2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission installing clearance lights

[TMills]

My truck didn't come with clearance lights, but I would like to install them. How easily can this be done? Does it need to be done by a bodyshop or can it be done by a household mechanic like me?

 

[Rob Thomas]

I haven't done them on my Dodge, but I have done them on other trucks in the past. The hardest part is getting up the courage to drill the first hole in your roof. After you drill the holes, apply some sort of anti-rust/sealant/paint to help fend off the elements.



Wiring is simple enough, right down the A-pillar. Not to tough of a job, just take your time.



Rob

 

[TMills]

Does the mopar kit that you can buy look like OE lights? When I called the dealer he told me it was similar and would be $75. Any pics?

 

[kleaman]

I installed cab lights on my 95' and thought it was pretty easy. I would recomend pulling down the head liner as there are holes for the lights in the roof's substructure. That way you will know exactly where the factory puts them.

 

[Brand-X]

here's your picture

The kit from mopar is good and contains a nice template for laying out the lights. I bought well nuts and #6 stainless machine screws to mount the lights instead of the cheep plastic inserts.

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[rrausch]

I got the kit for my '95 from Mopar4less for about $65. (Call them, don't e-mail them if you want to order from them. )



It was easy as pie. I lowered the headliner, and that shows you exactly where they will be. I used the template which came with the Dodge kit. Easy!

 

[Chipstien]

I know I am going to get flamed for this but... ... has anyone installed Chevy clearance lights onto their Dodge. I really would like clearance lights but I would like them with clear lenses but nobody make clear replacements for the Dodges. And the Chev lights seem more sleek/modern. Flame on... ... ...

 

[Chipstien]

Sonobody else has ever considered this?

 

[Phil Stuart]

Hey, Brand-X...

tell me about the well nuts. Where did you buy them and what do they look like? It definitely sounds better than using the cheapo plastic inserts like I did and then having a he** of a time tightening about half the screws because the insert would turn with the screw. I havent had any water leaks yet

Since I already have the holes there, will the well nuts you're speaking of fit into the existing holes for the inserts without modifications? I just want a reliable way to fasten the lenses so when it comes time to relamp any of them I won't be using all kinds of expletitives



thanx,



Phil

 

[Brand-X]

When you use the well nut you will have to drill the hole out to 5/16. I bought them at the local hardware store but I think home-depot would have them also. I will look in the garage for one to take a picture of and post it later today.



George

 

[Brand-X]

This is a picture of a 1/4" well nut and bolt the smaller one is ..... well just smaller. The well nut sits in the drilled hole snugly it has a brass nut molded in the small end and expands as it's tightened down, so you can see it creates a water tight seal. We had to buy longer # 6 screws and cut them down to 1 5/8" long. I just took a screw out to measure it and it came out very nice. The cost of the well nuts and screws was less than ten dollars.



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George

 

[Phil Stuart]

George,



Thanks for the picture. So the nut is captive inside the rubber and when you tighten the screw it pulls up and swells the rubber insert for a tight fit no? Does the lens gasket need to be trimmed at all for the insert to fit flush with the roof? I was thinking maybe stainless screws for the lenses #6x2", is that about the size of it?

Sorry for all the questions



Phil

 

[Brand-X]

Questions are good I don't remember the length screws we purchased but the screws that hold my lights on are 1 5/8" X #6 I believe they are pan head Phillips, threaded all the way. No you don't need to trim the gasket at all. and I have had no leaks.





George

 

[diesel DOG]

DON'T DO IT:--) my 2001 has been at the dealer three times for leaks. Today the overhead console poured water when I left the driveway again. I then went to check if they were tight and I see the dealer stripped the crappy plastic insert. I will get new inserts or well nut and fix it myself this time. The interior light you push on was filled like a fish tank.

 

[Ncostello]

Chipstien... if you wanna use GM lights go for it. There should be no flaming for what you want to do with your own truck. If you think they would look good thats all that counts. I'd just make sure they dont have some special curvature that only fits a GM cab.



I was wanting to use some LED versions for big trucks. I however do not like GM's new lights on the roof. That big single middle light with 3 bulbs looks like a spoiler to me. I like 5 single lights.

 

[stacerbob]

Chipstein

I am with you! I like the 88-98 GM truck light and also want the clear lenses. My 3500 has lights but I want to swap them to the GM style. Be sure to post if you try it first, I will do the same.

 

[Brand-X]

I was at home-depot today the 5/16" well nuts they have use #8 machine screw I would have liked to use them but the hardware store we went to did not have them also they call them expansion nuts. good luck with the install.



George

 

[Chipstien]

Ncostello, good point about the curvature... . I'll make sure to check it out.



Stacerbob, I'll make sure to post about it if I do it. I'll have to see what the GM clearance lights run.