Drop lights and work lights

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Andrew@ToyMotorsports

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Hey guys I've been looking for a good drop light that puts out decent light but doesn't heat up. Maybe l.e.d. I'll be using this drop light for interior work only. I don't currently have a shop or garage so my buddy lets me use his shop as greatful as I am that he lets me use his shop his lighting isn't adequate enough to light up interiors or to do proper paint corrections. I was thinking a double headed stand with two 500 watt lamps. I understand it's going to put out a ton of heat which is ok for the winter months but will that be good enough light to see swirls or any other defects? I'm currently borrowing a stand with two 500 watt lamps I'll be trying them out for the first time tomorrow. I'm just looking for a little advice on some other options if there are any for future reference. Thanks in advance.
 
They make corded flourescent and LED lights that might work. Also, there are clamp-on lights that might serve your purpose, but you'll have to wrap the clamps with foam to prevent scratching.

I just got the thought that you could put one of those clothes hanger bars on the hooks in the back, and hang the corded light from that.

Hope this gives you an idea of something that will work for you.
 
I just looked at some led clamp lights and I don't think the ones I saw will put out enough light. The last vehicle I detailed at his shop that included interior would I had to use my buddies drop light. He has one of the old school ones that's basically a bulb with a cage around it. It put out the amount of light I needed it too but it got much too hot after a while and I had to keep shutting it off here and there. Because it was too hit and I had it hooked up to the hanger hooks I didn't want to do any damage to the plastic with the heat. Could you share a link so I know exactly which lights you are talking about? The ones I come across look like desk lights.
 
Do you run that light across the ceiling from door jamb to door jamb? Do you pad the hooks or are the ones on it good?
 
I usually use a standard 200 watt bulb on an adjustable tripod for now. I believe it was an old photography light fixture. Although it isn't perfect, it definitely helps.

Not to hijack the thread but I too find it hard to see around in interiors with dark colors. I do have adequate light on the ceiling (tilted, hanging lights) but I find it hard to penetrate inside the car. How many of you use a headlamp for interior work that way the light is directed exactly where you want it? Just curious. I have seen some people on here use headlamps for paint correction work as a hands free swirl finder light. If so, what brand and model do you use?
 
This thread from Autopia Forums has some excellent ideas for garage lighting in general, but further down in the thread there are some posts of specific task lighting using single diode flood bulbs from HD or Lowes with a photography stand--either double of single. These single diode bulbs do a fantastic job of showing marring in the paint and make excellent spot lighting while polishing with no heat.

Finally a comprehensive review of the best bulbs out there... - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum
 
GenesisCoupe said:
I love how LED's are slowly becoming the IT for lights, i used one of these when i detailed a boat stored indoors, it provided a ton of light. I may pick another one up this weekend just because :)
Click to expand...

I still prefer my Halogens for paint correction.. I just use my LED for interior work since my garage doesn't have the most ideal lighting. But in the summer time, I might be looking into a bigger LED to limit the amount of sweat produced from the heat of the halogens lol.

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