A more Aerodynamic light bar

[oil pan 4]

Obviously the gigantic vehicle width light bars that go above the windshield are almost as bad for aero as having a roof rack.
So to solve a problem that some people think is a secondary or non consideration (the aerodynamic aspect) I have to go retro.

Plan is put 1 or 2 small halogen driving lights on top of the cab back several inches from the windshield. I just have not decided on what configuration to go with, one or 2 lights, with 55w or 100w bulbs.
I had taken one of the lights and converted it to 100w with a 100w bulb and much heavier 16AWG ground wire. I had not played with them enough to decide if doubling the power requirement to each light was worth it.
If I go with a single light you can bet it will be 100w.
Other problem is these lights are competing for roof space right were I would like to put two 30 watt solar panels. Will have to chose between 1 light or 2 lights and smaller solar panels.

So I picked up some lights about the same size and shape as these, but with out the hideous blue tint.

[kach22i]

Is this for your Suburban Diesel?

Will this be a two pod version of the image I found on the Internet below?


985 H9 & Xenon Lamp Pod


I think Porsche in the early 1970's and the Lancia Stratos of the same era used a similar approach. However, their off-road lights were near the leading edge of the front hood - as is the image above.

[Lonesome Trail]

Besides cost why not run LEDs? Way less load on the alternator for the same light output, less alt load = better fuel economy, though less an issue when crawling at night, lol.

This pic is from the last golf cart I built, the new LEDs are pretty amazing at 18W and $20 on Amazon, lol. The more powerful lights require sunglasses.


http://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-Waterproof-Off-road-Auxiliary-Driving/dp/B00T62RK1U?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui _detailpage_o00_s01

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Lonesome Trail

This pic is from the last golf cart I built, the new LEDs ........

What size are those lights?

Anyway, sounds like the original poster has already purchased his semi-elliptical halogen's.

[Lonesome Trail]

Originally Posted by kach22i

What size are those lights?

Anyway, sounds like the original poster has already purchased his semi-elliptical halogen's.

Hi kach22i, they are 4"W rectangles, the ones in the link in my post. They work amazingly well, the picture doesn't do them justice, and they really stretched out the battery duration of the cart while working at night @36W for the pair vs 110W for the previous 55W halogens (there's rear and work lights as well not in the picture).

[Lonesome Trail]

kach, just read your article on the chin spoiler, love it!!!

[freebeard]

From my experience, having the lights on the front of the hood is great because you can slouch down in the seat and sight along the left headlight beam to see exactly where the car is pointed. Very helpful with oversteer.

OTOH you don't get shadows. Having the light above or below the sight-line will throw things into relief.

[jamesqf]

Of course this begs the whole question of why. If you want to drive off-road at night, why not use night vision goggles?

[oil pan 4]

All the LEDs I have seen are big and expensive.
And I already have full LED head lights and an LED bumper light bar.
There are only for occasional use.

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Of course this begs the whole question of why. If you want to drive off-road at night, why not use night vision goggles?

I don't go off pavement.
And who says I don't already use IR and night vision or FLIR when I need it?

I went with halogen for 3 reasons.
Anti-icing, the LEDs ice over in bad winter weather.
I want lights above my line of sight to so I can see how deep holes in the road are before I am right on top of them.
I feel like I have better depth perception and I can see ice better with full spectrum light.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

And who says I don't already use IR and night vision or FLIR when I need it?

More information on what you have?