BCM Community

One of my ongoing projects or goals with Daddy's Hobby is the process of updating the lighting and switching over to LED's.  I recently came across some pretty trick backup lights for heavy truck application and thought to myself "those would make some nice docking lights."  The lights are distributed by United Pacific, which is what a lot of my stuff is.  I bought four of them from Eagle Interior Accents in Okie City and today I installed them in the bus.  


Removing them from the housing is the first order of business.  They will not fit the opening on the Eagle with the chrome bezels.  After you get them out of the box and remove all the unnecessary nomenclature you have to "trim them to fit" which isn't really all that hard to do.  You will need a dremel tool, some small cutting disc's and some patience.

The Eagle has two wires to feed the docking lights (black & green).  This is because they used a 1156 incandescent bulb and double wired it for brightness.  The beauty of LED's is that they do not require all this voltage and you can just wire straight up to one wire as they draw mili-amps.



Once you get the lens covers off, take a pair of water pumps and gently break off the pig tail, they come out fairly easy as they are just pop riveted onto the housing.  Take a hammer and a pretty good sized screwdriver and "level out the opening" so the new LED's will sit flat inside the housing.




Lit up as show here, they put out a good amount of light, and you can run them all night long if you want to, as they don't demand a lot of current to keep them going.  From start to finish, about a two hour job all together.  So here is something for all you bus-type overachievers who have nothing to do this weekend, except play with the babies' mama (and you know that aint gonna happen).


See You In The Fast Lane

Don Smith
aka:BCO

Got my doubts on that setup for docking lites Don but you should be able to see the neighbors good lol 


good luck

Quote from: luvrbus on March 08, 2011, 08:53:57 AM
Got my doubts on that setup for docking lites Don but you should be able to see the neighbors good lol 


good luck

Hey that is pretty good coming from you Cliff, I know you are not a big fan of LED's.  By the way, they have them out now that shine to the front, rear and straight out.  I am going to use these as a parking lite application I believe, I can not use them as "docking lights" because it aint no boat. 

Wonder where they ever came up with thet? (Okie Talk)

Take Care, thanks for your reply.

Don Smith
aka:BCO

I love the lights!!!  I was thinking on doing the water proof strips under the bus shining straight down towards the outer edges.  That would light up all the way around the bus.

He has that also Wayne Don has stock in the LED manufactures lol

In stopping anywhere, a high light environment discourages mischief.  Just like in your neighborhood.  The placement of these with their high dispersion and elevation would be excellent for night lighting.  And anyone approaching after dark will be blind to what is going on inside....Like that cop's flashlight in your eyes.

I like those docking lights like you see on the hi-lines that are recessed and point back at a 45% or so angle.  Nifty.  They don't cast much light straight out to the side, neighbors, but that isn't their purpose.  Another shortcoming is that they don't do much to illuminate branches or other high interference such as roof corners.

I suggest those of you that haven't done this yet consider using common high dispersion "work lights".  I used small sealed beam sealed beam halogen for a really bright light.  Most importantly, I mounted them high up in the back and on the roof edge pointing rearward.  I think the high mounting is the most important aspect.  Just an aside.....they don't blind anyone that is "walking you in and spotting".  They didn't have LEDs when I did this.

I would go with BCO's LEDs in heartbeat.  I got them all over and they are superb.  I shop at Superbright and I can get common bulb replacement in "hugely" more powerful light output than incandescent and it's my choice.  I use commonly available fixtures that are much cheaper than those used by BCO.  Had I the cash, I would probably follow his lead.  My lights are not flush to anything so they are a standout and, to some, would be an eyesore. Having thought it up and worked to install it, I think they are pretty.  I know I am alone it that.

You'ns guys can do it any which-a way you'ns likes.  Pa talk. ;D

PS  BCO, You aren't the only one that writes with an accent. ??? ::) ;D

John

I think I have heard..."RUMOR HAS IT" .... that BCO likes to pull into bus gatherings after dark ...just so he can show off all his LED's.  Now exactly HOW MANY do you currently have installed on dat dare eagle??? 
Just counting them should keep you busy for an hour or so...

