54 " Radius install questions

Currently considering a Rds roof mount with either a rigid or add bracket. Can anyone give me some answers on install ? Do you have to drop the headliner ? I don't mind drilling holes I'm just lazy as hell and don't want to have to take the headliner down. I'm also not paying someone else to do it. If that's the only way then I'll just research other lighting options. I was under the impression there was a pinch type mount for the door jam that didn't require headliner removal. Hints , suggestions, tips are all welcome as well as snarky ass comments about using the search feature and then posting links to all answered questions. [emoji4]

No, you don't have to remove the headliner. Here's a link that will help.
http://www.partners-rigidindustries.com/images/PKG-IS-050_Rev1Raptor_RDSSeries_Windshield_Mount.pdf
I strongly recommend getting a good rivet gun and a buddy to help. Where in Florida are you located?

I was about to install the 54" RDS on my '14 Screw but had to come back to work.

You don't need to drop the headliner.

I have the Rigid roof mount brackets (pn: 40161) but am not crazy about the rivets that hold the entire assembly in place.

Prior to leaving I went to Home Depot and bought a "sert-a-nut" kit and 6 x 1/4-20 low profile hex head bolts, to which I had to add some threads under the head, but the heads are slim enough not to interfere with the closing of the door. I will have to cut the bolts to length also.

It was about $12 and will allow me to bolt the brackets on instead of riveting them...which I think is a better option. It will also allow for easier removal should it be necessary.

I'm sure you will have yours done way before mine...but I plan on posting pics of the full install when I do it.

Good luck.

@ReyLorenzo @Aramco Raptor

I found those after I had posted here. Looks pretty simple but I like this sert-a-nut idea. I'm in south Ocala National Forest area.

I have no time frame. I'm still in the research phase.

@Aramco Raptor. I'm about to go a head and buy the rigid mount for a 54" rds. I was wondering if you ever installed your light using the sert-a-nut. If so. Do you have any pictures? How is it holding up so far? Would you do any thing different. Thanks!


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You don't need to drop the headliner, just drill into the door jam and rivet in. The radius brackets work great but you DO need a really good rivet gun and DONT listen to Rigid's instructions when they tell you to drill 1/4" hole, they give you 3/16" rivets so if you do, make sure you get 1/4" rivets

We have an extra 5% off until tonight on lighting if you are interested as well

Achtung667 said:

@Aramco Raptor. I'm about to go a head and buy the rigid mount for a 54" rds. I was wondering if you ever installed your light using the sert-a-nut. If so. Do you have any pictures? How is it holding up so far? Would you do any thing different. Thanks!


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Click to expand...

Sorry...did the install on a rainy day so no pics...however...

I initially intended on using the sert a nuts but once you drill through the pillar...it is not "deep" enough to accommodate the aluminum crush sleeve.

I ended up putting one sert a nut on each mount (in the middle) and drilling a couple of extra holes for the supplied size rivets.

No issues so far. The weakest link in the whole assembly is the sheet metal of the A-pillar itself.

Good luck.

54 " Radius install questions

Thanks for the reply! So essentially you just added a couple more rivets instead of the 3 ?

*edit: So the tell you to drill 1/4". But only supply 3/16? So I would need to go out and get actual 1/4" rivets? Thanks guys


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Achtung667 said:

Thanks for the reply! So essentially you just added a couple more rivets instead of the 3 ?

*edit: So the tell you to drill 1/4". But only supply 3/16? So I would need to go out and get actual 1/4" rivets? Thanks guys


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Click to expand...

Essentially...yes. I now have a total of 5 on each side (the two middle ones are sert a nuts...but pretty much the same thing).

Can't remember the sizes off hand...1/4" sounds right.