pivoting light mount

[aktundra]

I did not want to hi-jack the home made roof rack thread, but I have a home made roof rack and I have been thinking of some light mounts for awhile.

I want some light mounts where the lights can be "laid back" where they are safe, then "flipped up" when I need them.

I am wondering I can use some sch40 PVC pipe, cut a slot the width of the light mounting post, that goes 90 degrees around the PVC pipe. Then use a belt sander with some 40 grit to put a flat spot at each end of the slot. Insert the light post into the slot with a couple big washers sandwiched between a beefy spring.

I am wondering if I will be able to slide the post up the slot and it will "snap" into place on the flat spot @ the top (with the light facing forward), then slide it back and have it "snap" into place on the flat spot 90 degrees backwards (facing straight up). A system like this would also allow the lights to be pushed backward if whacked by a branch rather than be broken by a branch

ANYBODY AT ALL understand what I am trying to describe?
Any idea if it will work?
Any better ideas?

 

[bugsnbikes]

An easy one depending on your rack style--tube or square?

On my tube style ARB i was able to find two matching Mountain bike stems and bolt them on.

Loosen the bolts and you can rotate a light back behind the bar for protection.

by having them bolted slightly loose--any contact will rotate the light vs. breaking it off. I do this on my bikes with the brake levers so they dont snap off in a crash.

 

[lovetoski]

One option is to use the Ram Spot light....

http://asp.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-B-152

Purchase a few ball bases, mount them to the 4 corners of your rack, and then install the spot light where you need it, when you need it. Otherwise keep it inside out of harms way.

 

[RockDoc]

Wow, looks like they have a really useful line!!! Another nice find Doug!!

 

[lovetoski]

I have a couple of Ram-mount items in my 60. Well made, recommended. (no affiliation)

 

[sandals]

x2. I have a couple ram mounts for the GPS and they are great. Flexible and really solid, even with the arm at perpendicular angles to the loading.

 

[Mickldo]

Do you mean a row of spotlights across the front of the roofrack for illumination while driving or worklights for setting up camp?

I have seen some really cool swing away roof lights on comp trucks. Some have used windscreen wiper motors, some gas struts and some use pneumatic rams. The powered ones are great if using HIDs, you can leave them running and tilt them up if you want to dip your lights to low beam.

For worklights we build a trick double jointed swingaway bracket at work for the cruisers we fit out. We use two tray sideboard hinge straps and bolt them together. It allows the worklight to really tuck out of the way when not in use but gives full movement to any position. I'll try and find a pic for you if you want.

 

[alia176]

My worklamp is a simple rect flood light on a magnet and a cig lighter plug. Just stick it where you need to and plug it in. Found it in a farm supply store I think.