Bern

Quote from: baldeaglewy on March 08, 2011, 12:07:22 PM
I think I have heard..."RUMOR HAS IT" .... that BCO likes to pull into bus gatherings after dark ...just so he can show off all his LED's.  Now exactly HOW MANY do you currently have installed on dat dare eagle??? 
Just counting them should keep you busy for an hour or so...

Bern

Hey I resemble that!  We were tardy arriving at TBR (Texas Bus Rally ... that was held in Oklahoma!) and we didn't get there till way past dark, but I can assure you, we did not lay out on purpose. 

Sonny of Pottsboro fame started that, it is loosely based in supposition and not fact.

Now the rumor about me being too good looking for my height?  That is true.  (The reason I know this for sure is I am the one spreading that one)  The exact number of LED's on Daddy's Hobby is a well kept secret, kind of like the recipe for Coke ... We cannot say at this time.

BCO

Quote from: wal1809 on March 08, 2011, 09:33:26 AM
I love the lights!!!  I was thinking on doing the water proof strips under the bus shining straight down towards the outer edges.  That would light up all the way around the bus.

Thanks we appreciate it.

BCO

Quote from: luvrbus on March 08, 2011, 09:36:24 AM
He has that also Wayne Don has stock in the LED manufactures lol

Wait till you see the car hauler Paul, it is going the same route.

BCO

Quote from: JohnEd on March 08, 2011, 10:14:31 AM
In stopping anywhere, a high light environment discourages mischief.  Just like in your neighborhood.  The placement of these with their high dispersion and elevation would be excellent for night lighting.  And anyone approaching after dark will be blind to what is going on inside....Like that cop's flashlight in your eyes.

I like those docking lights like you see on the hi-lines that are recessed and point back at a 45% or so angle.  Nifty.  They don't cast much light straight out to the side, neighbors, but that isn't their purpose.  Another shortcoming is that they don't do much to illuminate branches or other high interference such as roof corners.

I suggest those of you that haven't done this yet consider using common high dispersion "work lights".  I used small sealed beam sealed beam halogen for a really bright light.  Most importantly, I mounted them high up in the back and on the roof edge pointing rearward.  I think the high mounting is the most important aspect.  Just an aside.....they don't blind anyone that is "walking you in and spotting".  They didn't have LEDs when I did this.

I would go with BCO's LEDs in heartbeat.  I got them all over and they are superb.  I shop at Superbright and I can get common bulb replacement in "hugely" more powerful light output than incandescent and it's my choice.  I use commonly available fixtures that are much cheaper than those used by BCO.  Had I the cash, I would probably follow his lead.  My lights are not flush to anything so they are a standout and, to some, would be an eyesore. Having thought it up and worked to install it, I think they are pretty.  I know I am alone it that.

You'ns guys can do it any which-a way you'ns likes.  Pa talk. ;D

PS  BCO, You aren't the only one that writes with an accent. ??? ::) ;D

John

Writin' with an accent takes years of edumaycayshun and discipline.  Eh?

BCO

Aren't there some laws regarding extra, particularly backward facing lights?  I seem to remember a thread on the subject.

Quote from: Lin on March 08, 2011, 07:26:03 PM
Aren't there some laws regarding extra, particularly backward facing lights?  I seem to remember a thread on the subject.

i would be surprised if there weren't.  My back up lights have been on a switch since I installed them.  They probably want the side lights only usable when the trans is in park.

I have seen lots of trucks going down the road with really bright lights lit that are attached up high on the truck rear.  I understand they are "docking" lights and are used when hooking up the air lines, servicing the AC unit and working on the fifth wheel and such.  They must be on a switch cause I'll tell ya true a semi cannot go down the road 60 MPH with the trans in "reverse".

John

Quote from: Lin on March 08, 2011, 07:26:03 PM
Aren't there some laws regarding extra, particularly backward facing lights?  I seem to remember a thread on the subject.

