Roof rack wiring? Use the A - Pillar or drill a hole in the roof?

gon2srf · 02-15-2007, 07:41 PM

Now that so many of us have installed different roof racks and light configurations, what is the general consenus as far as running the wiring? I have read as much as I could find in the archives and haven't heard rave reviews about running the wiring through the A- Pillar and many think it's nuts to drill a hole in the roof.

So what say thee?

Run it through the A-Pillar or drill a hole in the roof?

**cruiserlarry** · 02-15-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

gon2srf previously said:

Now that so many of us have installed different roof racks and light configurations, what is the general consenus as far as running the wiring? I have read as much as I could find in the archives and haven't heard rave reviews about running the wiring through the A- Pillar and many think it's nuts to drill a hole in the roof.

So what say thee?

Run it through the A-Pillar or drill a hole in the roof?

Aren't you the guy who got 10 feet of air out at Pismo Beach ????

Come on, be brave and drill that hole !!!!

CactusJK · 02-15-2007, 07:47 PM

I am seriously considering a hole in the roof. I plan to go through a shop in Tucson that routinely does this for police cars. The A pillar does not have enough room for the right wires and the external mods I've seen are pretty ugly.

Quote:

gon2srf previously said:

Now that so many of us have installed different roof racks and light configurations, what is the general consenus as far as running the wiring? I have read as much as I could find in the archives and haven't heard rave reviews about running the wiring through the A- Pillar and many think it's nuts to drill a hole in the roof.

So what say thee?

Run it through the A-Pillar or drill a hole in the roof?

**SoonerFJ** · 02-15-2007, 07:56 PM

If you DO use the A-pillar, be sure to go by your Toyota dealer and order some extra plastic clips. Each side has 5 and I broke 4 of them when I removed the panel. They cost a few dimes each, but could cause a ton of trouble if you dont have them to reinstall the A-pillar.

**FJoel** · 02-15-2007, 08:05 PM

A bit involved, but why couldn't we marine epoxy a 1/4"NPT nut into the roof, then put 1/4"NPT plug into it (with sealing teflon tape) with a hole drilled through the center. Run your wires through and epoxy them to the PLUG only, and not the allen key side. You may want to get one in there to remove later.

If you ever need to remove this mod, clip the wire on either side of the plug and unthread the plug. Wire is cheap. Put a new plug in...

Or you could just go through the pillar...

5150 Cruiser · 02-15-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

gon2srf previously said:

Now that so many of us have installed different roof racks and light configurations, what is the general consenus as far as running the wiring? I have read as much as I could find in the archives and haven't heard rave reviews about running the wiring through the A- Pillar and many think it's nuts to drill a hole in the roof.

So what say thee?

Run it through the A-Pillar or drill a hole in the roof?

As long as you seal the hole properly, and use a rubber gromet when passing the wires through the roof, you'll be fine. I build police cars, and various other emergency vehicles for a living and have never had problems doing this.

JUST make sure you use a high quality silicone to seal up the hole. You'll be fine.

gsgmac · 02-15-2007, 08:26 PM

I will be using the A-pillar and the channel with the white piece of rubber in it. I like mods that can be undone if I change something. I am not afraid to drill the roof, few have ripped apart more of their FJC than me (see my paint thread), just I think I can make the wiring look good with out it. I will be doing the light wiring this weekend, so I will post pics and install details.

BTW, I am installing a ARB rack and 4 IPF 100 watt lights....may need to run wire down both a-pillars.

**TCao** · 02-15-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

cruiserlarry previously said:

Aren't you the guy who got 10 feet of air out at Pismo Beach ????

Come on, be brave and drill that hole !!!!

I think this is what cruiserlarry was referring to. Looks like the elbow can handle a 1" wire bundle.

SglDad904 · 02-15-2007, 08:48 PM

My 88 ex-Fla Hwy Patrol Mustang had one in the roof and one in the trunk, after 15 years of the mounts being there when I sold it there were still no leaks.

No harm or shame in having a cop shop do it, either, even the switches, wiring, relays, etc. Like Cruiser says, they do it every day, it's a lot different than learning on your own rig.

$.02

P.S. What white piece of rubber? heh heh heh.....=P

gon2srf · 02-15-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

cruiserlarry previously said:

Aren't you the guy who got 10 feet of air out at Pismo Beach ????

Come on, be brave and drill that hole !!!!

I was going to write about how my friend Larry the pro mechanic thought he was about to break his windsheild trying to remove the A-Pillar cap so he drillled a hole. Problem is you have so many damn lights and heavy gauge wires they woulda never fit any way. I've got the stones to drill but I just don't think it neccesary with the minimal wiring I running now.