The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Safety LIght Spot light installation?

I finally have my 1959 fleetside up and running, pretty well. My goal is to make it a comfy daily driver. I would really like to install an accessory remote arm spot light. I bought one from Kanters auto parts. Does anyone know how and where to install the thing. It has the "remote" operating arm that goes through the A pillar but I can't figure out where to drill. Basically I am scared to death about the installation. Does anyone know how or where I can go for an illustration on how to go about installing a cop car style "Safety Light" Also what sort of drill bit and any tips on hand holding the drill motor to keep it from skipping across my new paint. Thanks

I have earlier AD manuals for installing these type of lights that show the measurements, many of the OEM accessories also came with templates. I don't have the later stuff but someone here should. The best way I know to drill metal is to center pop it first, with the measurements or a template you should be ok. My other suggestion is always pilot drill and then go to finish size. As for the A-pillar drilling through it is going to be multiple layers of sheet steel. Good luck!

Should have gotten template/instructions? Kanter website says it comes with template and instructions? What's up? This is tricky without a template or any other advice, so wait for someone to advise. My method is without any measurements available.

Take off inside lower windshield metal trim to get a little visibility. You won't be mounting on the actual A pillar upright, I don't think. Your approx. location as seen from outside of truck is 3" below windshield and 3" forward of door gap. You would tape the outside chrome bracket to a spot and the inside bracket taped to a location that looks like it will align with whatever angle the bracket holes aim. As said by Brad you should drill a small hole into truck sheet metal at center of one bracket arm hole and small hole in center of the other bracket control arm hole. Re-tape brackets in place and run a small rod thru to confirm that arm of light will be aimed as you thought. Then open arm holes (1/2" Dia?) and drill for bracket screws. Just be sure you place the trim brackets in the correct orientation for the shape of the body panel to which it is attached. You can practice on a wooden mockup if you are handy.
You place painters tape on painted metal and drill thru that. BUT ALL your holes with be covered by brackets anyway. The drilling won't cause paint to explode or pull a huge chip off, especially with sharp drills and gentle pressure and tape, No problem. Start small and increase a size or two to final diameter.
Link to a fellow doing it on a 60-63. Found on Stovebolt search, thanks to DADS50.
This may help you "see the light"

I can't add much and I am by no means an expert but I do know the Unity spot lights come with a kit for drilling the hole.
http://www.unityusa.com/Spotlights_c_98.html
It also comes with a bushing that once you mount the exterior bracket, put the bushing in the bracket and drill the hole. I wouldn't attempt to do this free hand for the obvious reasons.
The spot light you purchased should have come with a specific kit and instructions for your vehicle.

Here are a few pictures that show the Unity spotlight installed in my '57. The light was supposedly installed by the dealer when the truck was new. It was missing when I bought the truck but I found a NOS replacement that installed through the existing holes. Note that it is not installed through the A pillar but is installed above it through the roof. I have seen other TF trucks with spotlights installed in this location.

Matt

http://s844.photobucket.com/user/ma...2291_zps08f526fc.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

Marlow has a good point, they do supply a drill bushing with some light kits. Helps the "aim" I mentioned.
Matt, that's a really nice truck. Isn't that spotlight handle a head knocker when you get in truck?
BTW: Like 65% of all 57 Chevy Trucks, including $40,000 show trucks and Cameo's, the fender spears, in the picture I see, are on backwards.

Thank Matt. Great looking truck and I like the roof mount light, might be more practical. By the way is there a name for the roof mount exterior rear view mirrors?

You both have good points. I'm sure they do supply a template and bushing with the lights and now that you mention it there probably was a drilling template included. As with other purchases I have made I'm sure when I bought the light I took it all out of the box to check it out, got distracted with something, left it out on the counter long enough for it to be re boxed quickly to make room for the cook and parts were lost. Oh well, not the first time, won't be the last. Thank you for the info. I appreciate it.

Great info and detailed instructions. Very nice of you to take the time. Thank You very much

Wow thanks to all of you, I didn't expect this much help. I really appreciate it.
With this much help and info I'd feel guilty not going through with the installation. Thanks again, Al Rudolph

You don't have to install it Al. I was going to ask why you wanted one. It's like a boat, I don't like drilling holes in the cab or roof. They look cool but you don't need one unless you are a poacher.

Not sure what light you have, but beware, not all spotlights mount in the same spot.

I have dual Genuine GM Accessory Guide Spot Lights on my 1956 8400 tow truck. These lights have a rear view mirror recessed into the back side of the light. They mount on the A-pillar between the glass and top of the door using the instructions sheet Bartamos provided the link for.

I have dual (aftermarket but sold by most dealers) Unitity Lights on my 1957 10500 Fire Engine. These lights do not have a mirror. They mount in the cowl just ahead of the door.

The mounting locations for my big trucks will be the same for your little truck.

Spotlights mounted above the windshield was not common on pickup trucks, it was more af a fire/utility company thing. The true roof mount (mounted in the center of the roof) like on my '56 LCF was also a utility company thing.

Send me a PM if you would like pictures. Would also help to see what you have.

You can see my trucks via the link below my signature...Mike's Garage.

Mike B

Al, the small round mirrors are referred to as 'peeper mirrors'. They mount to the top of the door frame above the window. There are generic ones available, but there are also ones specifically made for the TF trucks. Matt

Bartamos, the handle does not get in the way. I was concerned that it would when I installed it, but it doesn't. I'm 6'3".

And you are correct about the spears being on backwards! I never noticed it before until I read your post. I confirmed by looking at pictures of some old factory literature. Can't believe I never noticed it before. Oh well, this is how they are going to stay...could cause damage by making the switch.

Matt

We have a slew of them in the gallery on backwards and on the internet. I have mentioned it before. Very common mistake on 57. The holes are symmetrical (that's why they can be put on wrong) so spears can be switched. If paint is creased or discolored, it can be buffed prior to replacing emblems. Up to you, I could not stand it. I think now you will look at it all the time. Sorry.