Adding cablights to a 2014

Braaap60 · October 22, 2014

After coming from a truck with cablights, I feel like I'm driving a damn car when I'm in my truck. Does anyone else agree that they make a truck look like a truck?

I've been thinking of attempting to add the 2500 style lights to my 2014 1500. First question is do you guys think this would be that challenging to do? I'm a handy guy and know how to read a tape so the whole drilling my roof part isn't a big deal, but the wiring and removal of headliner inside the truck makes me nervous.

Can anybody give me any pointers on this whole thing?

TJay74 · October 22, 2014

Well the drilling, the wiring, can the BCM handle the extra load, ect ect ect.....

Imcrazy · October 22, 2014

Don't do it. Those are for HD trucks not 1500's

Mike1220 · October 22, 2014

Go for it! Give it a shot. Only worrisome part is like you said, working being that headliner. But shouldn't be too bad. My only recommendation is use the style that they have on other trucks. I personally don't like the ones that GM uses. But to each his own.

As for the BCM not being able to take the extra load, as long as you use LEDs and not a big Halogen bulb, I can't imagine you'll have any issues. Especially if you wire in as running lights.

They aren't technically just for HDs. It's just that heavy duties are much more likely to pull something that will be oversize and legally need those lights. Just like the Ford Raptors. They won't be pulling anything really oversized. But they are over the legal size by a few inches and are required to have clearance lights. That's why they have the ambers in the grille.

kstruckcountry · October 22, 2014

I wouldn't want them even on an HD. But have you thought about putting the triple in the grille? Way easier to do.

Spurshot · October 23, 2014

When the factory does an exterior penetration, they ensure the hole has rust protection. The roofs are probably punched before any rust protection and paint. When there are non-factory, pre-delivery exterior penetration, they go thru some extensive corrosion prevention measures.

Secondly, you should be mindful that you're messing with an area of the vehicle that has side curtain air bags.

thewhitestallion · October 23, 2014

When the factory does an exterior penetration, they ensure the hole has rust protection. The roofs are probably punched before any rust protection and paint. When there are non-factory, pre-delivery exterior penetration, they go thru some extensive corrosion prevention measures. Secondly, you should be mindful that you're messing with an area of the vehicle that has side curtain air bags.

Side curtain air bags in the front of the headliner? I know they are on the a-pillar and b-pillar and maybe on the left and right side of the headliner, but I am pretty sure there are not airbags in the front of the headliner.

On my '02 Silverado I installed the 03-05 Silverado XM Satellite Radio antenna on my room and I had no issues with leaks. I have always wanted clearance lights just never did it. With the new LED clearance lights that GM uses I may do it one day since they are kind of low profile compared to the GMT-800's. If you do decide to do it and figure it out, post up some pictures. Just remember measure twice cut once.

Spurshot · October 23, 2014

I posted about the air bags for his safety. They are a hazard that requires specific procedures to ensure safety. If you are aware of their location and how you can run wires to the roof only by working at the front of the headliner and without disturbing the A and B pillar, great.

Manufacturers avoid drilling an exterior skin on assembled vehicles due to the issues that can come from corrosion on the bare steel. If rust creeps under the paint from the edge of the hole, it would create a warranty problem for them. I specifically recall when a major Japanese car maker had to drill a skin and my friend's company being involved in salt spray testing of the edge protection being proposed. A bare edge is an invitation to a paint issue.