MX7000 58" & 47" First Generation Project

I recently picked up two MX7000 Light bars of the 1st generation variety. This is my first encounter with the first gen models, and I thought I would document my journey with bringing them back to operating status. Right off the bat, there are some interesting things to note.

1st Generation MX series.

-Louvered close top plates on the ends and mids
-Lense or dome clip retainers (Probably seemed like a good idea on paper...)
-Lower Shell label
-Wire terminal blocks for connections, much like the XL bar Builds.
-Philips Stainless screws for the lower shells instead of Torx screws used later on.
-Rotator Gear and motors are below the top plate
-Rotator Speed is set by worm gear color on motor, White has one start (Slow Speed and Black has two starts (Fast Speed)
-Rotator Motors have a disc capacitor on the rear to assist starting the motor (I can only hypothesize)
-Overall weight of the bar is heavier due to the thick aluminum plates used for the top and bottom.
-Cable exit holes are both passenger and driver side. The side not in use is covered by foil tape.
-Top plates are secured to the bottom frame via hex nuts secured to threaded metal rod stand offs.

Below are some close-ups of the internals.

 

[EHFD_Tower_751]

1st gen mx bars= Total pain in the ass bars
2nd gen Mx bars= dream come true and ALOT easier to service

 

[Master X]

1st gen mx bars= Total pain in the ass bars
2nd gen Mx bars= dream come true and ALOT easier to service

I agree with the "easier to service" part. Time is money, and what Generation 2 offered was a faster way to build the MX bars and service them in the long haul. But I do like the terminal blocks on Gen 1 as a hand off at each light location for an easily accessible power point.

 

[Master X]

Coming together nicely. I'm trying a new sanding disc with the cordless drill from 3M that is providing spectacular results. 3M Trizact 3" pads 1000 to 3000 to 5000 to 8000 Brought the domes back to a wonderful finish.

 

[shues]

Cascade mirrors are an underrated option in the MX7000, especially in the 52" and larger bars.

 

[Master X]

Came out really nice. Next will be the 47".

 

[Master X]

Ok, So Moving right along to the Gen 1 47" Bar...well optioned, but with those options comes the head aches.