Light Bar for my RRC

[Homestar]

Well, I started a project today that I thought would be closer to the bottom of my list, but the planets alighned and I came across all the parts I needed to get going on this. The Lights are only cheapies - $99 for all 4! Can't go wrong for that price, and if I end up cleaning one of them up on a tree sometime, I won't be heart broken. I also mounted 5 white LED clearance lamps on the front as well ($7 each). The roofracks were lying around, as were the old rectangular Hellas I have mounted to each side, and the aluminium checker plate came from my local metal fabricator who I use a lot for work, so that was a freebie. Added to that was 4 relays, and other electrical stuff.

Bolted the checker plate to the roof racks, and the whole thing came out really ridgid so there is no flex at all in it.

Photo 1 - Just showing all the bits and pieces.
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j443/Bacicat2000/Rangie/16102010004.jpg


Photo 2 - All together - still to be wired

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


Photos 3 & 4 - Test fit to Rangie.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/628.jpg

http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j443/Bacicat2000/Rangie/16102010008.jpg


So now all I have to do is wire it all up... and put a bigger alternator in...:p. I don't think the standard 55 amp job will get me far - the total load for this lot will be close to 50 amps on its own, with out the headlights or anything else on - I will also be adding a couple of bigger lights to the Bull bar once I get it. Will start the wiring tomorrow, and I'll post a few more pics once it is all done - somewhere where it will show the vehicle off a bit better.

Cheers - Gav

[Rangier Rover]

Looks interesting...;). Hope you like being pulled over a lot:eek:

[big guy]

Lots of lights but the question begs WHy?

They are no good in the bush due to branches, car parks in the city and being totally illegal is another.

Buy a good set of Light Force 240's or better still same in HID and you be laughing and legal.
How good would that be.
My tiler has Hilux with 20inch rims and ultra low profile tyres with lights and crap every where.
It looks ridiculas but hey--Beauty is in the eye of the Beer-holder.:p:p:p

[cockie55]

Lots of lights but the question begs WHy?

They are no good in the bush due to branches, car parks in the city and being totally illegal is another.

Buy a good set of Light Force 240's or better still same in HID and you be laughing and legal.
How good would that be.
My tiler has Hilux with 20inch rims and ultra low profile tyres with lights and crap every where.
It looks ridiculas but hey--Beauty is in the eye of the Beer-holder.:p:p:p

Hey Mr Guy this fellow has clearly put a lot of work into this project inc posting pics etc so non productive, illinformed, lazy or quick posted comments are hardly helpfull.

His setup is legal if properly switched. Maybe he spends more time on open highway and beachs etc and not on the bush tracks or carparks. Finally he has a 20 year old RV8 (that is hard to keep cool at the best of times) and if he following your tip of putting a bunch of LF 240's on his front bar maybe he would look forward to a cooked donk.

...a bit of thought and tolerance before posting please

[Homestar]

Thanks Cockie55 - you are right on a number of counts there - I do a lot of highway & freeway driving at night, never go into the city (Why would you???) and don't do a heap of off road work - mostly just into the bush camping. I believe you can have 6 main beams, switched by the hi/low switch, and able to be isolated, so meets all these requirements, so I believe they are legal.

Indeed beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I quite like them - I have seen plenty of stuff on this forum that I don't personally like the look of, but I hold my tongue, or try to be constructive. Not sure why Rangier Rover things I will get pulled over a lot - I have had a similar set up before on a ute & my old Suburu wagon - never been hastled before for this sort of thing - maybe in the city this is frowned upon?? and it is heaps more common now than it used to be 20 years ago...

Having said all that - I am happy to listen to anyones opinions or comments - I have a thick skin, and it takes a lot more than a few comments to get to me - The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same thing. Also a set of Light force 240's with HID's would come to a lot more that the $150 bucks this lot cost me - and as Cockie55 mentoned, with those mounted up front, that wouldn't help in keeping the old girl cool...

Keep the comments coming - if what I have done here isn't your cup of tea, you will probably hate some of the other ideas I have in mind for her... :D:D:D I'll keep postin' 'em - you keep knocking 'em..:D:D:D

Cheers - Gav.

