How a LED Light Bar Brightens Road for 1963 International Truck

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Lighting and Lamps

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Tim Esterdahl

March 03, 2016

Tim Esterdahl

March 03, 2016

The use of multiple light bars adorning the grille or roof is a current trend for late-model modified trucks. Yet, LED technology can be put to great use, and create a cool look, for older trucks such as my 1963 International C1200. With plenty of room to work, the Project LM 22-inch straight combo LED light bar was a perfect fit. Considering the poor stock headlights, the new light dramatically improved night-time visibility.

Installing the light bar was a simple job taking about a few hours, ideally with two people. Most of the time was spent determining the best fitment and how to run the cables.

The $199 light bar shipped with installation hardware, a package of various electrical cables (that attach to battery posts), and a switch to install in the cab. The housing is made of heavy-duty aluminum with stainless steel nuts and bolts. Project LM says the aluminum is the same grade as ones used on aircrafts.

For placement, I was able to locate a spot right behind the grille. The location was both wide and deep enough to hold the light. Also, the bottom of the grille offered a metal bar for mounting.

The metal bar was the key to mounting the light. With a bracket and rubber washer setup—designed to rest on top—a long bolt tightened with nuts underneath. For the old truck, I wasn’t able to easily access the bottom of the front bumper and I couldn’t hang the bar under the bumper since there wasn’t enough ground clearance. However, the spot behind the grille gave me access to both the top bolt and bottom washer-and-nut setup. Tightening it down was easy enoough, although the hanger holding the LED bar in place wasn’t as accessible for open-ended crescent wrenches or a socket, which would have been nice.

After the light is installed, it’s simply a matter of running the tightly-wound battery cables to the battery posts. Project LM provides plenty of length for these wires and they attach easily to the posts.

Running the switch inside the cabin is also straightforward. After cutting a hole in the dash, the light switch fit right in. With everything installed, I flipped the switch and the LED bulbs immediately lit up. The increase in visibility is dramatic. Project LM says the Cree bulbs are a big reason why the lights shine so bright.

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Tim Esterdahl

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.