[Nukin Futz]

I want to put a light bar on my XJ, but I'm not sure of the best place to run the wiring.

Thanks

[collkid]

you mean into the cab? i drilled a small hole, and covered it by some sealent

[Moose_God]

I drilled a hole in the roof right next to the lengthwise runner on the factory rack and from there ran the wires under the headliner and down the A-pillar. Don't have the lights up there right now, so there's a rubber plug siliconed in the hole for now. I'm thinking about finding a thru-hull marine connector to go up there when I put the light bar back on...

[Pincombe]

I did the same thing. I drilled a hole just inside the end cap for the roof rackrail above the drivers head and ran it under the head liner and then down the "B" Pilar. I gooped it up with RTV and stuck a rubber grommet with some more RTV. Been like that for 3 years now. We get our fair share of rain and snow in West Michigan and it has not leaked yet. I know it sounds crude to drill a jole in your roof but it's best way to run wires out of sight.

[Pincombe]

I forgot to mention I used a 4 pin trailer wire harness as well, so I could remove my safari basket if needed by just unplugging the connection. 1 common ground and three circuts with 2 lights on each. Works great. Each circut has it's own switch runnng 2 lights each. Four lights facing forward and 2 in the rear.

[lifted92xj]

alro just drilled a small hole, i put in connectors next to it too so if i wanted i could just unplug it and slide the light bar right off

[lcarney91]

Speaking from the Fire/Law Enforcement perspective, a large percentage of emergency light bars are connected through a hole in the roof. Most installers just drill a large hole, place a rubber grommet to protect the wiring, and then use a half tube of silicone (at least thats what it looks like) to seal the opening. I have seen these things last for years and years and never leak. Also, if you want to add more lights/wires, the silicone peals off easily, and allows you to fish more wires through.

[webdog]

haha yup, my XJ was a school security vehicle when it was first bought and there are like 6 holes in the roof, one big one and a bunch of smaller ones from light bars.

They just put plastic plugs in and RTV it in and it has not leaked on me yet.

The good thing is when i get the lights for the roof i wont have to drill since the holes are already there.

[NYCXJ90]

if you don't want to drill you can run them up trough the a pillar, under the weatherstripping and wrap them around the rain gutter.

works but not as clean as a hole in the roof.

[UKJeepThang]

What sort of connectors are you guys using? And what's the best type from a waterproof perspective? Could somebody post some pics up so I could have a look?

I've got to re-wire my 2 existing Daylighters (plus 2 more to be added) through a hole in the roof. Makes sense really but I've never thought of using a connector before.

[JohnnyX]

Heres a write up i did a while ago...
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=359255&highlight=roof+rack+light+ wiring
hope this helps.

[UKJeepThang]

Hi johnnyx

I followed your instructions and did the same routing with my lights but I now want to route them through the roof and I'm interested in what sort of connectors people are using to enable me to take the roof rack off and disconnecting all four lights at the same time.

[wbacon]

Don't know much about wiring. Where did you hook up your power wire...fuse box?

[sundevilkid]

Running 6 100W Hella lights (KC Daylighter knock offs... Are they really knock offs if they are Hella???)

I did the same thing, drilled a hole in the roof, ran the grounds to the bar, and the leads through the hole. 6 14 gauge wires needed about 1/2 hole. Ran them down the drivers side pillar after putting them through the hole, tucked them away behind the dash then ran them through a stock hole/grommet in the firewall. Ran them along the backside of the engine compartment along the fire wall. I also used that plastic tubing to keep it looking clean (for the most part). Then installed 3 relays. 2 lights per relay. Each relay is connected directly to the battery. I have a switch that shares it's power source with my CB. Also running direct from the battery. It flips on all three relays. I'll throw pics up in my gallery tonight.