[Tombie]

Well Gav....

I like it :)

And as long as you wire it right it's legal :)

I loved my roof lights, used correctly they are a great safety feature. And bloody handy.

[Homestar]

Cheers Tombie - anyone who has used a roof mounted light bar would appreciate how good they are. They will be wired legally so I don't see an issue.

Once they are up and running I'll take some night shots and post them.

Cheers - Gav

[big guy]

Hey Mr Guy this fellow has clearly put a lot of work into this project inc posting pics etc so non productive, illinformed, lazy or quick posted comments are hardly helpfull.

His setup is legal if properly switched. Maybe he spends more time on open highway and beachs etc and not on the bush tracks or carparks. Finally he has a 20 year old RV8 (that is hard to keep cool at the best of times) and if he following your tip of putting a bunch of LF 240's on his front bar maybe he would look forward to a cooked donk.

...a bit of thought and tolerance before posting please

Well, lazy and ill informed is probably not a good way of descibing me but as you don't know me I let it slide.;)

In Sa, the ADR states that more than 4 forward facing headlights are in fact illegal. None to be mounted any higher than the centre line of your head lights.
O.K its possibly legal in your state, I have not checked.

A bunch of 240"s, No, 2 is plenty and they will give out more light than you anyone could possiblt wish for. So much so I now have the 170's as they are plenty and yes they do give more airflow to the radiator.

A light bar on the roof---Come on though be real!!!
Perhaps I should keep some thoughts to myself but some times I just can't help myslef.

[bee utey]

FYI this is what I found on this site:

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/5f455e92-481a-4cab-9636-7fe3e2cd2813/vsig10auxiliarydrivinglampsfittedtomotorvehicles.p df

Specific (Driving lamps)
• Two additional pairs of driving lamps may be fitted to a motor
vehicle.
• The driving lamps must be mounted symmetrically on the vehicle.
• The light emitted must not cause the driver discomfort either
directly or indirectly through the rear view mirror and/or other
reflecting surfaces of the motor vehicle.
• Driving lamps must not be placed wider than the dipped beam
headlamps.
• The colour of light emitted from driving lamps must be white.
• Additional driving lamps must only operate in conjunction with the
high beam circuit and must be fitted with an independent on/off
switch.
• There is no individual height specification for the fitting of driving
lamps.
General comment
Section 219 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road
Rules) Regulation 1999 requires lights not to be used to dazzle other
road users and states:
"A driver must not use, or allow to be used, any light fitted to or in the
driver’s vehicle to dazzle, or in a way that is likely to dazzle, another road
user".
Additionally, Section 57 (Schedule 1, Part 7, Division 1) of the Transport
Operations (Road Use Management – Vehicle Standards and Safety)
Regulation 1999 requires:
"A light, other than a high-beam headlight, fitted to a vehicle must be built
and adjusted to provide the necessary amount of light, without dazzling
the driver of another vehicle approaching, or being approached by, the
vehicle".

So it appears to be legal in Queensland at least. Probably elsewhere too. Importantly the rules for auxiliary headlamps are not the same as for the original lamps specified by the ADR's.

[Homestar]

So legal in Queensland, and I believe most or all the same rules apply in Vic, but I have yet to find or be shown the equiviland standard. I am basing the legallity on a bit of heresay, and that no one I know that has these now or in the past (Including myself) has been hastled by the Police about them - I suppose only time will tell. If someone does know where to find the relevent Vic standard, I'm happy to be corrected on this if it is not the case. I also doubt it is the most illegal mod I have ever had on a vehicle :angel:...

I'm suprised I have created a thread that has caused so much discussion - from both sides, but I'm glad to be of service. :D:D:D

Cheers - Gav.

[Homestar]

A light bar on the roof---Come on though be real!!!
Perhaps I should keep some thoughts to myself but some times I just can't help myslef.

Quite alright Big Guy, it's a free country (at the moment at least anyway) and free speach is what makes this country great - everyone should be intitled to be heard. We don't have to agree on everything - but that isn't a crime.:)

Cheers - Gav.

