Roof Cab Lights - Yay Or Nay

[smplone]

I just installed these roof cab lights in the best place I could see to put them. There are 2 wing lights with a led center ballast of 3 lights for the middle. They are attached to truck via 3M as opposed to drilling holes in case its a Nay in the wrong end. Looking for honest opinions to keep them or take them off. Original thought was to create a higher stance at night and I have always appreciated the look on other trucks that require them. Its my understanding VDOT requires trucks of a certain height and width to have them installed from factory. I am sure I don't meet those requirements or it would have come that way. Or I would have seen someone else do it already. They are wired down the roof grommet hole for the Off Road lights and tapped into the parking lights. I am leaning towards keeping them, but don't want to have that feeling of over the top. Like when you see honda civics with a hood scoop from advance auto...haha.

Yay or Nay in your opinion?

 

[Tay-Lo]

I say keep them. Makes it look more aggressive. I'm a bit surprised that I haven't seen it done or even thought to do it myself.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Was the factory off road grommet hard to deal with? And did you have to re-silicone it back when putting it back together or is it pretty much watertight/waterproof itself?

 

[yellowx16]

I was initially thing nay, but now that I look at them more I like them. I say keep them

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

You should've started a poll with this!

 

[Jack Stilts]

I like it! Definitely a keeper. Surprised that more people haven't done this.

 

[smplone]

Was the factory off road grommet hard to deal with? And did you have to re-silicone it back when putting it back together or is it pretty much watertight/waterproof itself?

Its funny this question was asked. It was super easy. However the factory took extra precautions to water sealing this area. The off road light wires were wrapped in tape and silicone at entry point. Then wrapped in loom and taped again. I just punctured the grommet and fished a wire through to door jamb to pull wire. Used one of the bolts on roof for ground. And yes applied more silicone at puncture. Gotta say though, when i pulled the light bar off roof there were so many leaves and debris sitting up there.

 

[smplone]

You should've started a poll with this!

Hmmm a pole is what I was looking for from fellow xterra owners. Will have to look into how to do this. Getting mixed feelings from friends. Everyone dislikes it at first but is then accepting of it soon after. I think its unsettling at first because of the small amount of real estate to work with up there. Which is why I chose the 3 light combo for the middle section.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Its funny this question was asked. It was super easy. However the factory took extra precautions to water sealing this area. The off road light wires were wrapped in tape and silicone at entry point. Then wrapped in loom and taped again. I just punctured the grommet and fished a wire through to door jamb to pull wire. Used one of the bolts on roof for ground. And yes applied more silicone at puncture. Gotta say though, when i pulled the light bar off roof there were so many leaves and debris sitting up there.

Thanks, much appreciated. I think I'll go this route for my 30" or 40" by routing an extra wire through that grommet with the loomed wires from factory.

 

[smplone]

I like it! Definitely a keeper. Surprised that more people haven't done this.

Telling you,I searched google images and you tube videos for anyone doing something similar and found nothing.

 

[smplone]

Thanks, much appreciated. I think I'll go this route for my 30" or 40" by routing an extra wire through that grommet with the loomed wires from factory.

Yeah no problem. you'll have no issues figuring it out. My last LED purchase will be the 20" LED light bar that is slated for the front bumper under the light guard. I unfortunately started out with Rigid Industries and have to save the funds to get this one. I have two sets of D2's in the front bumper, a 6" bar in the rear and 1 SR on each side of roof.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Telling you,I searched google images and you tube videos for anyone doing something similar and found nothing.

Are you on TNX?

Another member beat you already.

His thread:

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13021

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Yeah no problem. you'll have no issues figuring it out. My last LED purchase will be the 20" LED light bar that is slated for the front bumper under the light guard. I unfortunately started out with Rigid Industries and have to save the funds to get this one. I have two sets of D2's in the front bumper, a 6" bar in the rear and 1 SR on each side of roof.

Sounds like you and I have something in common with Rigids....they're EXPENSIVE! lol.

I have:

20" Rigid E-Series in my bumper mouth.
4 x 6" Rigid SR Series as alley lights (2 left, 2 right)
2 Duallys as rock lights underneath
10" Rigid SR Series Combo facing rear

I think I'm going to go with either Totron or Ironman for a 30" or 40" SR Series on top facing forward.

Don't think I'd want to buy Rigid all over again if I can get those for 1/3 of the price.

 

[smplone]

Sounds like you and I have something in common with Rigids....they're EXPENSIVE! lol.

