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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Installing lights in the bed

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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 10:02 AM
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Installing lights in the bed

I just bought a Tonneau cover for my 86 F150 and i want to put lgiht in the bed so i can see what i have under the cover at night. I don't want them battery powered i want to wire them into the harness and have an on/off switch in the bed. Is there a wire that is always hot at the back of my truck on the plug for the trailer lights or somewhere near there?
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 10:37 AM
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The green/yellow-stripe is such a wire, I believe it runs to the dome light in the cab (via the B pillar, it gets to there by running across the rocker panel; it's in a harness with a few other wires).
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 10:58 AM
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I would consider tapping into the brown wire in the taillight circuit. The light would only work with the parking lights on and there would be less chance of leaving the light on and running down your battery.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 12:36 PM
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Use a light with a tilting switch such as the underhood lamp, or one with a switch.

There is a three space connector at the inside back of the cab, right behind the seat on the drivers side, in the "b" pillar.

1. Light green/yellow stripe. Power for the optional map lights. This is hot all the time.
2. Black/Blue stripe. Power for the inside dome lamp. This is hot when the doors are open.
3. Black/pink stripe. Power for the inside dome lamp and cargo lamp. This is hot when turned on via the headlamp switch. 2 and 3 are connected when you don't have the cargo or map light options via the wiring harness extention for the dome lamp.

I'd use either 1 or 3 above depending on what type of switch you want it to use or what switch is withe the lamp you get.
 
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