JT4x4

The Mud Pit => Wrenching => Topic started by: albsvx on January 20, 2008, 01:16:59 PM

Title: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: albsvx on January 20, 2008, 01:16:59 PM
Hey Reg,
What'd you use to cut your tail lights in?
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: Cheek-Bone on January 20, 2008, 02:09:43 PM
Al, I have used a dremel and cutting wheel but that is kinda tough. The easiest way is to get a 4" hole saw but they are like $30. But Reg used a keyhole saw and it worked really good.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: reg on January 20, 2008, 02:36:11 PM
Al, I have used a dremel and cutting wheel but that is kinda tough. The easiest way is to get a 4" hole saw but they are like $30. But Reg used a keyhole saw and it worked really good.

yup, ye olde jig saw
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: reg on January 20, 2008, 02:38:01 PM
the wireing can be a bear, i recommend cutting the wires between the plug and the light.  this way your tail lights can be removed eaiser.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: Cheek-Bone on January 20, 2008, 02:49:26 PM
Here is a great write up that shows everything from where to cut the holes to which wires do what. Hope it helps, it is the one I used when I did mine on the Blue YJ.

http://www.jeepaholics.com/tech/flushlights/
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: albsvx on January 20, 2008, 04:23:51 PM
uhm, yeah, you see, my rig is, a bit, uhm, different....

pics to come.  :)
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: reg on January 20, 2008, 04:55:42 PM
uhm, yeah, you see, my rig is, a bit, uhm, different....

pics to come.  :)


comp cut??
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: Gastank on January 23, 2008, 07:59:50 PM
I used a 4 1/2" hole saw from Johnson's on 184... the saw wasn't much more than like 20-30$, but the arbor was another 35$.... USE CUTTING OIL!!!!! I can't stress that enough.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: HOT-ROD on January 24, 2008, 02:33:33 AM
or.......

dont be a wuss and put some elbow grease into it and you'll be done

that way you wont have to worry about whineing about oil and crap.

GASTANK: stress will give you the hemroids...
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: albsvx on January 24, 2008, 02:38:19 AM
I used no oil...

I used a brand new hole saw from home depot that set me back about $50, and it took me about 3 mins per side
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: HOT-ROD on January 24, 2008, 02:41:29 AM
lol

it took me 15 sec to cut hole for the snorkle 2 1/2 inch.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: Gastank on January 25, 2008, 10:06:51 PM
Just trying to help...
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: Rebell Bull on January 27, 2008, 02:43:37 AM
Hey Rod you know what happens with metal on metal and no oil  give up,


It Dulls your saw and it won't last as long. So you need oil and elbow grease in order to make it last.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: HOT-ROD on January 27, 2008, 03:37:03 AM
ok everyone, i understand cutting oil helps. and obviously if i were cutting something thicker than a fender i'd use oil. but i had a 2 1/2" hole to cut with a metal hole saw??

reg,

how much cutting oil did you use on your rear lights?

give up,


0

Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: albsvx on January 27, 2008, 04:20:46 AM
0 here too
also, I doubt I'll ever use that hole saw again.  :)
even if I need a 4.5" hole, I'll probably forget I have it, and buy another one.  :)
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: reg on January 27, 2008, 02:04:53 PM
reg,

how much cutting oil did you use on your rear lights?

give up,


0




used jigsaw with metal blade...
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: HOT-ROD on January 27, 2008, 02:15:38 PM
i know,i was there.

you blew through about 10 blades.

Al, i'll probably do the same
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: reg on January 27, 2008, 02:18:45 PM
i know,i was there.

you blew through about 10 blades.

Al, i'll probably do the same

three blades, and that was only because they were crappy, rusted, and  dull.

either way... anytime you use a drill bit or holesaw on metal you should use oil.  it keeps the temp down and keeps the teeth sharp.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: RUSKIE on February 09, 2008, 05:30:08 PM
'They' make a bit for your drill that does a great job on sheet metal. 

It is basically a circle cutter, where an arm attached to a center shaft allows you to move the carbon steel bit out to whatever diameter you want.  It makes a nice, clean cut, too.  Goes through aluminum like butter and is suitable for auto body metal.  It's perfect for dash gage/meter installation.

I've been planning to do the flush mount to my '86 CJ-7, and when I do I'll pick up one of those bits at the Depot.  And I WILL use oil (A-Ganger) though that bit is pretty easy to sharpen.
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: HOT-ROD on February 10, 2008, 04:44:37 AM
pic's please of said bit
Title: Re: round, flush mount tail lights
Post by: rocket on February 11, 2008, 02:10:34 PM
'They' make a bit for your drill that does a great job on sheet metal. 

It is basically a circle cutter, where an arm attached to a center shaft allows you to move the carbon steel bit out to whatever diameter you want.  It makes a nice, clean cut, too.  Goes through aluminum like butter and is suitable for auto body metal.  It's perfect for dash gage/meter installation.


I've used a similar bit in wood working, but only in a drill press, since it was not fully ballanced.  how well does the one you used work in a hand drill?