I have:

20" Rigid E-Series in my bumper mouth.
4 x 6" Rigid SR Series as alley lights (2 left, 2 right)
2 Duallys as rock lights underneath
10" Rigid SR Series Combo facing rear

I think I'm going to go with either Totron or Ironman for a 30" or 40" SR Series on top facing forward.

Don't think I'd want to buy Rigid all over again if I can get those for 1/3 of the price.

Yeah the price is ridiculous but I like having the covers on them when not in use and the 20" is the last one for me, so gotta finish it out. Dave at NXM just picked up the 20" Ironman light bar, will have to check it out if you are coming to event this year.

MAN to bad I did not see that thread of the LED's before I purchased these. I think the differences between his being more low profile and mounted at highest part of truck are why I am hesitant about keeping these.

 

[Tay-Lo]

Sounds like you and I have something in common with Rigids....they're EXPENSIVE! lol.

I have:

20" Rigid E-Series in my bumper mouth.
4 x 6" Rigid SR Series as alley lights (2 left, 2 right)
2 Duallys as rock lights underneath
10" Rigid SR Series Combo facing rear

I think I'm going to go with either Totron or Ironman for a 30" or 40" SR Series on top facing forward.

Don't think I'd want to buy Rigid all over again if I can get those for 1/3 of the price.

Just so you know, Ironmans only go to 30" right now, I'm planning on at least 1 if not 3 of them.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Yeah the price is ridiculous but I like having the covers on them when not in use and the 20" is the last one for me, so gotta finish it out. Dave at NXM just picked up the 20" Ironman light bar, will have to check it out if you are coming to event this year.

MAN to bad I did not see that thread of the LED's before I purchased these. I think the differences between his being more low profile and mounted at highest part of truck are why I am hesitant about keeping these.

I think the clearance lights looks cool on the X but I don't think its for me though. Kinda like telling a chick "Its not you, its me" But I agree on the Rigids....I seriously was eyein' a 30" Sr Series for the roof top facing forward and call it quits but I just can't justify spending $650+ if I can get Ironman 30" SR for more than half of that price. Granted, I don't use covers cuz I like having the ability to flip them on anytime I need them to do so. And not to mention, I don't think I'll use the 30" on top THAT much so....

Just so you know, Ironmans only go to 30" right now, I'm planning on at least 1 if not 3 of them.

Right, I forgot about that they don't sell 40" but seeing that the 30" will be just a bit shorter between my DepHep...I think I'll go with it then. I need to measure again though.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

And what the biggest sell for Ironman is the ability to adjust mounts.....I don't want to drill holes onto my dephep as I'd prefer to just buy 2 longer bolts and use the existing mounting dephep rack J-hook points for those mounts to mount on.

 

[Tay-Lo]

And what the biggest sell for Ironman is the ability to adjust mounts.....I don't want to drill holes onto my dephep as I'd prefer to just buy 2 longer bolts and use the existing mounting dephep rack J-hook points for those mounts to mount on.

THIS!!!! The flexibility to adjust them has been my major holdup on most lights. I plan to use 2 rails and pancake part of my basket between them....no holes required and still get a sturdy mount.

To bad I dont have the factory grommet like yall do :/ ......I'll just run it in the door....might even get these cab lights though I'm not sure how they would look on a gen 1.5

 

[Kyle]

Doesn't look bad. Can't say I'm a fan. Although I'd keep them since they're on there now lol.

 

[smplone]

Probably keep them on for the event and decide after that. They are only applied via 3M instead of screws into the cab. So can easily remove them if I decide to go another route. Couple of things to consider if I decide to swap or relocate; This actual set of 3-piece Hi-5lite will only fit where I have them. If they are relocated to top of roof rack where the other picture surfaced of someone doing it, there will pretty much be no spacing between the canisters. I definitely like the concept and will most likely have something up there. Just gives a higher stance and aggressive look at night. And I do like the rectangle illumination as opposed to the single bulb omni-directional look. I really like the OEM/mod look. Anything that gives the feeling it should have been part of the original design. Not feeling it with this mod....YET.

 

[smplone]

THIS!!!! The flexibility to adjust them has been my major holdup on most lights. I plan to use 2 rails and pancake part of my basket between them....no holes required and still get a sturdy mount.

To bad I dont have the factory grommet like yall do :/ ......I'll just run it in the door....might even get these cab lights though I'm not sure how they would look on a gen 1.5

Not sure I am envisioning what you all are talking about with using a light with the dephep. This is how I fit a 6" light in the rear of the dep hep.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Not sure I am envisioning what you all are talking about with using a light with the dephep. This is how I fit a 6" light in the rear of the dep hep.


