1980s suburban install help..

[FFParker]

I am possibly getting a project vehicle in the form of a 1983 c20 suburban. It will be a response vehicle. I want to stay "period correct." I plan on upgrading the front grill to an 89 clip. I already plan on HLF, strobes in the taillights and front running lights. I am thinking a pair of oscilasers in the grill. And a halogen signal master in the rear and of course my fire beam is getting some mirrors and going on the dash. But what about the roof. I have a red white red Excalibur And an action-lite 390 beacon (I'll need to get a base of some sort). So those are options and at first the Excalibur will go up temporarily. As far as a siren I am going to run my sireno for now. Eventually it will get a period correct electronic siren and maybe a different mechanical siren. All that being said what lightbar should I end up putting on the truck. I'm leaning toward rotator more that strobe. What about the siren or sirens. I like the idea of dual omegas. Also what about side warning and such. Pictures help to.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

Is this to be a restoration or a daily driving emergency vehicle?
Either way most of the equipment you list aren't at all period correct- hide away strobes, SignalMaster, Firebeam, Excaliber lightbar.

 

[FFParker]

Not a full resto. It's gonna be a daily driver/ fire dept response vehicle. I am looking for period to the style of truck not so much the exact year.

 

[bmd224]

Strobes are 1980s. Go with slow alternating wigwags--extra authenticity if you use a three-prong flasher that naturally makes the light timing unbalanced.
For the roof- either Aerodynic or Streethawk.
Grab some popcorn, get on YouTube, & search for "Rescue 911 episodes". Greatest lightbar porn ever made, & it came strait from the late 80s/early 90s--complete with epic mustaches too.

 

[FFParker]

Aerodynic sounds good. But what about a vector or a vision. To new. That's late 80s right? Still fits the era of the truck.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

The Vector/Vision debuted in the 1991 vehicle model year, hide away strobes in the front and rear light housings came about in the mid 90s.

 

[FFParker]

OK so either way I'm gonna be out of "period" so what if I did a modern tasteful setup. Or a mix. Ideas?

 

[CHIEFOPS]

What's the problem with a period correct look?
A different question- is it at least going to be marked? If not, why set up a daily driver as old as that as an emergency vehicle?

 

[CrownVic97]

Enclosed lightbar choices (some model designations may be wrong, thinking of the top of my head for some of these; also have pics referencing bars that I have no idea what specific model number they are):

Federal Signal (newest to oldest for the time period of the truck):

JetSonic with chain-driven rotators, flashers, takedowns, alleys, whatever you need with center speaker

AeroDynic Model 24 (hard-to-come-by), Model 24EH (endlamp flashers, halogen bulbs), or Model 24EAH (alley lights, endlamps, and halogen rotators)

Sealed beam type AeroTwinSonic model 24R (cascade mirrors to front), 24X (criss-cross mirrors to front and back), or Model 24RVF (two rotators, V-mirrors, and inner front-rear flashers)

TwinSonic Model 12 (cascade mirrors), 12X (criss-cross mirrors), 12F (flashers on top of mirror), or later Model 12EVF (economy version with V-mirrors and inner front-rear flashers)

Code 3 (oldest to newest):

Code 3 SD (TwinSonic look-a-like) with 4 sealed beam rotator pods, optional diamond mirrors, front-rear flashers, or steady-burn lights

Code 3 XL (sealed beam type) with standard 4 rotator pods and diamond mirrors or with optional front-rear flashers or front Stingers and rear V-mirrors.

Force 4 XL (independent rotators, very popular in the late '80s) with 4 standard rotators and diamond mirrors
Force 4 XL with two slow outer rotators and two fast inner rotators (or vice versa)
Force 4 XL with 3 rotators per side
Force 4 XL with front-rear flashers and 4 rotators
Force 4 XL with front Stingers, rear flashers, and 4 rotators

LP6000 with 4 rotators, standard, fast or mixed, with speaker cover
LP6000 with 4 rotators, front-rear flashers
LP6000 with 4 rotators and Stingray modules

MX7000 lightbar with speaker cover in whatever configuration you see fit

Whelen:

Early Edge 9000 with whatever options you see fit
Advantedge, halogen, oscillating halogen, or strobe versions
Model 80 or 90 lightbars, halogen or strobe

Just for added fun, lets add these guys for a period-correct setup.

Smith & Wesson:

Their only lightbar that's commonly seen on the web and in a plethora of TV/movies with the 4 rotators, front takedowns/flashers, optional alley lights, rear flashers, and center speaker cover


Mars Signal Lighting (good luck finding these, but I'll throw 'em in anyway 'cause who knows?):

SpectraSystem lightbar with 2-beam or 3-beam rotator pods and flat mirrors.
SpectraSystem with 2-beam/3-beam rotators and front-rear flashers
SpectraSystem with 2-beam/3-beam rotator pods and inner 888 assemblies

Aurora System lightbars with either 2-beam/3-beam rotators and flashers, 888 center light, or all oscillating



Aurora Borealis lightbar (prepare to sell a kidney for one!)

