Installing Cab Roof Lights - Need Advice

[joep42]

I would like to add a set of amber cab clearance lights to my 2000 GMC Sierra pickup. But before I whip out the cordless drill and make holes in an otherwise perfectly good roof, I thought I would seek out the advice of others who previously installed cab roof lights on their Chevy or GMC pickup.

Any help would be greatly appreciated plus I have three questions I definitely need help with.

1. What is the best way to seal the screw holes against water leakage. Silicone caulk?

2. What is the easiest way to get behind (or to remove) the headliner so the light wires can be routed to a connecting point? I do have the small factory roof pocket console with map lights and electronic rear view mirror.

3. Is any particular brand of clearance lights superior over another in terms of quality, durability and installation ease?

Many thanks in advance.
Joe

[huminski]

Hi Joe,

I installed a set in my 1997 dodge ram when it was new. I am planning to do the same on the 04 silverado. It's not that difficult. Take down the overhead console. Look for screws, and if there are none then gently pry it down. Also remove the sun visors. You should be able to pull the headliner partially down and get enough room to do the drilling and wiring.

As far as sealing them, what I did was put a blob of silicone all around the wire and screw holes through the roof, and then also coat the entire base of the light with a skim coat. Screw them down and wipe away any that oozed out the sides. Never leaked for me and I had that truck for 4 years.

[joep42]

Thanks for your advice. Good luck with your 2004. Question, when you buy the roof light kit, do they give you a template to position each of the 5 lights properly?

Thanks, Joe

[ffruff22]

Originally Posted by joep42

Thanks for your advice. Good luck with your 2004. Question, when you buy the roof light kit, do they give you a template to position each of the 5 lights properly?

Thanks, Joe

I know that Dodge supplies a template w/ their OEM kit. As far as the Chevy goes, I have not been able to find one. I believe that the reason is w/ the Dodge it is a dealer installed item. With the Chevy on the other hand the roofs are pierced (for the running lights) prior to paint (so they are treated) and come to the dealer already installed.

I have a 2001 2500HD that I want to add them to, but have been hesitant to punch holes in the roof. I have been looking around for a kit myself and have not found anything yet that I like. One thing I am going to do is install 5 individual lights, instead of the current model style.

Please let me know if you a set out there and I will do the same!

Good Luck,
Ruff

[joep42]

Thanks for your reply. Like you, I'm hesitant to drill holes in an otherwise perfectly good roof and botching it up. Then there is the leak factor. Finally, getting the headliner down far enough, to run the wires, without messing it up permanently is another worry. I wish I had access the GMC Body Shop Manual which might show how to perform some of these steps properly.

Still, I want the cab lights (5) but I haven't decided on the exact type (I'm leaning to the chrome ones instead of all plastic), nor have I decided to buy online or in a local parts store (not many choices where we live). But with the weather here in the Northeast cold and snowy, this project will wait till warmer weather.

When I decide on a set. I'll let you know. Good luck with your project.

Joe

[Powerwagontim]

Another sealant which would be far superior to silicone would be polyurethane caulk. We used to bed hardware on boats down in it and it will never leak.
Tim

[slacker_53]

The best way to seal against leakage is



DON'T DO IT!!!!!!

[PipeDreamsMarine]

I'm with Tim... A bit of 3M 5200 on the screw hole and wire and it will never leak or come off...lol... Gotta love 5200.. Or there are a few "bonding tapes" out there that some really great strenth and sealing