How to build a light mounting bar that folds down?

[SportsmanJake]

Hi guys. I have 4 Hella 500s I am going to mount on my roof rack.

I want to add a cross bar to the front of my yakima rack that will hold 4 lights. I want to be able to rotate that bar 90 degrees so that the lights are facing down and I can slide my boats over top of them. Any ideas?

I have been looking into adjustable tube t clamps but am not sold on anything yet.
Something like this maybe? But can't pay $150...

Thanks.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Have you considered mounting them on something like a Yakima bar and just removing the whole bar from the landing pads when not needed?

EDIT: I didn't read the first sentence. Disregard. My apologies.

 

[chet6.7]

The game warden has his lights folded down,maybe someplace like Galls has what you are looking for.

 

[tarditi]

not interested in something like the rotabar you mean? http://bumpersuperstore.com/i-11405501-carr-210874-deluxe-rota-light-bar-titanium-silver-chevy-gmc-fullsize-pickup-1973-1987.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=11405501&gclid=Cj0KEQjwy7qrBRC4lp7_hM3dgIoBEiQA72pCnucw1c4WK3fnFWL37WrAU6mU34iHyIz_DK69kVj9OEEaAjIe8P8HAQ

 

[Gravel Slinger]

Not trying to be a smart ***, but why don't you just tote a ratchet & socket with you to loosen the bracket already made on the light for adjustment to lay it down.

 

[rayra]

Not trying to be a smart ***, but why don't you just tote a ratchet & socket with you to loosen the bracket already made on the light for adjustment to lay it down.

Shh! stop talking sense and simple solutions! This has to be complicated! Next someone will suggest the OP just replace the nut on the light mount hinge with a wingnut, so it could even be done with bare hands.

 

[Deleted member 13060]

http://www.bajarack.com/fj-spy-light Maybe modify this.......

 

[rayra]

Simple answer is bolt all the lights to a new third pipe across the front of your rack, mid-height, with caps / nuts on the end and a bolt and hand knob protruding out the side of your rack, going thru the rack frame. Ratcheting fitting would be even better. Loosen, lay the lights down, tighten it up. A little bit more fab work would give you limit stops to keep the rotation where you want it.

 

[SportsmanJake]

Simple answer is bolt all the lights to a new third pipe across the front of your rack, mid-height, with caps / nuts on the end and a bolt and hand knob protruding out the side of your rack, going thru the rack frame. Ratcheting fitting would be even better. Loosen, lay the lights down, tighten it up. A little bit more fab work would give you limit stops to keep the rotation where you want it.

I like the idea of the 3rd bar. But I don't understand the "end and a bolt and hand knob protruding out the side of your rack, going thru the rack frame" part. Can you elaborate more?

Thanks.

 

[fog cutter]

maybe a threaded rod the width of the crossbar protruding out one side enough for a nylok/ cap nut and the other side enough for a know w/ female threads?

these folks are good to deal with: http://www.jwwinco.com/

 

[rayra]

The simplest solution is a round pipe light bar, with a snug fitting insert. The inserts fitted to stub pipe ends where the bar is mounted. Then use locator pins thru the light bar and insert at the upright and folded positions. You drill the holes so the pins fit tight. Then in use you just pull the pins (or pin singular), rotate the whole assembly, put the pin back in. Or use a variety of set screws which utilize non-standard tools, like an allen wrench or torx driver, which you keep in the car. Matter of a minute to loosen, rotate and re-tighten.

 

[chasespeed]

These should give you an idea. The second one would be a bit simpler.


And in the end, this should work too.

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Chase

 

[SportsmanJake]

The simplest solution is a round pipe light bar, with a snug fitting insert. The inserts fitted to stub pipe ends where the bar is mounted. Then use locator pins thru the light bar and insert at the upright and folded positions. You drill the holes so the pins fit tight. Then in use you just pull the pins (or pin singular), rotate the whole assembly, put the pin back in. Or use a variety of set screws which utilize non-standard tools, like an allen wrench or torx driver, which you keep in the car. Matter of a minute to loosen, rotate and re-tighten.

I think this is what I am going to shoot for.

http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/store/size-5-gator-tubing-13-gauge-3-4.html
http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/store/16-5-clamp-on-tee-3-4.html

$50 + Shipping. I am thinking these will work.

 

[kojackJKU]

easiest way to build a rotating light bar is to call carr accessories, order a rota light bar and install. 30 mins at most. already comes powdercoated and everything!

 

[fog cutter]

i think post #1 indicates lack of financial commitment for a Carr unit.