[/b]

Most likely there is, there is a law for just about anything these days.  I have rear facing backup lights on my back bumper, but they are tied into a toggle on my instrument panel, and I only use them for backing up at night or when I am putting it in the shop. (all the rear facing tail lights are LED backup also, they come on when it is in reverse, separate of the two below mounted on the rear bumper)


From time to time, if a trucker clears me during daylight hours I will briefly flash them to say "thanks" but that is the extent of it.  I think I read something last year that the D.O.T. had put into effect new rules for truckers concerning the "flashing of lights" and all that, seems that they think that the practice is dangerous and now therefore ... Illegal (at least for a trucker it is).  

Now every now and then, I see one (truck) running with "red markers" on the front, and I know that is against the law, but they seem to get away with it.  Nothing red is supposed to be displayed to the front of a vech. as I understand it, but they do it all the time.  As far as I know, in my state, there isn't a law prohibiting aux. backup's, but there might be some kind of guideline in place for the proper use of the lights per say.

I am keeping mine.

BCO

Oke, that view of the bus makes a statement. I'm not sure what it is but it sure is a statement.

Quote from: Oonrahnjay on March 09, 2011, 05:56:02 AM
Oke, that view of the bus makes a statement. I'm not sure what it is but it sure is a statement.

No statement, it was just to show "the backup lights on the bumper is all."  Thanks for your comment.

BCO

First off Don I love the cow bell so the kids can tell when yer home ;)

Second,
I know first hand that if you have aux back up lights on a COMMERCIAL vehicle in CA they must ONLY be hooked into the reverse light switch and not any way to turn them on while going forward! (I have no idea if they enforce this on private vehicles or not!)

But I used to put "KC Day Lighters" on the rear of all my trailers for "back up" or "docking" lights.
Well late one night I was scoot'n along up Hwy 99 about 70-75 in a 55 and just minding my own business when a car came up behind me and followed me for about 10 miles with his brights on. Well I slowed down to 55 to allow him to pass (like he hadn't been travel'n faster than me to have caught me in the first place), but he stayed right there with the brights on.
So after a couple miles of this I reset my cruise and rolled on like I was, well about 10 more miles went by, and by this time I was PISSED about his bright lights and flipped on my back up lights!
Well as soon as I hit the switch it was "party" time because  he hit his DISCO lights and we both pulled over!
First thing he told me was "Son, I wasn't gonna bother you for running 15-20 over the limit until you decided to blind me!"
SO I told him I was just returning the "favor" as his brights in my mirrors had been blinding me for 25-30 miles.
And he said "well ya know if bright lights were bothering me I wouldn't be looking in the mirror !"
Well I told him that I was taught to scan the road and mirrors at all times so I would notice anything that needed my attn. And that it wasn't safe not to check mirrors!
He said "well ya might have me there, but here in CA it's against the law to have ANY lights facing the rear that are not connected to your reverse gear of the transmission and I can guarantee that you weren't backing up! And here in CA that is a $***.** fine!" (I forget the amount but it was outrageous!)
I told him well if people didn't follow with bright lights they wouldn't know that they weren't attached to my "reverse gear." (as he had put it)
He told me "well son, you can argue that to the judge, but I'm gonna write you a ticket for these here *landing lights*, and you have to either disable them, or take them off before we leave here!"
I told him I would take the ticket, but I wasn't taking them off!
He pulled out his "night stick" and told me "son, you either take 'm off or disable them, or I will disable them for you! Those look pretty expensive, and I'd hate to have to show you my way of disabling them if you know what I mean!"
So I told him to hang on a minute and went back to my "tractor" and grabbed a pair of side cut pliers out of my tool box and cut the wires on them.
As he handed me the ticket he said "See now everybody is happy! You didn't get a speeding ticket that would go on your driving record, or your log book checked, or the truck or trailer searched and I wrote one more citation toward my quota! Ain't that just a sweet win/win for both of us?"

;D  BK  ;D

Painting today, I think I would rather get down in the dirt, and peck at it like a chicken, than paint. 

