how to add magnet's to a mini lightbar

nwaman223

Member
Dec 2, 2010
108
northwest arkansas
i just bought a mini ecco light bar and its perment mount but would like to add some magnet's to it so i could use it on either of my 2 cars anyone ever done this before i even seen it done


thanks
 

Retired1

Member
Jun 1, 2010
1,912
Woodward County, OK
I have installed magnets on several mini-lightbars that came with permanent mounts. Use the method described above.


In some cases you can attach the magnets to the permanent mount ends. For others, you may want to attach directly to the light base.


Make sure that the screw / bolt head you use to attach the magnet does not protrude above the magnet surface. Also, I leave the magnet just a wee bit (a technical term) loose so it will conform to any curvature of the roof and give maximum attaching power.


Terry
 
May 25, 2010
7,072
Tunkhannock, PA, USA
Retired1 said:
Also, I leave the magnet just a wee bit (a technical term) loose so it will conform to any curvature of the roof and give maximum attaching power.

Yes, this sometimes will make all the difference in the world...
 

Richard P

Member
May 23, 2010
1,026
Sudbury, On
TritonBoulder47 said:
Yes, this sometimes will make all the difference in the world...

Agreed. especially with longer bars (24" to 36"). I use a foam pad between so the power of the magnet presses the foam, the foam counter reacts and keeps the whole light solid, no wiggling that just leaving the magnets and bar lose.
 

tnems7

Member
May 21, 2010
407
USA Nashville Tennessee
You also need to consider the strength of the magnets and how you will be using the light. Most Whelen lights come with standard 50 lb. pull magnets, with an optional kit for 90 lb. pull magnets. Of course, manufacturers caution not to use a magnet mount light on a moving vehicle. But many of us have done so with few problems if you keep vehicle speed reasonable and the mounting surface clean.


(I obtained my set of magnets from Northern Tool, a compromise, 65 lb. pull.) If you like the convenience, Sirennet has a conversion kit with the magnets, mounting washers and screws, and cigar lighter plug.


I have modified a Model 14 beacon with three magnets, and because this light has a polycarbonate base, I used metal washers on the inside to reinforce attachment points. I would also suggest using machine screws (bolts) with locking hex nuts and washers to secure the magnets. Sheet metal screws might be more likely strip out and to loosen due to vibration.
 

RMBROWN

Member
May 20, 2010
631
Brooklyn.MI
same here i recently own a mini 9m edge led/strobe w 4 95lb magnets they seem to hold up
 

tnems7

Member
May 21, 2010
407
USA Nashville Tennessee
With that many attachment points and 95 lb. pull magnets, don't you need a prybar to take it off?


I tried the ninety pound pull magnets, and because I have the Polycarbonate base Responder LP, I was afraid the darn magets would pull through before they would detach. The large diameter magnets were also "out of proportion" to the base of the light.
 

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