hidden wiring question
10-12-2011, 10:09 PM
#1
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
hidden wiring question
when you guys mount/mounted lights on roof rack or overhead how did/do you run the wires. i am wanting to keep mine hidden. any pics of your course of action
10-15-2011, 12:18 AM
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Year: 2001
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Aside from drilling a hole in the roof (which I refuse to do), I've seen people run their wiring flush along the inside rail of their luggage rack to the back, then run it into the top of the back hatch, and under the trim from there. I know that's how I'm gonna attack the situation when I install my lights.
10-15-2011, 08:22 AM
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Year: 1998
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My wiring runs from the switch to a relay under the instrument cluster, up the drivers A-pillar and under the headliner to the...........wait for it. Hole in the roof. Running wires through the roofs not really a big deal if done correctly.
My solution was to use insulated 3 strand wire (think heavy extension cord) obviousely only two wires of the three were used (power & ground) but the insulated wires fit tightly in the grommet I planned to use going throught the roof and made me a little less worried about water getting in. Once the wiring was all completed I sealed around the wiring/grommet with caulking made to assemble aquariums and a year and a half later I've encountered no problems with leaks. I also chose to drill my hole so it sat under the end cap of the roof rack rails for whatever tiny little bit of protection it might provide as well as to keep a really clean look.
I completely understand everyones apprehension with drilling through their roof, I must have stood and stared at the bit resting on my roof for 5 minutes and wondering if I was insane before getting the nerve to pull the trigger. When all was said and done I was very happy with the result.
My solution was to use insulated 3 strand wire (think heavy extension cord) obviousely only two wires of the three were used (power & ground) but the insulated wires fit tightly in the grommet I planned to use going throught the roof and made me a little less worried about water getting in. Once the wiring was all completed I sealed around the wiring/grommet with caulking made to assemble aquariums and a year and a half later I've encountered no problems with leaks. I also chose to drill my hole so it sat under the end cap of the roof rack rails for whatever tiny little bit of protection it might provide as well as to keep a really clean look.
I completely understand everyones apprehension with drilling through their roof, I must have stood and stared at the bit resting on my roof for 5 minutes and wondering if I was insane before getting the nerve to pull the trigger. When all was said and done I was very happy with the result.
10-16-2011, 08:51 PM
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Year: 1993
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My wiring runs from the switch to a relay under the instrument cluster, up the drivers A-pillar and under the headliner to the...........wait for it. Hole in the roof. Running wires through the roofs not really a big deal if done correctly.
My solution was to use insulated 3 strand wire (think heavy extension cord) obviousely only two wires of the three were used (power & ground) but the insulated wires fit tightly in the grommet I planned to use going throught the roof and made me a little less worried about water getting in. Once the wiring was all completed I sealed around the wiring/grommet with caulking made to assemble aquariums and a year and a half later I've encountered no problems with leaks. I also chose to drill my hole so it sat under the end cap of the roof rack rails for whatever tiny little bit of protection it might provide as well as to keep a really clean look.
I completely understand everyones apprehension with drilling through their roof, I must have stood and stared at the bit resting on my roof for 5 minutes and wondering if I was insane before getting the nerve to pull the trigger. When all was said and done I was very happy with the result.
My solution was to use insulated 3 strand wire (think heavy extension cord) obviousely only two wires of the three were used (power & ground) but the insulated wires fit tightly in the grommet I planned to use going throught the roof and made me a little less worried about water getting in. Once the wiring was all completed I sealed around the wiring/grommet with caulking made to assemble aquariums and a year and a half later I've encountered no problems with leaks. I also chose to drill my hole so it sat under the end cap of the roof rack rails for whatever tiny little bit of protection it might provide as well as to keep a really clean look.
I completely understand everyones apprehension with drilling through their roof, I must have stood and stared at the bit resting on my roof for 5 minutes and wondering if I was insane before getting the nerve to pull the trigger. When all was said and done I was very happy with the result.
very nice work. where did you get the grommet you used??? is this something i can pick up at hardware store? i think that is the route i am going to take and thats what i wanted to initially do. did you have to remove that end cap to dril the hole?? that is some really slick work. i like it
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10-16-2011, 09:03 PM
#8
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Year: 1990
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I did something similar. I used extension cord and went through the fire wall. Up the back side of the dash. Then up the a pillar under the headliner then in a hole in the roof to a trailer connector.
10-17-2011, 07:45 AM
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very nice work. where did you get the grommet you used??? is this something i can pick up at hardware store? i think that is the route i am going to take and thats what i wanted to initially do. did you have to remove that end cap to dril the hole?? that is some really slick work. i like it
11-06-2011, 07:55 AM
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Year: 1993
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Originally Posted by Desert Rat
I picked up the grommet at the hardware store. And yes, the cap had to be removed for drilling. Be patient & take your time and you'll be happy with the results.
11-06-2011, 08:06 AM
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then I ran it inside along the pillar and into the fender/ engine bay.
i ran the wire behind the door seal
Last edited by xjheep92; 11-06-2011 at 08:08 AM.
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