Sooo I ordered a set of '03-'08 Dodge amber LED cab lights from Recon for the first Gen today, but I can't put them on until christmas I think I can wait though...
I've been mentally going over how I want to put them on, and I figured it would be best to throw out my ideas and see if they are good ones, so here goes:

First off, I'll be drilling the holes my self. I will be using the diagram in the sticky that shows the locations of the stock lights, but I might deviate and spread them out evenly like the third Gens. I'll just have to put them on their when I get them and see what looks best. I am deciding what would be easier/more practical, to run the wiring through the divided roof, or to drill through both layers and run them between the roof and the headliner. Which do you think is better/easier?
Secondly, I want to mark the holes I will be drilling, then place masking tape over the entire area. Then, I'll use a template to drill the holes so I get them drilled perfectly. Any other tips for drilling? Is it easier to drill from the bed, laying over the roof, or drill from the sides and hood? (I'm talking about where to lay/sit when I drill)
Hopefully this turns out well, and the only bad part is listening to the drill as it puts holes in my perfectly good roof!
Any advice would help, and please point out any bad ideas associated with my "plan." Look for some pics after Christmas, the old girl should be lookin pretty sharp!

 

Well, I did this not to long ago so it is still fresh in the noggin'. Im guessing you have no cab lights at all now?? I had lights, so I used the original power wire but ran a new negative down the pillar to a good ground.. But, I could not fish that **** down there to save my butt... So I unplugged the power lead from behind the dash and attached two wires to it and pulled it back through up the roof. And it worked pretty good... The best spot I found to work was the sides, standing on the door sill and for the front 3, I had to work of the cowl... For drilling, put a little piece of rubber hose on the drill bit where it goes into the chuck, that way when you break through it won't grab and then you run the chuck into the top of the cab and take of paint.... Also, I used a little clear silicone when I assemeled it all... Good luck,

 

yes sir you are correct, no cab lights currently. I'm pretty patient when it comes to wiring, just as long as nothing catches on fire! It seems pretty straightforward though...
and thanks for the reply

 

I just ordered a factory install kit for $99, for my 06, from my local dealer. It includes everything including the wiring and template. I have the same concerns that you do so I am subscribing and will be checking back regularly for updates. Good luck with your install.

 

hey dieselsmith, post some pics of it when you get done, i've never seen 3rd gen lights on a 1st gen before.

 

I will do so, but it'll be a couple days after Christmas. I hope they fit! I do believe a few guys on here have them.. BRUISER has some pics posted up, I'm almost positive

 

Outta the prolly 50 sets of cab lights I've installed. I set em on the roof spaced about where they should be and check em till im happy. Far as centering the lights, I measure from the top of the windshield and from the sides of the roof. I usually stand in the door way as im doing this, Stand on something tall. I mount the outside lights first and work my way in, then I do the center light and go from there. Wiring is easy. I'll run a screw threw the roof to ground it and drill another hole for the power wire.

 

I would recomened not letting the peopel that did mine to do yours thsi is why... I was one upset person at this time and then he bought me a new head liner that was 1200beans so everythign was allright after that

 

Thats why ya run tape around the drill bit if ur unsure about ur drilling abilities.

 

Or pull the headliner down a few inches.

 

Check the below link out. Now I know he already had cab lights but if you scroll down someone included a sketch with measurements of the spacing and suck for there lights. Good luck.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ght=cab+lights

 

And also the roof in the 1 gen are double walled with at least an inch between them and the interior layer is not parallel to the exterior therefore it should be difficult for you to drill through both layers and the headliner but you will have to remove it anyway to run the wires.

 

Lay a blanket across the roof so you can have a padded surface to work from.
Do use a drill stop so you don’t push all 3 inches of the drill bit through the hole.

I set several Rare Earth Magnets next to the hole so I can catch all of the chips before they fall into the cab.

These chips will quickly rust and serve as a starting place for cancer.

Make a wiring harness and provide a power and ground wire for each light.

Route the harness down the Left pillar where there should be a factory connector waiting for you.

Supposed to be an 18-gauge Black/ Yellow wire with a Black connector that is connected to the Light Switch.

At this time I would also think about installing a relay to control your Tail and Clearance Lights.
Jim

 

The 3rd gen trucks are not spaced evenly apart. When I put my recons on they didnt come with a template but have heard they come with them now. I had to measure a dually from every angle possible to get them to look factory but they turned out perfect. I would also recommend running a ground wire because mine flickered like Christmas lights when they were grounded to the cab. I used a 1/18 in holesaw from the inside on my 98 but it already had holes on the inside sheet metal. I just set down on the roof of the 03 and the dents popped out when I got off. It is much easier to do if you go ahead and pull the headliner down and out of the way. Good luck.

 

well thats kinda what common sence would of said ot me is to pull the liner down a bit cuz you have to run wire anyway