How-To's into a thread so they can be put there as well?

Thanks - Bart
CrnCnn
04/21/2009, 10:20 PM
not enough to make it worth it...

i took some quick pics for you though...

just a little gain on the very far back left and right


Thanks for throwing that up for me. I dont want to take this thread the wrong way but since you have it apart I thought I would ask. I will start a new thread with where I am going as not to highjack.
pbkid
04/22/2009, 04:57 PM
your alright man...i dont mind taking any pics while i have things apart...i just wanted the walk through to be there for others looking to do the same...

what do ya need?
Moncha
04/25/2009, 10:25 AM
Hey Moncha, so the How-To's section is working? Do you want me to transfer my How-To's into a thread so they can be put there as well?

Thanks - Bart

You bet! If you have an attachment, send to me and mark in your write up where it should go and I'll link to it. Remember that the articles are moderated so I can keep unwanted and off topic posts out. Let me know if/when you have something and I'll approve it.
tom4bren
04/27/2009, 07:04 AM
pb,

Did you do anything to protect that wire bundle where it passed through sheet metal? You said you removed the grommet but didn't mention replacing it with anything.
pbkid
04/27/2009, 03:23 PM
yea..i removed the grommet to make room for the large gauge wire i used...i used a THICK bead of silicone on the roof of the VX then screwed the spoiler back down, hoping that ill get a good seal...