55.2-59 Unity Spotlight Cowl Mount Template 1959

[dennislbrooks]

Does anyone have the Unity cowl template or can give me a close-up pic of the outside hole location on the cowl and the inside hole location? I searched the web and found 47-54 and 60-66 but no 55-59. UnityUSA does not have it either.

It appears to me that it either needs to be vertical or horizontal to better adjust the beam direction correctly.

There is a 57 one-ton wrecker on FB that has a spotlight thru the cowl but at present he will not just sell the light but I may end up trying to get better pics on it.

I may end up using best guess.

thanks

[Hcb3200]

Seems the unity web site is full of information but the link to the template you need is broken
Template B-286.
They had a lookup tool

Here is what I found for the 55-59 series.
I would email them the details of what you have and they may can provide you the template. Contact information below

Your Vehicle is a 1959 GMC SUBURBAN PICK UP
Mounting Location COWL ←Click Here
Footnotes 0 ←Click Here
6 in 12 volt Antique Spotlight
with Raised Ornament and Ivory Handle 225A-U-I
5 in 12 volt Antique Spotlight
with Raised Ornament and Ivory Handle 250A-U-I
Driver Side Installation Kit 110
Passenger Side Installation Kit 110RH
Template Pattern B-286

Contact Us
Unity Manufacturing Company
1260 N Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
United States of America

Phone: (312) 943-5200
Fax: (312) 943-5681
Email: Info@unityusa.com

[Hcb3200]

I missed where you said Unity does not have it either. ok still on the hunt

[Hcb3200]

The Unity Site says the 110 Kit is no longer made BUT
it still has the 110RH for right hand side.
They both use the same template (just inverse)

So I would reach out to them for the 110RH install instructions with the template or ask them again.

Also a long shot but on this site there was a 110 sale 10 years ago.
Guy may still be online and may still have templates. if you send him a PM

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=692456

[dennislbrooks]

From Hcb3200's info I have ordered the correct mount bracket 110 from Rescue. I still have not found a template from Rescue or Unity. But if nothing else for the outside I will see what best fit of the mounting bracket on the cowl is for a general location.

I will post pics when I receive it.

[Hcb3200]

Seems you have to hold your finger to left and tounge to the top of you mouth and ask a different way and you get what you need.

Unity sent me these this morning.
Has what you need.

[dennislbrooks]

Hcb3200,
Thankyou and it looks like I can print and use the second pdf file -
B-286.

I am not sure what the 2 hole choice is about but I will see how the it lines up and the fit of the mounting bracket Unity 110.

It is great that info can be stored on the forums for others should they be looking for some info in the future.

[dennislbrooks]

It does print out on a full 8 1/2 x 11 landscape. It appears to place it high on the cowl and on the inside dash -- must be correct. I cannot have both edges of the template B-286 where it says to put them. ???


I think I would use left hole position. I will see where the bracket lays best when I get it.

[dsraven]

on our fire trucks those spot lights were placed overhead. easier to use and not a knee banger when getting in. maybe a little easier to install as well. maybe not the look you're going for though

[dennislbrooks]

Yea, I agree that probably the best place on emergency vehicles is on the top but I have a problem about holes in tops and any non-factory holes in the dash. I will add a hole for the spotlight and the 2 hidden holes for the top west coast jr mirror mounts in the doors..

[dennislbrooks]

I got the Unity bracket kit 110 today. It has about 10 templates for Ford, Freightliner, Chevy but not anything for GM truck 55-59. I will take pics of that and post them in a generic forum on here for keeping on the web.

I placed the bracket to best fit the cowl contour where it is parallel and was aimed thru the dash. Both a high and lower position ( I have seen both) and where they may come thru the dash. Final position before screwing down the bracket then drilling will need tweaked further. The length of the spotlight shaft and headlight switch and knees will have to be considered also. Will ponder....

[dsraven]

I would say to just mock it up with the light housing held in place while somebody opens the door. it would be a bad day to drill and mount it and then cause paint damage or worse if the door hits the light. ensure to turn the light around so that the worst case scenario in light position is factored in. from experience with these lights i know they can be turned, from where they were positioned, by gravity, bumpy roads, screws that back out slightly, road wind when driving, or by some parking lot dork that thinks you might have parked too close to their vehicle (even though they parked ouside their stall, lol). or snags their clothing on it when walking past. it seems you can park in the very back part of the lot, where there is nobody, and some huge 2 door fish wagon has to park right next to you. lol.
as you know, if you don't like it, you can remove it and the holes can be welded closed and panels repainted. that would suck but wouldn't be the end of the world.

