A-pillar spotlight

[CT18fireman]

Anyone ever install one? I mean the ones that are on police and emergency vehicles.

I have been looking at our trucks and it looks like it is pretty straightforward. Looking for first hand experience, photos and any other advice before I order.

[chipsearthworks]

CT18Fireman I have one on my car it is a 1998 crown victoria with the police package it has one on the drive side I will look to see how it is installed. I will also talk to our mechanic at the FD he repairs and installs them he might even have one lying around I see if he can part with it. Bye the way what are you putting it on? I will get back to you on this in the next couple of days:waving

[Lawngodfather]

On a lot of the newer truck, the A pillar is partially covered with the door.

Makes of work...

[wfd44]

We don't order them on fire truks around here anymore. They just have too many issues after they have been on the rigs for a while. The cops still get them but they trade more often then we do. Of course their cars are less than 1/10th the price of a our big red toys too.

[jbutch83]

Jesse,

I have checked into getting one installed on my squad car, because for some reason my dept. does not think that we need them. You have to drill through the a-pillar, as well as cut a half moon in the door itself. I have not been able to talk my administration into having one installed yet though. Local estimates are close to $300 installed, with them supplying the light, which is around $125 new. I know that our local Sheriff's Dept. had them installed on 5 Crown Vic's two years ago, and they got a deal because of the quantity of $200 a piece.

John

[JCurtis]

Jesse,

If you are thinking about this just to locate street addresses I would suggest getting one of those high intensity hand held spot lights.

I think you can find one alot cheaper than $300 or more.

Probably less than $65.00

Plus, what happens if you need it to look under the truck or someother place where the pillar mounted won't illuminate the scene?

Isnt a hand held a better option?

[Pelican]

I've installed a number of these on different vehicles. The kits are all inclusive and instructions are clear. They have templates for almost every vehicle ever made for the bracket location.

depending on the vehicle, the install is pretty simple, but you will need an extended length 1/2" high speed bit. Some vehicles will require sheet metal trimming. On trucks with clearance lamps, you must use care in drilling so you don't cut the wire going through the pillar.

I posted some pictures somewhere here on the Board of my install on my flatbed. I plan to put together a how to with pictures as time permits as I plan to put one on my 550. I find then very handy when plowing, especially in times of heavy snowfall. I shine the light down the driveway and can see the edge more clearly for that first pass. It makes just finding the driveway to start with easier too.

[digger242j]

As long as the topic is under discussion, one is ok, but I understand two would be illegal. (That's here in PA, and a few years back, although I doubt the rule has become less restrictive.)

My Dad was, at one time, the Borough Manager for a neighboring town. They traded police in cars after two years, and he got one of those as his borough car. They put a fresh coat of paint on it and a vinyl top to cover all the antenna holes in the roof. One day on the expressway a state trooper pulled him over *just* because it had a spotlight in both pillars. Once the situation was explained, the trooper was ok with it, but suggested at least one of the lights should be disconnected.

[CT18fireman]

The reason i want to do it is exactly why Pelican says. I have the handheld spots but the problem is that you need to hold it.

I like the idea of an aimable light that will hold its position. I want to be able to set it and drive. No street lights here and lots of long driveways that are very dark.

[Snowboy]

Check out "golight" industries. Looks like a little robot avail in black or white, 12 volt sig plug or remote control. Up there is price thou.

[JCurtis]

Those Pillar Mounts Loosen up with age... If you need extra light why not do what the off roaders do?

Add Lights to a Roll bar or to a rack on the Roof of your Cab. Then all you have to do is flick a switch.

[Pelican]

Those Pillar Mounts Loosen up with age

Huh?:confused:

[JCurtis]

yes Steve they do loosen up, well at least the older ones did depends on how much you use them they become worn out and the light is then not very controlable.

Saw that happen on alot of the SPD on their older squad cars.

[Pelican]

I've never had that happen on any of mine. They do ocassionally come out of adjustment, but a 3/8" wrench or screwdiver will fix that lickity split! Like anything else, with proper maintenance these lights will provide a lengthy amount of service.

I pull mine out about once a year to grease it, this keeps things moving easily and prevents wear on the pivoting shafts.