X Mas Tree Install

[SpazMoid]

Tonight I tackled my Lighting issue. I got 9 of the Harbor Freight Offroad Lights, which come with a 55w H3 bulb, and installed 7 of them up front and 2 in the rear, but Before installing them I changed out all of the 55w bulbs with the H3 100w bulbs

Then it was time to run all the wires. I used a 18g wire for each one, the 2 on the rear were run down the existing stock roof bar runners, so they are hidden. The other wires were all run down a hole I drilled on the passenger side, and used wire loom to run it inside.

Next now that I have all the wires running into the cab, I wanted to figure out a really nice way to mount all the switches. Before i've just used the dash, but when you have 7 switches that need to be run, dash space goes quick. I devised making a metal switch board. I used some sheet metal I had laying around and drilled 7 holes in it. I then painted it grey to match the dash interior. Then installed the switches

After the switches were done, it was time to run the wires through, I choose to use the cubby hole under the glove box to run the wires. I drilled holes in the rear of it to run wires through, and used a power distribution block from Rockford Fosgate which has 4g wire running with an inline fuse. It then distributes to 18g wire to the switches.

The closed it up, and now it's installed....

Pulled it out and lite it up. When your in front of it, you can't see a bit after looking at it though... They are all aimed and I can basically see 360d now with pure light. It's pretty sweet, ya it might be a bit excessive.. but oh well

 

[jeepdude10000]

where are u going to use these lights, are u on a rescue team?

 

[SpazMoid]

I am a member of the KC Search and Rescue Offroad Division

As far as where? Trail only.

 

[90exjay]

Looks good, man i wish i had the time,talent and tools you do.

Sean

 

[Siffty]

man... im really jealous... that takes some talent to make it look as nice as you got it.... wish i had the time and money to try and do something like that... only thing is.. you might want to put a rubber seal around where the wires on in the passenger side.. just so u dont get a leak there.. but yea.. it looks amazing...

 

[CanMan]

Got battery and alternator?

Looks good! Might have more than Chero-king now...

 

[XJourney]

Where is CndlPwr at? He also has a beautiful set up.

Spaz do you find that your over heads light up your hood and blind you? I have a pair of Hella and they light up my hood so bright that I can't hardly see out the windshield.

 

[WaXJ_Skier]

Where is CndlPwr at? He also has a beautiful set up.

its a nice setup but one of his lights probably cost more than this entire setup.

 

[SpazMoid]

Where is CndlPwr at? He also has a beautiful set up.

Spaz do you find that your over heads light up your hood and blind you? I have a pair of Hella and they light up my hood so bright that I can't hardly see out the windshield.

The lights that are mounted right behind the hood do light up the hood a bunch, but it's not to hard to see. The ones on the rack are pointed far enough out and sit high enough to not hit the hood. And believe me the only one to be blinded would be oncoming traffic, or the wildlife.

As far as the wires going into the cab, I used silicone sealer around the wire loom, so water is no issue.

part of the reason I put so many on the rack, is that i'll be removing the ones that are mounted on the front bumper as I"m building a new front bumper to add a winch, and I'll be adding Hella 500's to the bumper. I'll also be removing the 2 that are near the hood, as I've layed my hands on 2 Police Spot lights, so next day off i'll install those.

Thanks for the good comments, it's much more amazing to actually see in person, maybe on the next meet


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A general cost was this.... 9 5" lights, Brighter than KC's $100.00. 9 H3 100w bulbs at $9.99 ea, but discount for me through my work at $3.50ea = $31.50. These lights I believe are brighter than the KC's as they not only have the same amount of wattage, but they also have a maginifier lens. The Hella 500's were $79.00. The spot lights are also 100w, and they were $50.00 for the pair, so yes, I may not have bought name brand, and spent tons, but with my total of $260.50 i'm sure it is a nice bright budget. I have not seen this guy whom you all talk about, maybe someone can post a link to some pics?

 

[ECKSJAY]

its a nice setup but one of his lights probably cost more than this entire setup.

You get what you pay for... Those HID lights can't be compared to a $100 HF set. :spin1:

 

[DrSockMonkey]

Get that transfercase fixed! I wanna wheel in the dark! or umm.. in broad daylight during the night!:eyes:

 

[Avanteone]

Get that transfercase fixed! I wanna wheel in the dark! or umm.. in broad daylight during the night!:eyes:

He just made an appointment for Wednesday :yelclap:

 

[adamusmc2002]

Hey Spaz, whatya doin with the lights you're pulling off soon?

 

[sams88]

hmmm............. just simply amazing... and it doesn't suck the battery/alternator inside out huh??

 

[Sniggs]

there's a 7kw generator on a trailer behind the Jeep.

:attom:

 

[SpazMoid]

Ok, if I have all 13 lights on at once, you can definatly feel the drain on the battery, but the lights are not aimed in the point just to be a poser, it's aimed to be used in different situations, so the likely hood of me having them all on at the same time is nilch.

The lights I take off, are probably just going to sit in a box.

And as far as batteries go, i'm going to buy 2 Optima's and run them in parralel. I also have a 130amp Alternator waiting to be installed.

 

[Sniggs]

You're going to need more than that - install one of THESE:

:attom: Mr Fusion

:attom: Flux Capacitor

"...when this baby gets up to 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some SERIOUS shit".