Personal Vehicles with Bars

[Stik208]

How many of you guys run full size light bars on your personal vehicles? Of you do could you post some pictures for me? Im trying to decide on a Vista (already have) on my Ranger. Also if I do this I am going to run the wires down the back, should I get a Back Rack or put it on the roof.

Thanks,

Jason

[snonut12]

I do not have a full size lightbar because I really think that a mini-lightbar (like two rotators) is plenty. Vista is a really nice lightbar but on a Ranger? I would have a hard time believing that the Ranger alternator will be able to handle a full size lightbar while running a snowplow. Just somthing you might want to check with.

[Stik208]

I did some homework but I need to figure should i get the 130 amp or the 200 amp alternator, because the stock is 90 amp.

Jason

[cat320]

I have a patriot bar and I put mine on a backrack did not want to drill any holes in the roof or sides.I would think if you jump to thw 130 amp you will be fine,I had a 100 amp in my old truck but I did have 2 batteries as it was a diesel.

[Stik208]

I put it on today to see what it looked like and to me it looked awesome. I think im going to have it installed, and when i do im going to have them run the wires down the back and through the gromet in the back. No holes I will emphatically state to them. I also had to have some fun with it in the garage ith the jumpers and bar i had som fun lol.

Jason

[Stik208]

Its going on friday, and Im going to take back what I said about the holes because I don't want to have the wires cut by something or someone so I will post pictures friday evening.

Jason

[business]

I have a whelen 9000. Works great with excellent visibility! :canada

[Stik208]

I can't wait for friday, its going to look great.

Jason

[SIPLOWGUY]

I've been going back and forth what to do. If I do go for a light bar I'm thinking Back rack to avoid the holes.

[cat320]

Take a look at my pics in the lights section I have my Patriote mounted on the back rack and it looks prety good.Plus the best thing no holes on the truck.

[Stik208]

With my vista the only holes in the truck will be under the weatherstripping on the doors which will be hidden, and I think Im going to through the roof because I dont want to have any of the wires messed with here is the basic principle of what it will look like 99% identical..

http://www.letstalksnow.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5014&highlight=vista

[Pickering Snow]

I personally would never drill or mount a light threw a roof a back rack is a slick set up and there are plenty of options for wiring i dont own a truck without somekind of light bar its kinda wierd to not have a normal truck about the only thing i have left that doesnt have lights on all year is the jeeps.

[cat320]

I think one good reason for not drilling into the roof besides the odvious water leaks is that when and if you decide to sell most likely you will take your light with you especially if it cost you alot of $$ ,secondly most guy would shy away from somthing that had a hole put in it , well at least I would. but I have to agree on the fact that it does look good with lights mounted low on the roof . All I know is I wish i was the one who thought of the back rack they have got to be cleaning up with orders just about every truck I see work truck or not has one.

[ULM2004]

Thats my pic of the hole in my truck stik. The installer gave me the option of going through the roof or going down the back cab. But he highly recommended I go through the roof because if I went behind the cab most likely something would happen. But this truck is 100% dedicated to work so I figured I would just go through the roof. I can get you more pics of the install and pics of the bar if you would like?

[Pelican]

I'm not afraid to drill into my trucks, I have with most of them that I've owned. First and formost, they are work trucks, earn me my living by doing the work I require of them. If an item I need to make my job easier requires drilling into the truck, so be it. My first and second pickups, and all of my dump trucks have had permanently mounted warning lights on them. Some have had holes drilled for additional antennas.

I've never experienced leaks an if you're concerned about the holes at resale, any commercial radio supplier can give you a rubber plug to plug the hole, it's barely noticable.

[Stik208]

ULM,
If you want to post some pics that would be great.

Thanks,

Jason

[cat320]

I guess I have had to many water problems with anything drilled in as why I don't do it anymore.

[Stik208]

Here it is What do you think?

[Stik208]

Last one....

[ULM2004]

Looks great! How much did it cost for the install? Who installed it? Any pics of the switch box? What kind of switch box is it? Thanks!

[Stik208]

STS Truck Equipment installed paid $402, thyey tried to get 650 because of different switch box and I told them i wouldbuy a new switch box but they said it would be fine so I paid for 5 hours and not 7.5 with 2 guys. It is a Whelen box old it was a combined siren unit also but it got chopped and refitted I will get a pic of it a lilttle later.

Jason

[Stik208]

Heres the box

[SIPLOWGUY]

Very nice!

[chtucker]

I use a 3/4" hold saw that is made specifically for drilling vehicles. It has a stop on it to keep you out of the headliner and stays sharp alot longer than the hardware store brand ones. 3/4" is the industry standard hole. I have never had a leak with the proper tools and the proper plug.

[Stik208]

I washed it today but its dirty again b/c its black, anyway no leaks or anything I am pleased.

Jason

[ULM2004]

Good price! I paid $400 for my installation. I know I got it professionally done to cause the guy that did mine does all the cop cars. Did you ever look into the federal signal 6 switch boxes stik? the job they did looks great! I love the vistas!

[Stik208]

Yeah I offered to buy one because the one I have has a ton of wires on it but they siad they would use that one yeah, I love it to I need to find some filters for it 1 amber and 4 blue. My favorite parts are the takedowns while driving and rear flashers. The rotators are real bright and I think will work excellent in the snow.

Jason