In October 2004 we put out a request for current insights and suggestions for how and where to obtain amber, flashing roof lights and we get the following suggestions from riders and crew.

Here is a link to what are the best lights I've found. They plug into a cigarette lighter socket and have very strong magnet bases so mounting is no problem. I've used them for all my ultras. http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/product.asp?T1=HF20

Rob Langur Lucas

I just yesterday purchased lights from AutoZone. The lights I purchased are the swirling amber lights that tow trucks often use. I used duct tape to cover the front of the lights, so that the lights would be compatible with the rules that state that light must be "visible only from the rear."

Thanks, Michael Young, Team Javelina

Strobe light: JC Whitney, either online at www.jcwhitney.com or by phone. JC Whitney has two or three different versions of the light, next-day or second day shipping as well. Happy shopping!

Michael Fennec Fox

The lights can be had at Pep Boys or a truck parts house, get the tow truck magnetic tail/brake light combo and substitute red for yellow lenses.

Wayne Rubber Duck Rosenthal

I couldn't find the flashers either a few years ago so I got the rotating ones from Pep Boys and covered the front half of the lens with duct tape. I replaced them with new ones last year so I know they still had them then (around thirty bucks). Actually, seeing numerous vans while riding I noted that they are brighter than most. And they stay on the roof with magnets. Very easy install. Probably many auto accessory stores would carry them.

Ron Worm Way

The easy way to make these flashers is to get 2 amber lights wire them together with a turn signal flasher together use a black wire for the positive post and a white wire for the ground/ neutral. Get a cigarette lighter plug and wire them where the positive is in the center (hot wire) and the white wire is the ground and all one has to do is pull it in and out of the plug. One needs to be inventive on attaching them to ones car. I made a set for about 40 dollars and that included boxes.

Elton Bryant, Team Eels

I purchased our amber strobe lights from AutoZone.com for $19.99. The part number is WI-400A, but I don't think their product search function works very well. Your riders may have to do a search on "strobe" and look for the correct product, or call AutoZone at (800) 288-6966.

Jeff Parrot Bauer

I found the lights at Kragen Auto Parts. There are several in my area and I had to go to two locations but they have them on the shelf. I believe that Checker Auto Parts are the same company. Good Luck.

John Lauer, Team Pronghorn

I found some amber lights at Napa Autoparts. It was listed as a turn signal light but it is about 3-4 inches circle. It has a single screw mount which works good on some roof racks.  I could not find it on there web site but will get the part number tonight and see if I can find it. They were 15 dollars each. The only thing is the screw connector acts as the ground, so if the roof rack is not grounded to the car you have to add a wire.

Autozone parts store also had lots of lights, but nothing as good as the Napa solution.
 
I live in San Diego.

Timothy Cockerham, Team Desert Tortoise

Yes, amber flashing lamps are really just for the Department of Highways it seems and not for plebian usage.  However, U-Haul rentals sells a nifty set of magnetic towing lamps for trailers at about $40.00 Canadian (that’s around $30.00 U.S.)

They have 4.25 inch red lenses that can easily be replaced with amber lenses obtainable from any semi-truckers supply house. They come with 25 feet of cord that can easily get you under the hood to the battery or to the cigarette lighter as a power source.

They have a strong magnetic base that just pops on the roof of the vehicle.

If you have trouble finding amber lenses that fit correctly, just chop up the red ones and glue or tape any old amber lens over the hole. These lenses can also be found alongside any Department of Highways worksite..

Good luck, Team Lappdog