My "Pilot-Ray" Self Steering Spot Light Build

Inspired by this video clip that someone posted last year (seen at 2:50). When I commented on the spot light in the clip, Howard pointed out that it reminded him of The Pilot-Ray the Self-Steering Automatic Safety Light | The Old Motor



More recent, a spot light topic came up and it inspired me to get going on this project.

I originally considered using little hem joints or tie rod ends found in the fastener section of the hardware store...Really cool stuff. Once I started building the "prototype" I didn't see the need for them or bushings. I'll dab some grease in the pivot points...I'm not at all concerned with friction. There's absolutely no binding and the rod is small enough in diameter that it can't compete with the Jeep's steering system...This I know because during the fab process there was some trial and error.

After looking at the Jeep's steering components, I decided that the mounting point would be near the pitman arm. I gathered some popsicle sticks and skewers to aid in the mechanics of what my brain was thinking.


I used some scrap metal from around the garage and made a small "drag link". In order for the spot light to pivot vs. having a sweeping motion, I needed a bar mounted at a fixed point. I chose the Jeep's frame side. The bar pivots freely between some washers/bushings on a non threaded portion of a bolt's shaft. This bar will link to the spot light's pivot bracket using another small rod.


Once satisfied with the drag link's function, I welded a nut to the future bracket...This bolts to the Jeep's drag link clamp.


I cut threads on the end of the rod and welded the nut to it, I also added a glob of weld to a washer so the rod can pivot within the finished bracket. When mounting the bracket to the Jeep's drag link clamp, you can pivot it left or right to fine tune the spot light's cruising position before tightening it down.


This is the spot light's mounting bracket. I welded a bar to the bracket to control the light's pivot point. I bought a cheap tractor implement light ($15) for now...Or maybe for good?


Working on the details before bending more rod.






It was great using the metal strapping to find the sweet spot for the pivot points...This saved a lot of time not having to drill a bunch of test holes.


Final pieces. As for the rods...I'm undecided at this point whether or not to keep the shaft collars (with set screws) or thread the end of the rods and put a regular nut & washer on the inside and a nyloc nut & washer on the ends?


In action.


Final details, paint and grease should wrap this project up. Oh yeah...Mounting and wiring the light with a relay will help too.

 

Go Brad Go!

H.

 

Yeah.

 

I didn't notice, but I'll look for it.

 

Possible binding due to articulation was tested and eliminated with minimal effort required. As you surmised, the mounting point was the key.

 

Wired up the light today.


I wanted to be down stream from the 30amp fuse that I installed for the headlight relays. I thought I would try a new idea (at least new to me). I stripped away a small portion of the existing 10amp wire and added a spade terminal.


Soldered.


Spot light relay.


On/Off toggle switch under the headlight switch. I found a mini version of a headlight style switch, but it was garbage during operation...The light would flicker until I found the sweet spot...Frustrating!

 

It's actually pretty rigid.

 

The spade piece was soldered into the wire...If we're talking about the same thing?

 

I finally got to do an official night time test run. I'm actually impressed at how cool this is and how it couldn't have turned out more perfect. The spot light goes right where I want it and when it's supposed too (leading the turn just a bit).

As for bounce and or vibration... None.

 

Here's a short clip with only the spot light (no headlights). I didn't get a good shot of the driver's side fender, but you can see how the spot leads the left hand turn.