View attachment 1350View attachment 1349

The Ironman/Totron has mounts that slide back and forth side to side so what I'm envisioning is that you know the dephep that has 2 bolts per corner for the J mounts that clamps onto the rack? I'd be using the bolts farthest from the edge with a longer bolt and mount the 30" or 40" on top of that since I don't plan on removing my stock mickey mouse ears so they'd be right on top of the dephep using those 2 mounts.

Make sense?

 

[Tay-Lo]

Not sure I am envisioning what you all are talking about with using a light with the dephep. This is how I fit a 6" light in the rear of the dep hep.


View attachment 1350View attachment 1349

I have a Surco safari basket and on the sides it has a few flat panels connecting the bottom and top....I'll call them "Rings".

Basically take a piece of steel thats around 6"-7" long on each side of it and bolt them together really tight. After that mount the light (probably a 7" Ironman) to that. I'll bedline the steel rails to make it blend a lot better, I also can get them for free from the scrap pile at work....so that's a plus.

You can see the area I'm talking about here.

 

[smplone]

The Ironman/Totron has mounts that slide back and forth side to side so what I'm envisioning is that you know the dephep that has 2 bolts per corner for the J mounts that clamps onto the rack? I'd be using the bolts farthest from the edge with a longer bolt and mount the 30" or 40" on top of that since I don't plan on removing my stock mickey mouse ears so they'd be right on top of the dephep using those 2 mounts.

Make sense?

Yeah I see now. Would you leave it up there all the time, or hook up only when planning a trip? I mentioned using covers because its the law to not have so many lights exposed. I haven't gotten bothered, but I like the look of covers on the street and all lens off road. Especially when constantly traveling through DC aka Urban jungle. Also if the light bar is at the highest part of the vehicle, are you concerned with branches constantly hitting it? Not trying to be a debbie downer eitehr and not sure if this really makes sense, but what about drag when traveling down the highway. Would you lose mpg with 1 or 2 led bars up there or create instances of wind whistles at high speeds?

Don't get me wrong, love the idea especially when its all LED from left to right. These are just the crazy thoughts that run through my mind when considering things.

 

[Tay-Lo]

haha for me if I get concerened about drag I'll take the giant basket and tire off the top

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Yeah I see now. Would you leave it up there all the time, or hook up only when planning a trip? I mentioned using covers because its the law to not have so many lights exposed. I haven't gotten bothered, but I like the look of covers on the street and all lens off road. Especially when constantly traveling through DC aka Urban jungle. Also if the light bar is at the highest part of the vehicle, are you concerned with branches constantly hitting it? Not trying to be a debbie downer eitehr and not sure if this really makes sense, but what about drag when traveling down the highway. Would you lose mpg with 1 or 2 led bars up there or create instances of wind whistles at high speeds?

Don't get me wrong, love the idea especially when its all LED from left to right. These are just the crazy thoughts that run through my mind when considering things.

Good points. There are few members that have had it on top using Xoskel low profile and I'm sure they've tested it through branches and whatanots and no complaints about it so I'm sure it'll be fine up there. And here in TN, its a redneck country/state so those lights laws are rarely ever enforced, if any and if I ever get stopped, there's a write up over TNX somewhere that you can use velcro straps to hold a custom cover over it, easy job but seeing all kinds of pickups around here with halogens lights on top and etc, its not really a enforceable law unless you blind an officer then yeah, that'd be understandable.

And for the mpgs....its an Xterra Seeing your pics on avatar, you have an armored bumper so mpgs isn't a concern for you either?

To address the whistling sound, I doubt it'll be an issue since its really low, looking at the pics off Totron's site, its seems like there will only be about 1/2" - 1" gap between the dephep and the base of the light so with the factory fairing upfront, I don't think it'll be a big issue.

If its an issue, I'll make a custom plug harness (Ironman has that, judging from Dave's pics) and will remove it whenever I see a need for it but otherwise it'll be staying on there the entire time.

 

[smplone]

Good points. There are few members that have had it on top using Xoskel low profile and I'm sure they've tested it through branches and whatanots and no complaints about it so I'm sure it'll be fine up there. And here in TN, its a redneck country/state so those lights laws are rarely ever enforced, if any and if I ever get stopped, there's a write up over TNX somewhere that you can use velcro straps to hold a custom cover over it, easy job but seeing all kinds of pickups around here with halogens lights on top and etc, its not really a enforceable law unless you blind an officer then yeah, that'd be understandable.