Dietz/Signal Stat/Yankee/NAPA:

All shared design with options like 2 or 4 independent-driven sealed beam rotators, front-rear flashers, V-mirrors, or diamond mirrors
[Broken External Image]:http://policecanada.org/policeca/movietv/NYPD1958_03.jpg

Dietz:

Dietz Omni-Chief (TwinSonic Look-a-like) with rubber belts to run rotators

As for front grill/rear flashers, a standard par 36 housing, metal or rubber, with 4414R or 4416R bulbs will do the trick.

Dashlights:

Federal Fireball, early gear drive or with later friction drive
Federal Flashball
Federal Signal Fireball II
Federal Signal Vitalite model 121
Whelen Deputy, Rota-Beam, or early Responder
Code 3 550, sealed beam version
SVP 1166 teardrop light or SVP 1169 pancake light
Smith and Wesson L-11 pancake light
Yankee/Signal Stat teardrop-style dashlight
Dietz 7-46 beacon, single rotator

North American Signal TR series or BBP series of beacons


Sirens:

Federal Signal PA-15A/PA-20A E series, PA150, and PA200
Whelen WS-295
Code 3 sirens from the early '80s (have no clue for models right now)
Southern Vehicle Products SA400, SA450 consoles
Early Unitrol siren consoles
Dietz/Signal Stat/Yankee electronic line of sirens

That's all I've got. More will chime in with ideas I'm sure!

 

[CHIEFOPS]

Way back then I was using a red/clear CODE3 Dashlaser M for the dash and a FedSig Fireball 2 for the roof.

 

[801]

Awesome video of the Spectra System lightbar....twin 888's with red blue rotators. As much as I had to admit it, sweeter than a CTS.

 

[FFParker]

What's the problem with a period correct look?
A different question- is it at least going to be marked? If not, why set up a daily driver as old as that as an emergency vehicle?

It isn't gonna be marked. It will be a pov. But I have seen so many older vehicles with modern lighting and it looks out of place. And there are older lights that are still plenty effective. I'm trying to figure out which route I want to go. Thanks everyone.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

I don't speak for anyone else but I wouldn't yield the right of way to to a 27-33 year old unmarked vehicle

 

[CHIEFOPS]

dupe post

 

[nerdly_dood]

I don't speak for anyone else but I wouldn't yield the right of way to to a 27-33 year old unmarked vehicle

Not at all? Ever? Even before I got all obsessed with blinky lights and ELB, my first thought would have been that it's a volunteer firefighter that ought to have right of way. Colors permitting, of course - Virginia volunteers use red and if I saw a blue light I might get suspicious.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

Anything that old that isn't marked I'd assume is a whacker

 

[7d9_z28]

Anything that old that isn't marked I'd assume is a whacker

Parker IS a whacker. He is also a volunteer fire fighter. And you, as a driver, should be giving right of way regardless of what you *THINK* is going on when lights (and sirens) approach. Besides, you look in the RVM and just see the front of the vehicle coming. What happens when you don't yield, hold that vehicle up, and then when it gets around you, you notice it has markings that you just couldn't see?


This has come up before, I don't understand why you people don't think you have to yield for emergency vehicles just because you ASSUME its not a legitimate vehicle or emergency. The only time I can see this being an issue is if it is trying to pull you over, and in that case you call 911 and describe the vehicle. They can get an officer your way to verify the situation.

 

[StEaLtH2]

I don't speak for anyone else but I wouldn't yield the right of way to to a 27-33 year old unmarked vehicle

I can't say I agree with this statement either. There are too many what ifs that would prevent me from holding up a vehicle attempting Right of Way. We have combi FD depts up these parts, so my initial reaction would be to yield. I'm quite used to seeing vehicles you wouldn't expect to be displaying lights occasionally. Who am I to be judge and jury in such a circumstance. What if it's actually a PD Capt or on call detective or SRT or homeland member who was out in his garaged classic car or truck that just hooked an incident and always kept a gumball under the seat "just in case" his luck was that poor to be needed while enjoying a casual ride while off duty.
Not to flame or be an Internet tough guy but your comment comes off as callous and arrogant. Retired or off duty PD or not. Yielding and actually being pulled over are two very distinct and different situations. I think the right thing to do is yield whether it's a single 25 year old light on the dash with no siren or a ufo coming up in my rearview. Now if they pass me and it appears not legit, say a couple of teens laughing their butts off passing a bong as they overtake me, I may be inclined to put a call in to the proper people with the Tag info and details, just my .73 cents worth. Sorry for the rant....

 

[FFParker]

So an 80s model vehicle properly lit is not a proper emergency vehicle but a Prius decked out with whelen leds is.....

