Installing lights on Gobi roof rack -- -- need advice

[GeorgeSSSS]

Thanks a million again to everyone. I now have a good understanding of this project even before the equipment arrives and the work begins.

If anything pops up along the way that we haven't talked about (I doubt it), I'll take some pics and post the info so we can add it to our community info base.

I've got the "Gobi roof rack & lighting Bible" in my hands and I intend to follow it.

Thanks again,

George SSSS

[shipbldr]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4CHURCHILL:
I Found Pilot lights which are a fraction of the cost, and from what I know work very well. I too ordered 4 for the front and 2 for the back. My rack is pre-wired but I have yet to decide which way to install them. Alot of installers are worried about dealing with the headliner. I don't know enough to know if this should be an issue or not. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Can you tell me which model(s) of the lights you used and like?

[4churchill]

Ship PM me with your email address and I will forward the info...thanks

[rodster]

Anybody know how to get this job done without going through the firewall?

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
I'm guessing you could most probably pull a + feed off the MidBEC. I'm not sure what it is rated at (anyone?) but I'm guessing it should be good enough for the lights. I personally prefer going direct to the battery or a + rail near the battery, but I'm guessing you could run off the MidBEC just fine, but I'd like to know it's capacity before doing so. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

MidBEC . . . never heard of it. Couldn't find anything on Google, either. Must be time to invest in service manuals. Thanks, Phil.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
Mid Bussed Electrical Center. It is the distribution panel kind of above the brake pedal. You'll see it if you look under the dash. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, Phil. I'll have a look but as you noted above, it would be good to first know the specifics on the circuits there.

[CslRkH2]

How do you remove the overhead console?

Do you have to remove it to get access to above the headliner on top of the console?

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CslRkH2:
How do you remove the overhead console? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Two phillips head screws are in the two holes circled in the pic below. Once those are out, let the forward edge drop and push the unit forward. Two tabs (approx. where the red boxes are) hold the rear end of the console up. As you push the unit foward those tabs will slide out and the entire console drops. All light and switch wires inside use plug-in connectors so you can remove the console to drill holes and mount switches.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Do you have to remove it to get access to above the headliner on top of the console? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No. You only need to remove the overhead console if you plan to mount switches on it.

[CslRkH2]

THANKS!

[GeorgeSSSS]

Now that the Gobi rack and PIAA lights are installed, I want to say that the comments on this thread helped us save a huge amount of time and trouble. I recommend reading this before anyone begins the installation process.

One thing we did learn that didn't come up in the above thread because it focused on PIAA lights: You need to relocate the XM radio antenna out ahead of the faring. It appears that the best way to do this is simply leave the old antenna in place and re-route the wires to a new antenna in front of the faring.

Thanks again to everyone who commented. You guys made a very difficult installation a piece of cake.

Best regards,

George SSSS

[rodster]

George -- Where did you end up tapping the 12V?

[4churchill]

my 1500's for the rear just came in yesterday, I got them used for $45.00 I have ordered one brand which is supposed to be a direct copy for the front, but I may just ebay them and try and find 4 more 1500's. (being a broke college student/gm sales manager right now sucks!!!!)

[GeorgeSSSS]

Rodster: I gave my installer the instructions from your XTC lightbar. From what I can tell, he connected my lights in the place indicated by your instructions. Thanks very much for that info. It works great.

George SSSS