Athens, Georgia - Jeep 12. Build Thread

[heartyfield]

Thanks and they're much appreciated!

[heartyfield]

Quick update: I found and bought a lightbar off of ebay. Ended up getting it for $15, but shipping was expectedly high at $65. All in all not bad for $80 total.

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I was able to sand, prep and spray the primer this weekend.

I also started on the mounting plate. I had an old sign that I really didn't care about so I cannibalized some of it to make the mounting plate. I've still got to cut it down to size and round the corners. It looks like the IOA pics show the plate only sticking out around > 1/4" from the outer tabs on the lightbar.

Here are the switches that will be installed eventually. As Cyrix and Jack have done, I'll adjust the wiring so that the controls move in the same direction as the lights.

[AdamT]

Just a suggestion, for the KC HiLites on the back. If you really want to be nitpicky, you can take off the flip covers. It doesn't break the light and it is a little bit more cannon. Here's a picture of mine.
-Adam

[heartyfield]

Thanks Adam. I recently removed them and you're right, it does look better/canon. Once I get my spare tire finished I'll take an updated shot.

[heartyfield]

After around 10 dremel cutoff wheels, I was able cut the radius on the mounting plate. I also marked and drilled all the holes for the search lights and for mounting the plate to the bar.

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Before mounting the two center Jabsco's, I checked for proper spacing. It's really awesome how things are looking and I can't believe things are coming together so well.

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[Jack_Fauth]

looks really great so far, quick tip on running the wires through the lightbar. all 4 wires need to go through it and about the third wire i really had a hard time getting it the wires to move through the bar. apply some vasoline or WD 40 on the wires to help them not bunch up inside the bar.

Keep up the good work and keep the picture coming!!

[heartyfield]

Thanks, I've definitely used your build for a lot of inspiration!

I've been wondering about how to pull those wires through and that's a great tip on using the lubrication to feed through the bends. My plan is to fish through four strings to pull the wires with. Hopefully with the added lubrication it won't be too stubborn, but there are a lot of wires.

[heartyfield]

Didn't get as much done as I had wanted to this weekend. My Harbor Freight gun developed a clog that I couldn't find, so I had to go to the store and get another one. I had a 25% off coupon so I got it for around $11.00 and at that price, I can't really complain if they're one time use. One thing they changed is the fluid tip, which is now plastic, but I really didn't notice a difference in performance.

I stuck a couple stakes in the ground and sprayed the lightbar and mounting plate together.

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I also sprayed the spare rim and the front of the sidesteps. I'm getting low on red, but I should have enough to finish the brushguards around the lights.

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[Target1992]

That is a big daddy long legs...

[heartyfield]

Damn, I didn't see that. Should make a nice permanent edition to the paint.