Topic Sponsor
1997 - 2003 Ford F150 General discussion on the Ford 1997 - 2003 F150 truck.

Cab lights?!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-03-2014, 12:39 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
02_Black_On_White's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,446
Received 399 Likes on 286 Posts

Default Cab lights?!

Hey guys I'm interested in installing a set of black cab lights on my truck but I'm kind of weary about drilling a million holes in my roof / possible leaking. Also how to go about measuring the roof for the lights, I've heard there are Some templates floating around out there for our year trucks, let me know if you have them and are happy with them and how you went about the install! Thanks guy!
Old 08-03-2014, 08:25 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
02-wht-sc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 211
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Well, I don't have cab lights but I do have a lightbar that I drilled into the roof (temporary mount) and it was kinda difficult to figure when I started, but I'd take a long straight edge, figure out where you want the lights to be, and make sure both sides line up with your measurement.


Figure out the distance from one side of your windshield and roof. Ie 2"x 4" and take a chalk pen, or dry erase marker and mark it.

Mark your measurement, Ie 2" x 4" on the other side.

Take your straight edge, 2x4, string line or other straight thing, and lay it across your roof. Make sure it is lines up on both sides, and double check your measurements. Then place your lights.

Just MAKE DOUBLE SURE YOU MEASURE OFF THE SAME THING otherwise you will end up with a cockeyed finished project.

As far as drilling holes, make sure you use silicone or some other clear sealant on both sides of the hole ie top and bottom. Tighten your bolts as tight as you think you can without damaging something, and install your lights.

You could probably get away with running the wiring above the roof carpet, but that would take more time and look more professional if done right.

Just try to make sure that there are no open holes after you silicone/seal, make sure everythig is tight, and measure twice or three times before you drill. A mock up never hurts either, and I would suggest it so you can get an idea of what it looks like before it's finished.
Old 08-03-2014, 08:46 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
02_Black_On_White's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,446
Received 399 Likes on 286 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 02-wht-sc
Well, I don't have cab lights but I do have a lightbar that I drilled into the roof (temporary mount) and it was kinda difficult to figure when I started, but I'd take a long straight edge, figure out where you want the lights to be, and make sure both sides line up with your measurement. Figure out the distance from one side of your windshield and roof. Ie 2"x 4" and take a chalk pen, or dry erase marker and mark it. Mark your measurement, Ie 2" x 4" on the other side. Take your straight edge, 2x4, string line or other straight thing, and lay it across your roof. Make sure it is lines up on both sides, and double check your measurements. Then place your lights. Just MAKE DOUBLE SURE YOU MEASURE OFF THE SAME THING otherwise you will end up with a cockeyed finished project. As far as drilling holes, make sure you use silicone or some other clear sealant on both sides of the hole ie top and bottom. Tighten your bolts as tight as you think you can without damaging something, and install your lights. You could probably get away with running the wiring above the roof carpet, but that would take more time and look more professional if done right. Just try to make sure that there are no open holes after you silicone/seal, make sure everythig is tight, and measure twice or three times before you drill. A mock up never hurts either, and I would suggest it so you can get an idea of what it looks like before it's finished.
thank you for the info! I though about a light bar but the only brackets I could fine for our year trucks were made by nfab and were about 200$ ! I've seen people use roof rack mounts but that sounds like a bit more work to get right.
Old 08-03-2014, 08:52 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
02-wht-sc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 211
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

No problem, is like to see how it turns out. And the roof rack mounts aren't that hard. Rigids mounts for roof racks and a pillars are pretty affordable
Old 08-05-2014, 01:23 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Krack499's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Northeast iowa
Posts: 14,402
Received 131 Likes on 121 Posts

Default

I've done cab lights on 2 of my trucks you just gotta measure a ton of times to make sure it's straight and where you want it and the use silicone to seal it off



Quick Reply: Cab lights?!



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:36 PM.