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My "Pilot-Ray" Self Steering Spot Light Build

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Focker, Mar 29, 2017.

Page 2 of 2
  1. Apr 4, 2017
    johneyboy03

    johneyboy03 The green beast

    Quebec, Canada
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    Ok....now i hate you i will start thinking doing it on mine.


    Great job result is awesome :)
     
    johneyboy03, Apr 4, 2017
    #21
    Focker likes this.
  2. Apr 4, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Howard Eisenhauer, Apr 4, 2017
    #22
    Focker likes this.
  3. Apr 4, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    :lol:
     
    Focker, Apr 4, 2017
    #23
    johneyboy03 likes this.
  4. Apr 4, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    After a successful test run I pulled it all apart and decided to put the finishing touches on it.

    I threaded the rod ends vs keeping the shaft collars.
    [​IMG]

    I rounded the square edges of the bars and brackets, sanded and painted everything. I installed the nuts, nylocs and a bit of grease.
    [​IMG]

    Using heim joints would take this to the next level...Must refrain. :susp:
     
    Focker, Apr 4, 2017
    #24
    47v6 likes this.
  5. Apr 4, 2017
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    I like this idea. I don't think it will work with my PTO winch unfortunately... :(
     
    garage gnome, Apr 4, 2017
    #25
  6. Apr 5, 2017
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
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    I agree I have the same issue, plus I have an intermediate. I am looking at using a cable type arrangement to bring the movement to the lights ..... I'll post up when I get started.

    Jay
     
    Desert Runner, Apr 5, 2017
    #26
    Focker likes this.
  7. Apr 5, 2017
    durangotang

    durangotang Member 2022 Sponsor

    Not Western CO
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    That video has had be eyeballing my spare windshield frame for along time... the little swamp cooler he made would be so nice in the summer time.
     
    durangotang, Apr 5, 2017
    #27
  8. Apr 15, 2017
    fesser

    fesser Napa, CA 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Napa, CA
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    Very cool Focker. Would love to see you do it with doubles.
     
    fesser, Apr 15, 2017
    #28
    TIm E and Focker like this.
  9. Apr 15, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Thanks.

    I'm surprised at how well one works...I think an upgrade to LED would be amazing.
     
    Focker, Apr 15, 2017
    #29
  10. Apr 20, 2017
    GraySkies

    GraySkies Always late, never finished...

    Western Washington
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    That's very cool. Like the center headlight of a Tucker 48.
     
    GraySkies, Apr 20, 2017
    #30
    Focker likes this.
  11. Apr 21, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Howard Eisenhauer, Apr 21, 2017
    #31
  12. Apr 21, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    What I'd like to see is a light that works to show things before I turn! Howard's design is a good step in that direction.

    Anyone here familiar with 'Sneak-lights?" Mounted under the vehicle and shining down, they gently light up the immediate terrain, without attracting attention from any distance.

    The blackout lamp on my military is cool that way, too.
     
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2017
    PeteL, Apr 21, 2017
    #32
  13. Apr 21, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Well that tears it- now they know what to look for !!! :shock:


    upload_2017-4-21_10-52-29.png
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Apr 21, 2017
    #33
  14. Aug 29, 2017
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Hey Focker, any chance of you offering up your Pilot-Ray lights as a kit?
    You still using yours with wild success?

    Even plans would be welcome.

    Cheap go kart heim joints seem to be in order for that finishing touch--and you could add some excessive toe-in with them to the bracket so the lamp has more of a "clairvoyant" view into the turn....
     
    Hellion, Aug 29, 2017
    #34
  15. Aug 29, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I think it's too custom to each Jeep, plus it's pretty easy to make if you follow along with my pictures vs specific plans.

    It works great and people dig it.

    I had a handful of heim joints when I was thinking of taking it to the next level, but I refrained.
     
    Focker, Aug 29, 2017
    #35
  16. Oct 9, 2018
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Focker,

    Time to revisit the thread. In your original post, photo #3, you speak of a "future bracket". Where was this mounted?

    Also, the main actuator arm (which was a perforated strip of metal in the prototype); where was this mounted and/or where is the pivot point?

    Gotta love the idea though--it's asymmetrical, ugly (aesthetically), but functional :lol:. Sure beats drilling a hole in the windshield frame and adding a swiveling "cop car spotlight".

    P.S. I didn't know there was extra documentation on the CJ-3B and its steering light:
    Steering Headlight on CJ3B.info
     
    Hellion, Oct 9, 2018
    #36
  17. Oct 9, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Photo #4 is the final product of #photo #3. It's mounted to the drag link. There was a clamp on the drag link. I used and existing bolt on the clamp.
    In an existing hole in the Jeep's front cross member.
     
    Focker, Oct 9, 2018
    #37
  18. Oct 9, 2018
    heavychevy

    heavychevy Sponsor

    Danielsville georgia
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    I really dig this idea. The light moving like it does ratchets the cool factor another notch
     
    heavychevy, Oct 9, 2018
    #38
    Focker likes this.
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