Roof seals

[RBRONKEMA GHTFD]

So I have a question. When you guys put full sized bars on crusiers and such and you drill a hole in the roof to run the cable down. What do you use to seal the hole? The guy that put 2 of the lightbars on 2 of our suburbans did it this way, but I think its to much monkey business. Theres a junction box that threads onto this cable gland then the junction box face plate gets screwed to the roof of the vehical. Normally on trucks I run the cable down the back of the cab and up thru the floor or add onto the cable and then go thru the fire wall.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

Drill a 3/4" or 1" hole in the roof for the cable to pass.


Debur the hole, insert a rubber grommet that has a tiny bead of sealant in the groove.


Pass the cable through the grommet and seal the cable to the grommet on both the outside and inside.

 

[RBRONKEMA GHTFD]

Anyone else have any pics of how you seal the roofs up?

 

[calebsheltonmed23]

I would also like to know. I'm thinking about putting a Dominator type light stick on my toolbox.

 

[PC Comms]

Rubber grommet with clear silicone (or white or black if the car is either color). Also, I seal from both the outside AND the inside. ;-)

 

[SireLite]

I read the post wrong. Ignore this post. :thumbsup:

 

[JohnMarcson]

This type?

 

[EVModules]

There's really no substitute. These are water tight cable grommets that are use for single cables. The nut on the top contains a rubber washer that when tightened, it constricts the cable.

 

[NC lawdog]

This type?

ROOF! SEAL! GET IT! It's a joke son!











Nice boy, but about as sharp as a sack of wet mice.

 

[RBRONKEMA GHTFD]

There's really no substitute. These are water tight cable grommets that are use for single cables. The nut on the top contains a rubber washer that when tightened, it constricts the cable.

How did you keep water from getting in around where u drilled a hole? Just siliconed it? Also did you put a nut on the underside so to speak of the roof to tighten it down?

 

[calebsheltonmed23]

There's really no substitute. These are water tight cable grommets that are use for single cables. The nut on the top contains a rubber washer that when tightened, it constricts the cable.

Sean, where did you buy those?? Thanks!

 

[calebsheltonmed23]

This type?

That's the one! :dielaugh:

 

[EVModules]

RBRONKEMA GHTFD,


What you saw in the picture of the two was only partial. The curvature of the roof obscured the lower part. I did use the nut. For years, I have been using this setup shown below but with one exception, I don't use the rubber washer anymore because it had a tendency to expand when it is tightened on the roof.





The image shows the rough idea as if it was assembled on the roof without the rubber washer. I use 3M strip-calk which is like plumber's putty. I apply a small bead on the fitting where it meets the roof. Most of the time, I pre-cut the threads at the bottom, to keep headliner bulge to a minimum.





You can buy these from Mouser but keep in mind that there are several sizes. It's important to get the correct size. It will show minimum & maximum diameter sizes. Always keep the size range of the cable towards the maximum rating.


When installing lightbars with multiple cables exiting one hole, I forgo these and use white or gray threaded adapters for plumbing / electrical that has a flat shoulder (the part that meets the roof). I don't have images but I should try to get some & take pictures for a tutorial since it's difficult to explain.

 

[RBRONKEMA GHTFD]

Get some pics. I really like this idea. Where did you get the 3M calk?

 

[patrol530]

They used to drill and then trowel on something gummy. All current installations are with the aforementioned compression grommets.

 

[shues]

Get some pics. I really like this idea. Where did you get the 3M calk?

It appears you can purchase it at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MMM0/08578.oap?pt=N0481&ppt=C0171

 

[RBRONKEMA GHTFD]

It appears you can purchase it at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores: 3M 8578 - Strip Caulk | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Now if only there wasn't a oreilys a hour away. HAHAH. I am in no rush for this stuff. Just curious so I know ahead of time.

 

[shues]

Now if only there wasn't a oreilys a hour away

How about this one:


609 28th Street Sw


Wyoming, MI


(616) 249-0434


which should be about 25 miles from Holland, MI?

 

[RBRONKEMA GHTFD]

How about this one:

609 28th Street Sw


Wyoming, MI


(616) 249-0434


which should be about 25 miles from Holland, MI?

still to far for me to drive for just 1 item. I mean I could order it and have it shipped i'm sure from amazon. I have a autozone and car quest and advanced about 5 minutes from me.

 

[shues]

Carquest should have it, as they're big into paint and bodywork supplies. Also, Advance might have it: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Strip-Calk-Black-Box-Of-60-1Ft-Lenths-3M_22984750-P_N2132_T|GRP2132____