[pop058]

So legal in Queensland, and I believe most or all the same rules apply in Vic, but I have yet to find or be shown the equiviland standard. I am basing the legallity on a bit of heresay, and that no one I know that has these now or in the past (Including myself) has been hastled by the Police about them - I suppose only time will tell. If someone does know where to find the relevent Vic standard, I'm happy to be corrected on this if it is not the case. I also doubt it is the most illegal mod I have ever had on a vehicle :angel:...

I'm suprised I have created a thread that has caused so much discussion - from both sides, but I'm glad to be of service. :D:D:D

Cheers - Gav.

I am not sure it is legal in Qld. Quote from the modification handout from Qld Transport

"Vehicle accessories and equipment.

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure all accessories and equipment attached to a motor vehicle are designed and fitted in a manner which reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians and other road users making contact with the vehicle when the vehicle is parked or in motion. Driving lights/brackets must not protrude forward from the front face of any bumper or above the top of any bull bar."

[BigJon]

I am not sure it is legal in Qld. Quote from the modification handout from Qld Transport

"Vehicle accessories and equipment.

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure all accessories and equipment attached to a motor vehicle are designed and fitted in a manner which reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians and other road users making contact with the vehicle when the vehicle is parked or in motion. Driving lights/brackets must not protrude forward from the front face of any bumper or above the top of any bull bar."

You don't seriously think that pedestrian strike regulations are relevant for roof mounted accessories? What about roof racks?

[pop058]

You don't seriously think that pedestrian strike regulations are relevant for roof mounted accessories? What about roof racks?

it is a quote from the handout and I read it as a blanket statement

[mike 90 RR]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/628.jpg

Looks good .... I'ld paint the checker plate black tho ..



... and put a bigger alternator in...:p.



I'm VERY interested to see your selection of alternator too :twisted:

Those lights are the 150w sealed globes versions? ... I have 2 of them on my bench also :D


cheers
Mike

[Homestar]

Not sure if they are 100 or 150 watt, but they are bloody bright, and throw their light a long way - just been down the back of the estate 'spotlighting' with one to check it out. Alternator choice will come down to what I can scrounge from work - preferably a 120 amp version, but more likely 80 amp. After only spending a few bucks on the lights, I don't want to lash out hundreds to run them. I'll keep you posted on what ends up going in...

As for pop058's comments on pedestrian strike, If I had just been cleaned up by a rangie fast enough for the light bar to do me an injury, I think it would be the least of my problems...:p But I see your point on how the powers that be may interpret it.

Cheers - Gav

[Homestar]

Those lights are the 150w sealed globes versions? ... I have 2 of them on my bench also :D


Just checked with my multimeter - 0.95 ohms, so 150 watt units.

You may be right about the black paint as well.

Cheers - Gav.

[bee utey]

Just checked with my multimeter - 0.95 ohms, so 150 watt units.

You may be right about the black paint as well.

Cheers - Gav.
Hah! Filament resistance rises LOTS with temp! Connect to a battery and check the current draw and multiply by 12 to get nominal watts.

[Homestar]

Hah! Filament resistance rises LOTS with temp! Connect to a battery and check the current draw and multiply by 12 to get nominal watts.

Cool - will do.

[Basil135]

I always thought that roof mounted, forward facing driving lights were not legal in SA at least. BUT - then there are the Jeep's that have the factory fitted lights.

So, maybe, just possibly, could it be, that I was wrong?

[HBWC]

I always thought that roof mounted, forward facing driving lights were not legal in SA at least. BUT - then there are the Jeep's that have the factory fitted lights.

So, maybe, just possibly, could it be, that I was wrong?
they aint in any sate unless factory fitted if their over 1500mm high
unless their not driveing lights their work lights and the switch must be marked as so

(experience form my b&s days)

[big guy]

Spend many hours on the phone regarding the legality of the lights and 5 different answers.
All of them have one thing in common though.
When lights are fitted at above the centre of any factory fitted driving lights (headlights) they can not at any time be used to shine at on coming traffic because they will reach the line of sight of on coming traffic first and especially over a rise.
I have nothing in writing to confirm they are legal or not.
No one willing to 100% say either way and since Jeep introduced a vehicle into the country with factory fitted roof lights, the ADR changed the rules to factory fitted lights and that impacted aftermarket fittings and no clear answer has been found.