I have been stopped in Cal. and had it both ways, nice and not so nice.  We don't do Cal. anymore, we go into four corners and then turn north and that is it, up 395 to Reno or thataways.  (Okie Talk)  They wrote me a $28 ticket at the scales one night for "not having my bunk made" if you can believe that. 

I like the sunshine state, I really do.

You do make some valid issues, improper use of any kind of light, will get you grief from law enforcement and in some cases a heavy fine.  I had some 225,000 AC landing lites on my van, got ticket for using them in Colorado, think it was somewhere around $100+ and I don't use them anymore.  Bright lights irritate the fizz out of me, but I will hit an off ramp, truckstop whatever and blow a little time.  I am too old to get all worked up about it. 

This is our third Cowbell, we had two previously, one was stolen and the other dropped off the coach somewhere in New Mexico, that one had been around for a long time.

Thanks for your interesting comment

BCO

Quote from: Busted Knuckle on March 09, 2011, 06:30:52 AM
First off Don I love the cow bell so the kids can tell when yer home ;)

Second,
I know first hand that if you have aux back up lights on a COMMERCIAL vehicle in CA they must ONLY be hooked into the reverse light switch and not any way to turn them on while going forward! (I have no idea if they enforce this on private vehicles or not!)

But I used to put "KC Day Lighters" on the rear of all my trailers for "back up" or "docking" lights.
Well late one night I was scoot'n along up Hwy 99 about 70-75 in a 55 and just minding my own business when a car came up behind me and followed me for about 10 miles with his brights on. Well I slowed down to 55 to allow him to pass (like he hadn't been travel'n faster than me to have caught me in the first place), but he stayed right there with the brights on.
So after a couple miles of this I reset my cruise and rolled on like I was, well about 10 more miles went by, and by this time I was PISSED about his bright lights and flipped on my back up lights!
Well as soon as I hit the switch it was "party" time because  he hit his DISCO lights and we both pulled over!
First thing he told me was "Son, I wasn't gonna bother you for running 15-20 over the limit until you decided to blind me!"
SO I told him I was just returning the "favor" as his brights in my mirrors had been blinding me for 25-30 miles.
And he said "well ya know if bright lights were bothering me I wouldn't be looking in the mirror !"
Well I told him that I was taught to scan the road and mirrors at all times so I would notice anything that needed my attn. And that it wasn't safe not to check mirrors!
He said "well ya might have me there, but here in CA it's against the law to have ANY lights facing the rear that are not connected to your reverse gear of the transmission and I can guarantee that you weren't backing up! And here in CA that is a $***.** fine!" (I forget the amount but it was outrageous!)
I told him well if people didn't follow with bright lights they wouldn't know that they weren't attached to my "reverse gear." (as he had put it)
He told me "well son, you can argue that to the judge, but I'm gonna write you a ticket for these here *landing lights*, and you have to either disable them, or take them off before we leave here!"
I told him I would take the ticket, but I wasn't taking them off!
He pulled out his "night stick" and told me "son, you either take 'm off or disable them, or I will disable them for you! Those look pretty expensive, and I'd hate to have to show you my way of disabling them if you know what I mean!"
So I told him to hang on a minute and went back to my "tractor" and grabbed a pair of side cut pliers out of my tool box and cut the wires on them.
As he handed me the ticket he said "See now everybody is happy! You didn't get a speeding ticket that would go on your driving record, or your log book checked, or the truck or trailer searched and I wrote one more citation toward my quota! Ain't that just a sweet win/win for both of us?"

;D  BK  ;D

In Orygun a "local" cop would have tasered and maced you and you would have fallen getting in the cruiser.  And that with only half that conversation.  Sad to say.  My experience with CHP was that they used a lot of "Sir"s and Mr. and "I'm sorry"s and such.  I hope that is still the case down there.  I was told, by CHP University alumni, that the high incidence of CHP officer deaths by gunfire was reduced below national averages by, now get this..... "sensitivity training". I can't swear to this and I admit that we had all been drinking.  Broderic Crawford is long gone.

Thanks for sharing that BK.  The story is encouraging.

John