The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Drill for a spotlight

My 3100 didn't come with a driver's side spotlight. But I sure would love to put one in. The cab is in it's final stages before painting and I think this might be the last chance to get a hole tapped for a future installation.
Question: I can get an approx. location for the hole from my neighbors 49', but what is the hole diameter? And should it be sleaved with a copper pipe (or other metal) welded in?
How bout angle of the hole?
Thanks ahead of time,
-jeff

The company that makes the spotlights, UNITY, is still in business. You can buy spotlights in 6v or 12v, 5" or 6", driverside or passanger side, halogen, etc... They also sell mounting hardware, gaskets, replacement lenses, etc... if you by an old one that needs some service.

http://www.unityusa.com/

Also, Kanter Auto sells 'crestplates', the little brass plate on the spotlight with the manufactures name, like Chevrolet, if you buy a new spotlight and want to make it look old.

Here's the reproduction 12v GM nameplate reproduction teardrop style spotlight for $174.00 and comes with installation hardware.

http://www.unityusa.com/catalog/225a-h-gm_6__dia__spotlight_3337312.htm

NM51 is right. If you buy the light from Unity they also sell the template. Here are a couple of pictures to kinda help you decide where it goes. http://community.webshots.com/photo/538693657/2723076690032470346rIaifO http://community.webshots.com/photo/538693657/2773871820032470346NSaVSM
Hope this helps. Cecil..........

You can go to the Unity website and order the correct mounting bracket for an AD. They can also send you a drilling template for locating the hole. It's a 1/2 inch hole if I remember correctly.

Bob

PS-

I don't think you have to drill the hole before you finish the paint job on the truck.

When you do install the spotlight you will drill the hole and then mount flanges/brackets with gaskets at both ends of the hole, so any scratches or whatever near the hole will be covered up.

If you buy a used, NOS or other spotlight on e-bay you can buy just the install kit from Unity which will include the template, brackets/flanges, and gaskets/seals. Also, UNITY has lots of local dealers around the country who can do the install for you, when the time comes, whether you bought the light from them or come in with used Unity light you got elsewhere.

The reason UNITY has so many local dealers and such great support for these spotlights is that they sell them to many police and fire departments, ambulance companies and secuirty companies throughout the country.

Thanks guys,
I emailed Unity with a few questions and haven't heard back yet. But If an install can be done after that 15,000 dollar paint job....I feel better.
If drilling the hole ends up being 1/2 inch, how does the hole begin and what kind of jig do you get to keep the drill on a true path when it penetrated the air space between the exterior and interior side of the post?
Thanks

Rattletrap, what you do is mount the outer bracket to the A-pillar first with a couple of sheet metal screws included with it. Then a "drilling sleeve" which is provided with the bracket kit is inserted into that outer bracket. This helps keep the drill aligned properly. Remove the sleeve and install the spotlight. Yes it's not too big of a deal to install after paint, but if I had a choice I would still drill the hole before painting. No matter how careful you are, sometimes Murphy will jump up and bite ya.

Bob

$15,0000 paint job,, heck , we can get you one here for 99 bucks, ,, good luck with your spot lights, I would like to have one or two on my 52........

If you don't get any response from Unity by e-mail, check their website for local dealers and give one of them a call.

On the topic of spotlights.........how many of you find it necessary to use a Guide brand light. After all, they were the supplier (as I understand it) for GM truck spotlights. I have two Unity lights ready to mount to my 59 Apache, and am wondering if I would be devalueing the truck by not using originals. Thanks, Ken

Oh, did I forget to mention the 14K in rust removal?
This was a well-salted Cinncinatti truck before coming to California.