I have on 2 occasions heard if fitted they must have a by-pass and be switched via high/low on vehicle.
I have also heard in metro area they must be covered.

Grey area and unless I get evidence they are illegal, I stand corrected on their legality.:)

On their usefulness well, thats another story.:angel:

[Jock The Rock]

Hey Gav

How did you run your wiring?

When I fitted my roof lights, I ran the wires up the inside of the snorkel then along the gutter

Saves drilling any holes in the roof :)

(Bit tricky when you don't have a snorkel, but a good excuse to get one maybe :p )

[Homestar]

Hi Jock, I haven't wired them up yet, as I have just gutted the rest of the wiring under the bonnet. There was years of dodgey wiring going on under there, so I am re-doing all the headlight wiring, and installing a second battery and new starter/earth leads - I will post photos of this when done - probably on the weekend. Sounds like a good idea with the snorkel, but I'm not sure if I could lay my hands on one by tomorrow night... but I may try...:D Failing that, then I may make up a flat loom to loop over the gutter and above the top of the door, and then into the top frame - there are some plastic grommets inside the door opening, but not sure if I can get wires through from there down to the A pillar.

Stay tuned...

Cheers - Gav

PS - I still haven't got a new alternator yet, so I won't be running them much until that happens. Nothing at work has turned up, but I have two diesel mechanic friends who are on the lookout for me. One of them found a 120 amp version for me :), but it had been in a fire...:mad:

[Homestar]

I have finally got around to wiring up the light bar. It took a back seat while I fixed up all the existing wiring in the RR. All new headlight wiring, relays, etc. I will post details of this when the whole job is complete...

Anyway, having mounted the bar, I am now wondering what the best way of running the wires back is. The suggestion about the snorkel sounded good, but in the end, I don't think I will be fitting one. I just won't be taking it anywhere that wet...

I was thinking of drilling a hole through the gutter to allow me to run the wiring easier, but before I do, I wanted to see if anyone has some ideas on the easiest or neatest way to do this. If anyone has done this before and has any pics, that would be good too.

Cheers - Gav.

[Homestar]

So I have come to the end of this little project, but it turned out I did a heap of other stuff in conjunction with it. like re doing all the wiring that had been hacked at over the years, and installing a second battery. I also fitted new relays for headlights, spot lights, work lights, air horn, etc. Also new maxi fuses running to new fuse panels for the lighting, etc.

Some of the wiring before I started....

http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j443/Bacicat2000/Before.jpg

No Going Back - All wiring ripped out...
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j443/Bacicat2000/NoTurningBack.jpg


New battery installed - 31-900 Calcium (N86 Size) - This was no easy feat. all the wiring needed running in a different location to allow a battery this big to be put in. but it was the only one I had lying around.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


New switch panel for spotties.
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j443/Bacicat2000/SwitchesInstalled.jpg


New relays along drivers side.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/



I will take it out tonight, and see what difference the light bar makes. If the camera is up to it, i'll get some comparison photos.

Cheers - Gav.

[Homestar]

Just a final note - just taken the RR out to adjust the lights, and they work great. Best $100 I've spent in ages. They are somewhere between a spread beam and a spot, so with the outer 2 pointed out slightly, and the centres straight ahead, there is plenty of light - to say the least. I'll let you know how I get along with the boys in blue...

Cheers - Gav.

[Basil135]

Quick question.

Where did you source the relay block & relays?

And of course, how many peso's?

:)

[NOFUSS]

like the relay set up nice and clean line set up :BigThumb:

[bee utey]

Quick question.

Where did you source the relay block & relays?

And of course, how many peso's?

:)
Narva stackable relay bases part no. 68084.

[Homestar]

Narva stackable relay bases part no. 68084.

Correct - thanks for that, I haven't logged on for a couple of days. I just got these from Bursons - each store only keeps a few of these at a time, so I raided 3 different stores on my way home one night to get all 9. I think the bases were about $4.30 each or something similar. The lugs that come with these use a special crimper which I have access to, but you can solder them on if you don't have one. The bases are a much neater way of doing things IMO, and easier to change relays should the need arise.