And for the mpgs....its an Xterra Seeing your pics on avatar, you have an armored bumper so mpgs isn't a concern for you either?

To address the whistling sound, I doubt it'll be an issue since its really low, looking at the pics off Totron's site, its seems like there will only be about 1/2" - 1" gap between the dephep and the base of the light so with the factory fairing upfront, I don't think it'll be a big issue.

If its an issue, I'll make a custom plug harness (Ironman has that, judging from Dave's pics) and will remove it whenever I see a need for it but otherwise it'll be staying on there the entire time.

True
True
and True

You going to have it up and ready by event?

 

[Tay-Lo]

Hmm what about U-bolts to hold the steel strips on the factory rails (like sticking straight out to the side and using it on both ends of the light)? Think they could handle the torque from the light being bounced around? If not angle the strip to touch the body of the X and protect the end to keep from scratching? This could be done for the sides anyway and would give it a lower profile and keep it from sticking out so far.

I think i just decided how to mount my side lights.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

True
True
and True

You going to have it up and ready by event?

Very doubtful as I have too much going on since I'm working wedding gigs with a buddy of mine on weekends.
I haven't even ordered them.
And its likely I'll be at the event for a few hours, so I won't be wheeling but I am hoping to be there for the raffle/rock climb.

You gonna have yours ready and mounted by the event?

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Hmm what about U-bolts to hold the steel strips on the factory rails (like sticking straight out to the side and using it on both ends of the light)? Think they could handle the torque from the light being bounced around? If not angle the strip to touch the body of the X and protect the end to keep from scratching? This could be done for the sides anyway and would give it a lower profile and keep it from sticking out so far.

I think i just decided how to mount my side lights.

Nothing wrong with that. I've seen people mount their hi-lifts the same way....if I'm envisioning the way you are thinking it.
But the lights will be much lighter than the hi-lift so it should be fine.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

And Smplone, you need a build thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

 

[smplone]

Very doubtful as I have too much going on since I'm working wedding gigs with a buddy of mine on weekends.
I haven't even ordered them.
And its likely I'll be at the event for a few hours, so I won't be wheeling but I am hoping to be there for the raffle/rock climb.

You gonna have yours ready and mounted by the event?

I still have electrical wiring inside cabin to finish up, a front bumper swap and a f-in rattle under the truck to complete before event. Its been quite the year with modifications, pretty much from stock last year to where it is now. The 20" RI light bar and a XRC winch is my last two things to get. Neither of which I will have before the event. Given the price of each, may be a holiday "self love" gift by then.

to bad about your limited attendance. If things change, please come out for a day or the night run.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

I still have electrical wiring inside cabin to finish up, a front bumper swap and a f-in rattle under the truck to complete before event. Its been quite the year with modifications, pretty much from stock last year to where it is now. The 20" RI light bar and a XRC winch is my last two things to get. Neither of which I will have before the event. Given the price of each, may be a holiday "self love" gift by then.

to bad about your limited attendance. If things change, please come out for a day or the night run.

Will do on attendance....who knows, maybe the bride/groom will have a cold feet, haha.

How far is the drive for you from Sterling, VA?

My buddy and I was just in VA a couple weeks ago for a wedding gig, Tunnel State Park....very gorgeous park. We hiked down to the tunnels since we got there pretty early before our gig. Very gorgeous view of the mountains. And same goes for Wise, VA too.

 

[Tay-Lo]

Nothing wrong with that. I've seen people mount their hi-lifts the same way....if I'm envisioning the way you are thinking it.
But the lights will be much lighter than the hi-lift so it should be fine.

After a quick google image search I didn't spot a hi-lift with my exact idea....most used clamp thing and the hi-lift sat directly above the bar instead of to the side. I kind of like the angle it down though, gets it closer and looks more smooth.

 

[Tay-Lo]

I just realized how much of a thread jack this turned into....

 

[smplone]

And Smplone, you need a build thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Hmmm...another area I may need someone to PM me. It took some getting used to; to document the work and post captions online. Have always been the person to get ideas from the web without paying it forward. Been trying to change that the last few months. I see signatures with links to personal build threads, better looking pictures uploaded...etc. Will have to seek some advice at the event from other users. Like the "taking a poll" idea. Exactly what I was thinking but didn't realize it when starting this thread.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

After a quick google image search I didn't spot a hi-lift with my exact idea....most used clamp thing and the hi-lift sat directly above the bar instead of to the side. I kind of like the angle it down though, gets it closer and looks more smooth.

That may have been what I've been thinking about, those clamps. My bad.
They have some clamps that have light tabs on it, I think four fabs or something like that. But its kinda pricey.

I just realized how much of a thread jack this turned into....

You need to ask Dave - They don't call me the Thread Jacker for nothing :

Hmmm...another area I may need someone to PM me. It took some getting used to; to document the work and post captions online. Have always been the person to get ideas from the web without paying it forward. Been trying to change that the last few months. I see signatures with links to personal build threads, better looking pictures uploaded...etc. Will have to seek some advice at the event from other users. Like the "taking a poll" idea. Exactly what I was thinking but didn't realize it when starting this thread.

Maybe Dave/the mods can make the Member Rigs/builds a private section for registered members only to view if you're concerned about someone from the outside copying your ideas? If that's what I'm understanding?

I'm curious to know the front bumper of yours though, looks like Road Armor bumper to me but I may be wrong. So that's why I was asking about a build thread so we all can see who has what and what mods and ask questions if we want to follow suit or seek advice on.

 

[smplone]

Will do on attendance....who knows, maybe the bride/groom will have a cold feet, haha.

How far is the drive for you from Sterling, VA?

My buddy and I was just in VA a couple weeks ago for a wedding gig, Tunnel State Park....very gorgeous park. We hiked down to the tunnels since we got there pretty early before our gig. Very gorgeous view of the mountains. And same goes for Wise, VA too.

Nice job on the VA wedding. We have a variety of environments given the range from mountains to beach. I am not sure I have heard of where you were but sounds amazing. Sterling is in Northern VA outside of DC. So a little over 500 miles. Which takes about 8 hours down interstate 81. I started up a "NOVA Convoy" thread to see if anyone from where I am to event wanted to jump in line. Looks like we may have some last minute stragglers or drop outs. Seems to always be the case when planning a trip. Last year I toted my glorious off road camper. Man it was beast in the mountains, weighing in at about 4300 lbs. I under estimated the gas budget. Took me 7 tanks to get there and 4 on the way home. Didn't really need the camper at the time for the event, but had just picked it up and told myself this is why you bought it, for trips like this. After that trip, i told myself this why you are going to sell it because of distances like this...haha. All end goal for the rig is to have a jumping jack trailer with a UTV on top for camping excursions.

 

[Tay-Lo]

That may have been what I've been thinking about, those clamps. My bad.
They have some clamps that have light tabs on it, I think four fabs or something like that. But its kinda pricey.

EXACTLY....may way is just the price of 2 U-blots per light since I can get the strips free and cut them to the length I need.

You need to ask Dave - They don't call me the Thread Jacker for nothing :

Oh I thought that was for a different reason......my bad......:erm:

 

[smplone]

That may have been what I've been thinking about, those clamps. My bad.
They have some clamps that have light tabs on it, I think four fabs or something like that. But its kinda pricey.



You need to ask Dave - They don't call me the Thread Jacker for nothing :



Maybe Dave/the mods can make the Member Rigs/builds a private section for registered members only to view if you're concerned about someone from the outside copying your ideas? If that's what I'm understanding?

I'm curious to know the front bumper of yours though, looks like Road Armor bumper to me but I may be wrong. So that's why I was asking about a build thread so we all can see who has what and what mods and ask questions if we want to follow suit or seek advice on.

No concerns here about copy cats or stealing ideas. I welcome anyone who wants to do the same, will most likely learn something from showing than when installing. I was just saying I have always been one of those people that would read the forums for my own benefit and not reciprocate any ideas back to the cloud.

Yeah I have been in touch with Dave throughout the year on random things. I mentioned to him an idea that I thought would generate more traffic through XN and ultimately for the NXM. That is to open up a section on the website that has every picture that was ever uploaded in a gallery viewing section, possibly by category. Or when you browse through the forums, allow a gallery view to just glance at pictures. Then click on the picture if interested in knowing more about the picture. I am 100% a visual learner. Sometimes when I am searching ideas or methods, my first direction is google images or you tube. I know there is probably some really good ideas left to be discovered on XN, but I would have to know exactly what I am looking for to find it or surf every post and read through the dialogue to see something. If it were in a gallery setting, I could browse through much faster. And just imagine how many other members / non-members could do that as well. The traffic would off the chart.