View Full Version : Maglite install
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:34 AM
Here's something simple I did that I think will be really useful. I bought a pair of Maglite mounts and installed them on the driver seat, so I'll always have a flashlight handy.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:35 AM
Trouble was ... I couldn't find Maglite brackets anywhere. I checked Walmart, Target, Sears, Garts/Sports Authority, Dicks, Galyans, Gander Mountain and even Home Depot, but nobody carried them. I was about to break down and get them off ebay when I tracked down a set at Bass Pro Shops.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:38 AM
First, I put the brackets on the maglite and tested for size and placement. I chose a 2 D-cell model, but you can see there's room for a 3 or maybe 4 cell if you want. The maglite has a 3 watt LED and is super bright.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:40 AM
I carefully held the maglite in place and marked around the brackets with a pencil. Shows up nice and erases when you're done :)
Then I took the brackets off the maglite, placed them inside the marks, and marked the pilot holes.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:43 AM
Next step was to drill out the pilot holes. There are some wires under the seat but not attached to the plastic, so I just went slow and easy. The pencil marks show up better in real life, but you get the idea.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:49 AM
With the pilot holes done, I threaded a small bolt (don't know what size, but I had 4 in my toolbox) through the bracket into the seat trim.
I also fitted a nut to the backside and tightened as best I could with my fingers holding it behind the plastic. They'll probably work loose since I didn't use locktite but whatever :D
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:50 AM
If you try and thread a nut and bolt like I did, move the seat forward or back so the floor bulge isn't in the way.
And there you have it ... two maglite brackets.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:53 AM
... and here it is with the maglite.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 03:54 AM
One more pic to answer any questions about clearance. This shot is from the front of the seat with the door closed. There's between .5 and 1 inch of clearance from the door. No problem :D
btw, for lightsaber mounting, install the clips to the doorsill, so you can get to it without opening the door. (just don't activate it in the car ... those things will really mess up your dash)
The Green Lantern
10-08-2006, 04:59 AM
Nice!!!
fw888
10-08-2006, 05:02 AM
nice job... i like it...:beerchug:
westhillsat
10-08-2006, 05:56 AM
Nice!!!
X2 Good use of the space!
Crash ?
10-08-2006, 06:34 AM
Another little thing you could think about doing with this.. Get another set of the clips and bolt (or epoxy) a magnet to it so you can stick the flashlight under your truck if you ever have to climb under to do work at night...
http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/mag-light/mag50.jpg
http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/mag-light/mag9.jpg
Idea stolen from http://www.4x4xplor.com/mag-light.html
jp's-h3
10-08-2006, 05:05 PM
Great idea!
I'm glad I thought of it! :D
I went with small and large Quick Fists for flashlight and fire extinguisher - they work great:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/quick_fist.html
NEOCON1
10-08-2006, 05:57 PM
great set up :beerchug:
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 06:54 PM
I went with small and large Quick Fists for flashlight and fire extinguisher - they work great:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/quick_fist.html
That's the first I heard of Quick Fists, but they look sweet. Good find! I need the large one for my fire extinguisher. I've been trying to decide where to mount it. Any ideas?
Wisha Haddan H3
10-08-2006, 08:50 PM
Great idea!
I'm glad I thought of it! :D
Did you do this too? I know I got the idea from somebody but don't remember who or where.
Looks nice and clean!:perfect10s: I guess I will have to do something like that, right now my maglite resides in a box with jumper,cables, snatch strap, shakles, etc. in the back:D
f5fstop
10-08-2006, 09:40 PM
Looks good and practicle. I wonder if they make one to hold a Sig Sauer?:clapping:
Groundpounder
10-09-2006, 12:55 PM
Looks good and practicle. I wonder if they make one to hold a Sig Sauer?:clapping:
I have one called an "Off Duty" rig, by Fobus. I need a mount for my Asp baton.:giggling:
H3HUMMER
10-09-2006, 01:24 PM
Looks good great idea.
Desert Dan
10-09-2006, 11:59 PM
Good Job. Iv'e been looking for a spot for the MagLite and my 9mm :)
Hows the 3 cell LED Maglite??
I bought an LED head lamp (from REI) for camping, hiking and it works great for working on the truck. It frees up your hands and puts the light where you are looking.
f5fstop
10-10-2006, 01:50 AM
I bought an LED head lamp (from REI) for camping, hiking and it works great for working on the truck. It frees up your hands and puts the light where you are looking.
Those LED headlamps are fantastic. I use one for hiking, working on the vehicle, and for the numerous times this third world state I live in loses power.
Batteries seem to last forever.
H3.007
10-10-2006, 02:49 AM
I mounted a MagLite on the tool box I have in the cargo area using these brackets. I placed a Shakelight in each map pocket on the seatbacks. But the seat mount obviously has great utility!
I got my brackets at Home Depot - odd they didn't have them at your store as our local store has quite a stock of them all of the time.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-10-2006, 03:13 AM
The LED maglites are 3 watts, which is a lot for an LED. They're so bright it hurts to look at them and it focuses into a nice solid beam. You can buy upgrade LEDs at wally world for $20 if you already have a maglite.
wpage
10-10-2006, 01:30 PM
Great idea's What about my Ruger 9mm? :D :D :D :) :) :) :)
HummerNewbie
10-10-2006, 03:53 PM
That's a great idea, but how far back can the seat go?
timgco
10-10-2006, 05:05 PM
Looks great!
....But the flashlight is kinda blingy. :jump:
Wisha Haddan H3
10-10-2006, 05:55 PM
That's a great idea, but how far back can the seat go?
I positioned the seat before I drilled, so it works for me. If someone else with long legs ever drives it, I can turn the light around for an extra few inches. (I only pointed it backwards to protect the lens)
I have the Streamlight with charger mounted in my H2. Much smaller, brighter and is always charged and ready to go.
Wisha Haddan H3
10-10-2006, 08:53 PM
I have the Streamlight with charger mounted in my H2. Much smaller, brighter and is always charged and ready to go.
Is this what you have? Looks cool
http://www.opticsplanet.net/streamlight-strion-flashlights.html#
So where did you mount it? Did you wire the charger to the battery or does it plug in as an accessory?
wpage
10-13-2006, 10:58 PM
Just checked 2 Home Cheepo's no luck but a local hardware had the mounts. Thanks again for the suggestions.:beerchug:
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