Mounting a Mag Lite

My1stGMC · December 31, 2004

I have a '02 GMC Sierra, 1500HD Crew Cab 4x4. I'm going to mount my rechargeable Mag Lite on the passenger side floorboard, on the elevated flat spot next to the under-dash center console (to the left of the passenger's left leg if seated normally). I was going to screw the mounting plate through the carpet, the padding and the floor with stainless, self-tapping #8 X 3/4" screws. I have never drilled into the floor of vehicle before. Is there any prep work I should complete before I do this? Are there any clearance issues (under the body where the screws will protrude) I should be concerned with? Secondly, since I'm an electrical moron, where should I attach the electrical lead? Right now it plugs into the cigarette lighter and has a two-wire configuration commonly found on cigarette plugs. I was going to run the wire under the console lid and probably wire into one of the power plug outlets. I don't know if I should use an inline fuse or not. The charger in its current configuration does not have one. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the "War and Peace" post, but I'm trying to be thorough. I will post pics if necessary to clarify anything. Thanks

slaterx2 · December 31, 2004

Nice idea. I dont have the exact same truck as you, but if that flat spot on the pax side rug is the same one i think you mean... I thought that was an air duct that goes to the back of the cab? might be a good spot, even if it is a duct under there. I might try the same thing, but my girlfriend would probably kick the flashlight off while crawling over the seats . Good luck, let us know how you make out.

MountaineerTom · December 31, 2004

Just crawl under the truck and make sure your not going to drill into something. After I mounted mine, I went back under and coated the exposed screw really well with some silicone sealant.

I don't have a rechargable, but I spaced my brackets to hold a 2 cell or 3 cell mag light.

My1stGMC · January 1, 2005

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate it. I would love to mount it on the driver's side like MountaineerTom, but my door pocket prevents the door from closing. I've considered all mounting places that my imagination would allow inside the cab, even overhead, but it looks like that is the best spot for it.

99silveradoz71 · January 1, 2005

I've got a 4D resting between the seat supports and the center console. It sits there nicely, but again, it's not a hardwired unit or anything.

citydriver · January 2, 2005

If you wire it direct you should put an in-line fuse on the + wire...there is probably a fuse inside the lighter plug you are using now.

dukbludvl · January 3, 2005

where do you find the brackets to drill into the floor like that? how hard is it to drill thru the carpet, pad and floor board?

My1stGMC · January 3, 2005

I'm just using #8 x 3/4" stainless steel self tapping screws. If they dont want to tap through the carpet, pad and the floor with ease, I will drill a small pilot hole first.

Scyry · January 3, 2005

On my old '90 I had this nice, big rubber holder that I stuck my Mag Lite in. It looked like 2 big, rubber C's. I had it mounted to the seat frame and forgot to take it out when I sold the truck. Anyways, where have you guys bought you holders, and where did you mount them? I am getting tired of having the flashlight sit next to me on the seat. I don't think I would like having the light mount down in the floor like MountaineerTom, but with all the plastic around the seat that rules out that area too. I was thinking of mounting one between my cup holder and where the shifter goes through the floor, but would be worried about hitting something bad on the other side of the floor panel.

My1stGMC · January 3, 2005

Well, I didn't mount my flashlight. I was going to mount it in the exact spot MountaineerTom has his but on the passenger side of the console. After some inspection I decided that the material under the carpet would not take the strain of lifting the flashlight out of the charger. That charger grabs the flashlight pretty tight and over time I would have pulled the screws loose. I also found out that my cigarette lighter does not work anymore. It worked when I tested it with a test light, but now it doesn't. I may have grounded it out with the test probe. That's the only thing I can think that might have happened. I pulled all the fuses and they are okay. The two accessory pulgs beside the lighter work fine and they are on the same fuse circuit. Any suggestions to what I may have blown and where it is?

JamesB · January 4, 2005

I found an easy way to store my 2 D cell Mag light... I put it IN the console... easy installation... no drilling or tapping necc... Always there and easy to access...

James

weletchw · January 4, 2005

I had my MAG in my 97 mounted to the top of the box that the tire changing tools. Good solid spot to mount, but not as easy to reach. Cant put it in the center console, thats where Mr. Glock lives!

kdm101 · January 6, 2005

Cant put it in the center console, thats where Mr. Glock lives!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd like to put one in my center console as well, but it's where my 12-disc CD changer lives. Can't put Mr. Sig there either, cuz here in the Replublic of Maryland, it's impossible for us mere peasants to get a concealed carry permit.

Mighty HD · January 6, 2005

I love Florida, and my cwp

JamesB · January 7, 2005

I had my MAG in my 97 mounted to the top of the box that the tire changing tools. Good solid spot to mount, but not as easy to reach. Cant put it in the center console, thats where Mr. Glock lives!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, now your talkn! My Sig P220 lives with/on ME! Gotta love the fact that Texas allows law abiding citizens the right to carry... I do have a back up Bersa .380 in a nice hiding place "UTCH" <--- ifn ya can figure that one out... Don't tell anyone...

James.