Cheers - Gav.

[scott oz]

I know of a couple of vehicles booked for roof mounted lights just out of Bathurst a couple of years ago.

My understanding from these blokes is that the way they had the lights wired the lights were considered driving lights and driving lights can’t in NSW be mounted higher than the vehicles normal lights.

If they had been wired as “work” lights they would have been fine?

In terms of the issue with pedestrians when I read another posting on the ADR’s elsewhere on this forum it applies to anything attached to the vehicle front rear, top bottom or side. Certainly a lot tougher on the front.

[VladTepes]

Never mind all that - we want night pics !!!!

1. Just headlights low beam.
2 Headlights hi beam
3. All of it !!!!!!!

[trobbo]

Nice lights and nice relays.

I had a set of those driving lights 20 years ago and they were great lights for the highway.

More recently I had a set of Hella 181's for the roof of the D1 which were set up for bush work.

Different jobs require different lights but what ever you put on a good general rule is the higher you get them the better IMO as they get the light further in front of the car where you need it instead of under the bumper.

[Homestar]

Never mind all that - we want night pics !!!!

1. Just headlights low beam.
2 Headlights hi beam
3. All of it !!!!!!!

Will do. I tried to take a few when I went out to adjust them, but my crappy camera on my phone was no good. I'll take the good camera out this week and get some snaps.

Cheers - Gav

[sarmourer]

good looking setup. I am writing in response of fitting calcium batteries. I had the RAA (sa equivilant to RACV) road service fit a new bty when I suspected that on cold mornings the bty (wet cell) was marginal. after 3 years the new calcium bty failed. my local auto electrician (RAA approved) told me that calcium bty's need to be charged at a higher voltage (14.2 -14.8) and that they are becoming more seen fitted to new model ford as standard and having a alternator rigged to suite.

[Homestar]

good looking setup. I am writing in response of fitting calcium batteries. I had the RAA (sa equivilant to RACV) road service fit a new bty when I suspected that on cold mornings the bty (wet cell) was marginal. after 3 years the new calcium bty failed. my local auto electrician (RAA approved) told me that calcium bty's need to be charged at a higher voltage (14.2 -14.8) and that they are becoming more seen fitted to new model ford as standard and having a alternator rigged to suite.

That seems to fit in with some I was running in a work vehicle a couple of years ago. I had two in the back of the van, charging off the alternator, and wired so I could jump start vehicles/gensets at either 12 or 24 volt. They started to die just as the lease on the vehicle ran out - 3 years. Out of the 2 in the Rangie, the N70 is now been in the vehicle about 3 years, but the vehicle was until recently used very rarely, so not sure how much longer this has left. The N86 equivilent is about 3 years old, but never been in a vehicle, just used around the workshop to jump start my motor bikes - so this one will be a bit of hit and miss as well. I guess I'll just wait and see. Luckily, in my line of work, I have the opportunity occationally to come across near new batteries that are going begging. That is the only reason I shoe horned in the N86 - I had it lying around.

Cheers - Gav

PS - the photos of the lights in action are coming - The rego on the Rangie ran out a few weeks ago, and I've only just got around to paying this, so she is back on the road.

[cewilson]

Another option for relays and bases is to visit the local wrecker and start pulling them out of Ford Falcons - work a treat :)


Cheers
Chris

[cewilson]

A bunch of 240"s, No, 2 is plenty and they will give out more light than you anyone could possiblt wish for. So much so I now have the 170's as they are plenty and yes they do give more airflow to the radiator.


In your opinion. For those of us who have run roof lights for a few years with the outer two pointing slightly outwards - we know the benefits of it.


A light bar on the roof---Come on though be real!!!


And obviously you don't go 4WDing at night - because if you did you'd understand the primary reason for a lot of us having lights up top.


Hint - think water/mud crossings :angel:




Whilst it's easy to think something is a waste of time and money - how about we stop and think WHY someone has done what they have. There's a chance there's a reason that we haven't thought about in the first place.

Sometimes asking why works better than bagging out in the first post :wasntme: