Has anyone mounted driving lamps onto the roof rack?

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 24 Apr 2011, 08:22

I know it sounds a goofy but hear me out. I need to drive back to Texas from Los Angeles again and the last time my old worn down headlights didn't give me confidence when driving through the darkness that was the Arizona desert and New Mexico plains. I want to mount a pair or two pairs of driving lamps on the roof rack as the higher up the better the angle for a pencil beam is. It won't be a fixed installation so has this been done? and has anybody a recommendation for driving lamps?

Post by **JRL** » 24 Apr 2011, 08:54

It's not a goofy request
Any of these should work just fine, they throw an incredible amount of light
Remember if a cop sees you driving with them on, he will not be happy at all!
http://www.google.com/#q=hid+driving+li ... 75&bih=370

Actually these would be your best bang for little money
I used these (older version) years ago on a Jeep and boy, were they bright!
Just be careful....you can really piss someone off if they're coming at you, they will blind them for a second!
http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... IYBEPMCMAE#

Post by **tjts1** » 24 Apr 2011, 11:05

I understand that mounting the lamps high up would give longer visibility but you will see a aerodynamic drag penalty. Almost every car I saw in Sweden had at lest a pair of 7" lamps mounted on the bumper.

Post by **ojdorson** » 24 Apr 2011, 16:47

My recommendation is e-codes and PIAA super white bulbs. I did that and I'm so satisfied with the improvement that I'm no longer itching for HIDs.

Post by **Fish stick88** » 24 Apr 2011, 17:24

Check out new headlights from sylvania, they really make a difference, sometime people flash me thinking my brights are on, but they are lowbeams, They run about 50 a pair, or 30 each

Post by **JRL** » 24 Apr 2011, 17:35

None of those bulbs will come close to those puppies I posted
I also have a even cheaper alternative......
Drive during the daytime!

bigwong · Post by **bigwong** » 24 Apr 2011, 18:50

The problem with high mounted headlights is that with any particulates in the air, such as dust, rain or snow, the light will illuminate them and not the road. You used to see rally cars with lights mounted high, but I think they are all top of bumper now.

VolvoTurbo850 · Post by **VolvoTurbo850** » 24 Apr 2011, 19:58

You mean like this?

http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-retires-ipd ... urg/blog-3

Post by **Matty Moo** » 24 Apr 2011, 19:59

I've owned a ton of cars, I've never had anything that had brighter high-beams than my 850 does.

It took me about 30 minutes to adjust them, but I found that sweet spot where my low beams are at the perfect angle where I'm not outdriving them, nor are they blinding people coming at me. My high beams seem to go forever.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 24 Apr 2011, 22:48

I can't afford E-codes right now and I believe a reasonable pair of driving lamps will cost between $60 and $100.

I'm not interested in buying new fancy bulbs with my pitted reflectors unfortunately.

Aerodynamics is not a big issue because I will be towing a 5x8 U-Haul which is as aerodynamic as a brick.

I thought about lights in front of the grill but I need all the airflow I can get over the radiator when I'm going up hill and towing around 2900Ibs.