 

[FFParker]

Also per my state law with proper lighting and siren while I am responding I am an emergency vehicle and yielding to me or a LEO. Is the same thing. The same law and the same consequences of you don't and get caught.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

I'm in a region where there is a lot of light & siren abuse and my experience influences my mindset. I see your points but I stand by my own comment.

 

[StEaLtH2]

I understand your perspective and even considered before replying the fact that metropolitan areas would likely not ever have "unofficial" vehicles with warning equipment and that could play into your original comment. Unfortunately abuse of privileges can be rampant or even encouraged in some places, because they can "get away with it"... Uncool

 

[FFParker]

Abusing emergency warning devices is a big no no. I am fully versed with the emergency vehicle laws in my state. I actually have PDF copy on my phone. I abide by the law. With that being said I just asked for an opinion of a set up. All my vehicles are set up as EVs. The question with the said vehicle in question is. Do I do a modern install. Or should I go a little "retro" and run some closer to the time period of the truck. And the thought of doing a kind of period restoration and take it to shows. Maybe one day.

 

[801]

My vote, go period correct, or as close as you can within your budget. We have a '90 type 6 (brush) engine. I started to update it with LED, but then after looking through the posts here, have decided to keep it as period correct as possible while making it a safe (and legal) with what we have to work with.

Very few volunteer FF/EMT's can afford a brand new personal vehicle every 5 years. So people in rural areas will see 15, 20, 25 year old vehicles with emergency lights, within the limits of the law. Are there violators out there, I'm sure there are, but my guess is they are the minority.

 

[nerdly_dood]

I like your choices for the most part - I don't even mind the hideaway strobes - but as for the roof, the Excalibur screams 90's to me. I'd use a Force 4 XL or LP instead, and maybe a single red strobe beacon in back.

 

[StEaLtH2]

I've always been a fan of the Code 3 Oscilasers... Pair in white or red in the grill, but they needa be the same color. Lol! They would look at home in the grille or pedestaled atop the front bumper. And they never get iced over if they're on Lol
Probably wouldn't be easy to source a pair of them though…
As for a light bar, and all clear, all light jet sonic with filters would not look out of place, while being on the low pro style.
Good luck with your install!

 

[801]

A Force 4 on the roof, Code 3 Oscilasers on the bumper, a HLF, and some strobes in the back. Red is a very poor strobe color, I would go amber behind a clear (or amber) lens.

 

[Newberry13]

Personally, I would go for a Code 3 XL or LP. I love the look of the XL, it's period correct, and it has some big rotators that can be seen from a good distance. On the other hand, the LP is lower profile, has less drag, and is still bright. If you go with the LP, make sure to get the one with the metal rotators. Then, all you need is a highbeam flasher. Bonus if you could find some Whelen PAR 46 strobes for the grill!

 

[801]

+1 on the Code 3 XL, and you can add Stingers or Stingrays very easily on place of the mirrors of you want some extra punch. I just added Stingers in found on here, it took 20 minutes total for 2.

 

[CrownVic97]

Welp, I took some time and found some great ideas to give this idea a boost. See what suits your fancy




Good luck finding these within a budget ! You'd look bad@$$ though

[Broken External Image]:http://www.wtgfireresq.org/wtggallery/assets/wtg1stamb/img002.jpg?g2_itemId=1339











[Broken External Image]:http://www.coloniafd.org/RetApparatus_files/fire-trucks-017.jpg












Mini LP6000s on a custom rack of some sort







[Broken External Image]:http://www.essexctfire.com/images/car6.JPG

Of course, if you want to go vintage wild:
[Broken External Image]:http://www.coloniafd.org/RetApparatus_files/fire-trucks-018.jpg

...or modern wild:


.......or just balls-to-the-wall crazy !

 

[CrownVic97]

Got a few more to add:

 

[StEaLtH2]

Epic Vic97...

 

[CrownVic97]

 

[FFParker]

I'm digging the Aerodynic, the wife is saying the edge.

 

[801]

I don't remember what colors your state allows. But red is a very poor strobe color, especially in the daytime. I found that out the hard way after ordering a strobe bar in all red.

 

[CrownVic97]

I'm digging the Aerodynic, the wife is saying the edge.

You could put a full-size Aero on the front end of the roof, and a mini Edge on the rear .

Personally, I'd go AeroDynic all the way.

 

[StEaLtH2]

Well, seeing as how we have a visual plethora of burbs with bars, we need you to get your Excaliber mounted up(as per op), and some pics of that in this thread!.. Cause I'll be darned there's just about every other bar in here already save for a vision! Lmao

 

[FFParker]

Well, seeing as how we have a visual plethora of burbs with bars, we need you to get your Excaliber mounted up(as per op), and some pics of that in this thread!.. Cause I'll be darned there's just about every other bar in here already save for a vision! Lmao

To begin with it will get the Excalibur, seeing how I have it sitting there. I still haven't decided what the final lightbar will be . I too would like to see a burb with vision or vector.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

Those were the days

 

[7d9_z28]

I like every Suburban picture if this thread, and fully approve of this build.