[dsraven]

curious, will the inside handle be a knee bonker there? some versions protrude more than others.

[dennislbrooks]

The door gains separation as you open it. I do not see a problem high or low. Storage position which you are partially alluding to needs consideration so it cannot be stored over the cowl | door separation seam. From what I have seen, knees would not be an issue in top position for sure. But I will be considering all I can think of.



Here are 2 wrecker trucks. One using the higher position and the other using the lower. Both also have inside pics.

[dennislbrooks]

Getting closer to drilling scary holes. I will make a template and hopefully I will not have to adjust the template after I already placed the spotlight. The bracket has about a 1/16" gasket. This is about the best lay for the bracket trying to keep it somewhat level. You mount the bracket (2 metal screws) with its 1/2-inch bushing for drill alignment. The attached pics shows my choice outlined in orange and where it appears the inside hole will be. I need to check my wiring under the dash. I will place a newly drawn template on the cowl for reference.

[leegreen]

Is it possible to angle it so any leaks run back outside?

[JDarby]

Originally Posted by dennislbrooks

I got the Unity bracket kit 110 today. It has about 10 templates for Ford, Freightliner, Chevy but not anything for GM truck 55-59. I will take pics of that and post them in a generic forum on here for keeping on the web.

I placed the bracket to best fit the cowl contour where it is parallel and was aimed thru the dash. Both a high and lower position ( I have seen both) and where they may come thru the dash. Final position before screwing down the bracket then drilling will need tweaked further. The length of the spotlight shaft and headlight switch and knees will have to be considered also. Will ponder....

If you are worried about the length of the spot light arm you can get them in two different length's
depending if needed for a car or truck or depending on what size steering wheel you are using.

That's what the guy I bought mine from told me.

He was on Ebay and went by johnlinden374, I tried to find him now and had no luck.
He was a wealth of information and had been dealing with Unity Spot Lights for many years!!!

Best of luck,
JDarby

[dennislbrooks]

Spotlight installation is complete except for fuse and 12v but is has been tested - it lights. The spotlight has 2 motions and that is turning it side to side and also turning the whole unit like an owl turning its head upside down. Placing perfectly level allows fewest adjustments but you can tolerate a little angle. Leegreen, I put an O-ring to help seal the brass pivot bushing.

Drilling thru 3 not flat (at angle) surfaces makes a challenge to keep the bits from walking. A jig helps and starter holes and a long center punch also. I used a combination of bell hanger bits and short bits-- 1/4 to 3/8 to 1/2".

I did not use location "A" as there is a tray inside up the column that I thot it might interfere with. I used "B' and it looks good and functional. But if I had to do again, I would use try "A".

Thanks to Hcb3200 for locating the Unity 110 bracket and for others input. It made starting/completing the spotlight installation easier.

[dennislbrooks]

Drivers view of light and jig.

[Hcb3200]

Good now we just need a event to happen where you have a great excuse to use it.
It really does look great. and it fits your plan build well.

[dsraven]

I wouldn't wanna be the guy with the high beams on in oncoming or the guy behind you with the supe bright stupid lights, or the airplane above or the squirrel or, or...
haha
came out great

[dsraven]

I have several drill its with an extra shank welded on for length. I also have a few el cheapo deluxe extra long bits in small sizes, like 1/8", 1/4". they work well for pilot holes when doing stuff like this. sometimes I will drill the long small dia drill bit through a length of broom handle and use that as a guide so the drill will stay true to center on the long, unsupported holes, like the inside dash hole in this case. I would drill the outer hole to size, find a broom handle or dowel the size of that hole, then use the previously drilled dowel to push through the hole large outer hole and support the smaller extra long pilot drill bit.

[leegreen]

I've always wondered if the switch prevents you from turning it on when it is pointed back at you?

[leegreen]

the install turned out great & really nice touch to save the template here for future people to benefit

[dsraven]

post 23
nope. trust me on this one