How to: Cargo light in a non cargo cab by LFD Inc.

[Rokcrln]

Installing a Cargo Light into Non-Cargo Light Cab,
By Lewis Fabrication Design Inc.

Thought as long as I am doing it I might as well share with everyone else the layout and how to.

Well I started off over in my research center of my shop for the factory correct layout and placement. Then I moved over to the work are about 2 miles (30') away to fine the next victom. This was done with the rear window removed. First thing you will need to do if your truck is already painted and you do not plan on repainting any time soon is get some good masking tape and cover any areas that you see me writing on. I would have done this but hey it isn't my truck .

First off you need to find center of the cab. I did this by just measuring from inside edge of the window at the bottom and divide it in half. Then to double check your self measure from both sides to your center mark and adjust it if needed. Then to transfer this mark up top use a framming square along the window bottom edge and make a mark up on the roof. Now double check this by flipping your framming square around and check the mark.

The first measurment came from the bottom of the rear window chanel up to th etop of the new light cut out. That # is 17 1/8" and then down from their 1 13/32" for the bottom edge of the main cut out. Now what I like to do is take both these measurments and and go about 6" each way from your center mark and re mark your heights. Then take a straite edge and conect your marks. What this does is helps keep everything level. If you were to only go 2" each way from center, mark your edges and say you were 1/8" off from level you would see that when done. But if you go 6" each way and are off that same 1/8" on your lines now you will only be 1/32" off at your 2" line were you will be making your cut. I hope that makes sence.

Now from your top line measure down 3/8" and make yet another mark, this will be fore the mounting holes.

Now from your original center line mark on the roof you will want to measure on the top and bottom line 2" each way and conect these marks verticaly. Next on the second line down from the top (3/8" line) you will want to go 2 11/16" each way or 5 3/8" over all for your mounting holes. These holes will be 3/8".

Then you will mark for drilling the corner holes of the main cut out. These holes are 1/4" so you will want to measure 1/8" in from your corners both ways and make a mark. Repeat this for the other 3 corners. Now center punch the marks you will be drilling BUT DO NOT HIT IT HARD or you could dent in the cab. Once thiat is done drill out your two mounting holes to 3/8" and your 4 corners to 1/4".

With that done all that is left is the cut for the main body of the light. I used a 4" .040 cut off wheel in a 4" grinder but you may want to use an air saw (small air powered salz-all) with a real fine Bi-metal blade. Once you have cut it open and removed the piece take a hand file and smoth out the edges to your liking and you are almost done.

Now if you are getting ready to paint your cab than you are done for now. If your cab is already painted or you will not be re-painting for awhile you will want to paint the bare metal edges you just made. Just take a good quality paint and a pint brush or Q-tip and cote the bare metal and let it dry.

Keep in mind the rubber gasket for the light is alot larger than the holes you just made and with the light installed but not fully tight you can move it around a good amount. So if your hole is not perfect you are still ok, just move the light around untill it looks good and tighten it up.

I do not have a finished pic for you because this light kit did not come with mounting screws


Also check the site because their are a fe guys that have converted their Cargo light into a 3rd brake light for very cheap or you could ppend the $ and buy an LED set up or last but not least just run what you brung and keep it a standard cargo light.

I hope people find this helpfull!

Kevin
Lewis Fabrication Design Inc.