Aux Lighting wiring & Roof Racks

NewOldTimer · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 6:50 pm

Many of you on here have ditched the ever popular "plastic" roof rails in favor of an aftermarket roof rack.
On said rack, you have mounted lights, perhaps an antenna, etc.

My question(s) are this:
When wiring auxiliary lights from the roof rack, what is the most efficient
way to get the necessary wiring to the passenger & engine compartments??

I'm really big on clean installation, & hate having exposed wiring of any kind, even an inch or two.

When the stock roof rails are removed, is there access to the passenger compartment via the door pillar??
Or perhaps the front A pillar, or near the rear hatch without having to tuck wiring under the glass gasket??
Is drilling required to route wiring into the interior from the roof rail mounting points??
If so, what is the best way to go about this to insure there will be no leakage afterward??

I have no problems drilling holes, I just don't want my roof leaking after the installation is done.

Any suggestions, comments, PHOTOS, would be a great help as it looks like a new roof rack & lights are
the first items to be checked off the wish list.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:31 pm

many of us post this kind of thing in the electrical section.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:18 pm

or Fabrication for custom roof racks

although Boiler makes a custom Aluminum
and Rock lizard has a couple of styles (he's still making a few things - just not volumes)

NewOldTimer · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:13 am

Thanks guys.

Did a little digging, & read ALLOT of old posts, & found out what I needed to know.
Now just gotta wait til the weather warms up a little.....

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:18 am

I could post up how I did my lights on one of the best racks out there :wink:

BUT

I have 6 inches of wire that can be seen if you climb on top of mine so it won't help you any I guess

Oh and I did not have to drill any holes at all :BANANA:

NewOldTimer · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:26 am

Sometimes exposed wiring can't be avoided......... but I like to explore ALL options before giving in . :idea:

Still.... photos & suggestions are always welcome, as it usually reduces the frustration factor, :banghead:

which I have been known to "over exercise" on several occasions. :jester:

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:32 am

frustration,

I do not know the meaning of such a word

:ROTFL:

I'll try and get some pics to you
I ran the wires down inside the moulding/weatherstripping on the right side, under the cowl cover and out by the master cylinder, center lights on one switch and outside lights on another

STINGN · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:55 am

best picture that i have closest to what you want i assume. im in your area so if you want to tackle it ill help you out

NewOldTimer · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:56 pm

STINGN wrote:

best picture that i have closest to what you want i assume. im in your area so if you want to tackle it ill help you out

More or less the look I'm going for with mine....... with the exception of an ARB front bumper that keeps calling my name.

Looks like the JBA 2.5 inch lift (or 4 inch...... :BANANA:

) will be #2 on the list after the roof rack & lights are mounted.

My wife is certain my little Liberty will turn into the same "obsession" that my '84 F-150 short bed did....... but she's wrong. :mrgreen:

After all, all I did to the truck after I bought it was add a 4 inch Rancho long arm lift, 33 X 12.50 X 15 Goodyear Wrangler MTs on
American Racing rims, twin tube roll bar, custom made pre-runner style spare tire / highlift holder (2 full size spares with Spin off connection),
Custom made wrap around front bumper with tow hooks, frame mounted HD rear tow hooks, 40 gallon full cell between the frame rails,
55 watt fog lights & 100 watt "driving" lights on the bumper, 2 sets of forward facing, and on set rear facing lights on the roll bar,
CB radio, scanner, under hood dual battery system (custom designed by yours truly), 210 amp alternator, skid plates for the engine,
tranny, transfer case, and both axles........

I mean c'mon....... what obsession?!?!? :dizzy:

Aux Lighting wiring & Roof Racks

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