Engine Bay Lighting
03-09-2008, 03:33 PM
#1
Engine Bay Lighting
Did a search first but can't seem to find any one who has done this or at least there isn't anything I can use. Thinking of adding a hood light to the engine bay. Any suggestions of the light to use or anything else?
Was in ly local yard and found Gen 2 4runner that has been pretty well stripped but I got most of the wiring harness from the dash and interior for projects and while I was pulling the harness noted the door switches for the interior lighting. I thought this might be just the switch for hooking up lighting for the engine bay. Just have to figure out the logistics of installation. I will document it and post a write up as it happens.
Was in ly local yard and found Gen 2 4runner that has been pretty well stripped but I got most of the wiring harness from the dash and interior for projects and while I was pulling the harness noted the door switches for the interior lighting. I thought this might be just the switch for hooking up lighting for the engine bay. Just have to figure out the logistics of installation. I will document it and post a write up as it happens.
03-09-2008, 03:48 PM
#2
Registered User
You need to find a GM vehicle circa 1990-1997 or so. Trucks, suburbans, etc will have these really nice underhood lights. Then you need the pressure switch that contacts the hood so that when you open the hood it turns on. Then all you gotta do is mount it, run wiring to be constantly on and bingo.
03-09-2008, 03:56 PM
#3
Yea,thats a good idea on the chevy trucks.all it takes is a constant power source,ground usually attaches to the hood.There is an inertia switch built into the light housing,so once you open the hood,bingo turns on..
03-09-2008, 04:21 PM
#4
i saw FoSheezy's thread showing his dome lights from oznium.com and browsed their site and found some waterproof lights that might work for you:
http://www.oznium.com/leds
check out the "flood" and "spotlights". might not put out the light you wanted though.
here is a pic of a scion that some one put the spotlights on. i know you probably won't be doing the custom airbrush graphic though
http://www.oznium.com/leds
check out the "flood" and "spotlights". might not put out the light you wanted though.
here is a pic of a scion that some one put the spotlights on. i know you probably won't be doing the custom airbrush graphic though
03-09-2008, 07:27 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I liked the GM vehicles that had the light on the reel. You could turn the light on and then move the light wherever u need it. They had a really long cord too.
03-09-2008, 09:29 PM
#7
Gr8 ideas guys, thanks. I actually started an install using the door switch from a 2nd gen. I will get everything sorted out and check the yards this week to see if I can find any of the GM/Chevy truck lights you are talking about. I will post again when I get it set up and write up the description of the install as well. Thanks again! Have a gr8 week
Trending Topics
03-09-2008, 10:51 PM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Northwest Missouri
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had a 1995 chevy with the light you are talking about, I would Definitely spend the time finding one. It was a dang good idea and I wish they kept it up. my '02 didn't have it and there were more then a couple times out on a gravel road at night changing a tire I wished I still had that option. it will reach clear to the back of an ext cab chevy.
Last edited by irish80prf; 03-09-2008 at 10:53 PM.
03-09-2008, 11:25 PM
#9
Registered User
Yeah many peopole on the Oznium forums have used there LED strips to light up there engine bay, and I must say it looks really good. That's what I would suggest, oznium.
03-10-2008, 12:08 AM
#10
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento
Posts: 4,222
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
I'd hate to tell ya this, but early 90's and late 80's Jeep Cherokees have lights that you can detatch, and move around. Yes, they are corded.
BTW, I think it's the Jeeps that have those. I don't know exactly for sure. I'll look tomorrow.
BTW, I think it's the Jeeps that have those. I don't know exactly for sure. I'll look tomorrow.
03-10-2008, 08:37 PM
#11
Went to my favorite local Bone Yard today. got some interesting stuff. As for the lights project, well not too much to tell you as the only lights I could find under hoods were single bulb on a small plate near the fire wall mounted to the edge of the hood. Really looks junky if ya know what I mean. No luck with any of the corded types mentioned.
I started running the wires under the hood. Found what are supposed to be foot lights from what I believe was a late model Cadillac Escalade? They were mounted into the under dash areas on each side of the front seat. They are small tube like lights that are strung across two posts and on a fitted piece of metal that slips in on one side then snaps in place.
I took one and fitted it up in the hood area off to the right side center of the hood. There are two elongated holes in the support ribbing. I ran the wires through these holes and ribbing down to the left firewall. This will be where I will hook everything up. I spliced the leads in and tried a trial fit. They literally snapped right in place. I plan on using a 1/8" short pop rivet to set them so they don't ever fall out but it fits nice and snug.
Looks like I am commited now but I see these as good lights and with two of them on either side of the engine bay I should have light I need in the event of a darkness repair. More to follow.
I started running the wires under the hood. Found what are supposed to be foot lights from what I believe was a late model Cadillac Escalade? They were mounted into the under dash areas on each side of the front seat. They are small tube like lights that are strung across two posts and on a fitted piece of metal that slips in on one side then snaps in place.
I took one and fitted it up in the hood area off to the right side center of the hood. There are two elongated holes in the support ribbing. I ran the wires through these holes and ribbing down to the left firewall. This will be where I will hook everything up. I spliced the leads in and tried a trial fit. They literally snapped right in place. I plan on using a 1/8" short pop rivet to set them so they don't ever fall out but it fits nice and snug.
Looks like I am commited now but I see these as good lights and with two of them on either side of the engine bay I should have light I need in the event of a darkness repair. More to follow.
03-10-2008, 09:04 PM
#12
Registered User
This is kinda what ya want: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-87...spagenameZWDVW
Like I said, older chevys..
Like I said, older chevys..
03-11-2008, 05:40 AM
#14
This is kinda what ya want: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-87...spagenameZWDVW
Like I said, older chevys..
Like I said, older chevys..
03-11-2008, 05:55 AM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It says 19 feet....
it has approximately 19 feet of reel-out cable and a magnetic base on the work light and it is complete with the latch that is often missing.
it has approximately 19 feet of reel-out cable and a magnetic base on the work light and it is complete with the latch that is often missing.
03-11-2008, 09:19 PM
#17
Got the lights installed this evening and they work GR8! Have a look!
Will take some more pics during the day light too. I will put together a write up on these. Actually these Escalade lights worked out pretty well. They seem to put out a bit of light so getting to the oil, radiator or what ever in the dark will be easier. They are not "blinding" by any means, but they do look sharp.
