wiring access port on roof rack

[mikeo]

While many vehicles will remain in their "stock" configuration, I would expect a fair percentage will get aftermarket accessories installed. One of the challenges to any aftermarket accessory is routing the wiring, and specifically the wiring access. It doesn't matter if it's an antenna cable or a power lead, getting that cable through the body panel to a useful location requires a mix of luck and skill: is there access close to where I need it, and can I get the wire/connector through the access.

I would like to see some way to route 12v power and coax (antenna) cable through the roof rack (or similar) in to the interior of the body. I wince every time I think I need to drill a hole through a body panel to route a cable.

 

[J Alynn]

While many vehicles will remain in their "stock" configuration, I would expect a fair percentage will get aftermarket accessories installed. One of the challenges to any aftermarket accessory is routing the wiring, and specifically the wiring access. It doesn't matter if it's an antenna cable or a power lead, getting that cable through the body panel to a useful location requires a mix of luck and skill: is there access close to where I need it, and can I get the wire/connector through the access.

I would like to see some way to route 12v power and coax (antenna) cable through the roof rack (or similar) in to the interior of the body. I wince every time I think I need to drill a hole through a body panel to route a cable.

Always thought they should stamp a dime sized dot to thin the metal to make drilling easier and locate the perfect spot to hit. I’m sure manufacturers don’t want to add a hole in manufacturing to avoid moisture/rust/leaks but at least an obvious mark and internal alignment would go a long way and nobody really sees it. I mean-stamp it with the Scout ‘S’ as a birth mark but also as a spot identification

 

[mikeo]

Always thought they should stamp a dime sized dot to thin the metal to make drilling easier and locate the perfect spot to hit. I’m sure manufacturers don’t want to add a hole in manufacturing to avoid moisture/rust/leaks but at least an obvious mark and internal alignment would go a long way and nobody really sees it. I mean-stamp it with the Scout ‘S’ as a birth mark but also as a spot identification

I like what you're proposing here, and it could make for multiple access points without compromising panel integrity. I'd like the see the access be under the footprint of the stock roof rack since (I assume) the majority of devices that would need a wire are going to be attached to the roof rack. Having "S" branded rubber plugs and cable grommets available would be nice, but I expect I could print those with TPU for my use case.

 

[eddiet1212]

Interesting idea