Installing Unity Spotlight on 46 Business Coupe

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Big_Guys_baby

Senior Member
Hey gang, planning to finally install the NOS unity spotlight that my dad had laying around for 20 years into the 46 Coupe. Any suggestions, pro-tips, words of caution? I am a bit nervous about drilling through the A pillar!

Also, if anyone has some up close photos of their spotlight both inside and outside pics of 46 or similar that would be tremendous.

Thanks!
 
If there is a data plate on the spotlight, I would google the Unity model number and see if you can find a template for drilling.
 
Here are a few "close up" photos of the Spotlight installation on our '47 Convertible; the closed cars might be a little different. Like Planojc suggested, I'd try to find a template, and make sure the mounting brackets are for your car as there were different mounting brackets, for specific applications.


 
DSCN0106_zpsed8e6ef9.jpg


DSCN0107_zps980c8610.jpg


DSCN0108_zps08fe6df6.jpg
 
Go to the unity website...organization there is DREADFUL but they have all of the brackets, repair parts, and complete kits.
I think '46 Ford is #17 bracket, from memory, but find the real info on their site.
You install the bracket right onto the sheetmetal from the template offered, then you slide a bushing they supply into the bracket to guide a drill to make the big control hole in the right place...a very neat system the puts the handle where it went in the original Ford kit. They seem to have all the handle and post stuff available in case your light is the wrong length.
 
Pulled apart the bracket on my spotlight and it is stamped #17, the only things I am missing are the template and the gasket. A gasket I can easily make, but the template is worth tracking down.

I pulled apart the spotlight, wired a new lead wire and cleaned up the bulb socket connection, and cleaned the switch. tested on the battery and she lights up bright!
 
Vic & Henry, thanks for the pics! It looks like Vics comes more straight out in front of the vehicle and hold does not go through the windshield garnish. It looks like Henry's comes out a bit more to the side and hole goes through the windshield garnish.
 
Bruce Lancaster said:
Go to the unity website...organization there is DREADFUL but they have all of the brackets, repair parts, and complete kits.
I think '46 Ford is #17 bracket, from memory, but find the real info on their site.
You install the bracket right onto the sheetmetal from the template offered, then you slide a bushing they supply into the bracket to guide a drill to make the big control hole in the right place...a very neat system the puts the handle where it went in the original Ford kit. They seem to have all the handle and post stuff available in case your light is the wrong length.
Click to expand...

X2 on what Bruce said. Many people have screwed up just trying to "Eye Ball" the correct angle.
Torchie.
 
Screwing up on that will damage a lot of things that you will have to look at every time you sit in the car. You could probably even get it wrong enough to interfere with steering...
If I had to, I'd buy a new bracket from Unity just to get the template and bushing! Old Fords just don't have enough cockpit room to absorb a mistake.
 
D1948
v-8 closed & convertible models
post
-----
-----
125a-4535-u-i
50a-4515-u-i
-----
17
17rh
ford
1947
v-8 closed & convertible models
post
-----
-----
125a-4535-u-i
50a-4515-u-i
-----
17
17rh
ford
1946
v-8 closed & convertible models
post
-----
-----
125a-4535-u-i
50a-4515-u-i
-----
17
17rh
ford
1945
v-8 closed & convertible models
post
-----
-----
125a-4535-u-i
50a-4515-u-i
-----
17
17rh
ford
1944
v-8 cl
 
That site is PAINFUL to navigate...and within the FORD catalog listings, the organization is not by year or anything much logical. If you keep on beating on the site, there is good stuff...historical drawings and instructions, modern instructions, videos, a surprising range of parts...and there is considerable coverage back into the '30's.
 
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