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I have a 1976 F-250 which came originally equipped with the deluxe bed cover. The lighting that was provided is from an 1156 lamp mounted at the rear driver's side of the cover. It is minimal in illuminating the bed. I would like to improve the lighting. There are three exposed machine screws which hold the piano hinge for the cover's door assembly at the rear which could be used to mount additional lighting. I would like to utilize LEDs so as to not overload existing circuitry. I'd prefer to utilize the existing wiring if possible. I've searched the forum for ideas. I found two threads on the subject, but they didn't do what I wanted. If anyone has successfully accomplished this I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Sylvania makes a Led bulb that replaces the 1156. Easily double the light in my opinion. I just put in the under dash lights in my ‘77 and put the Led bulbs in there as well as the under hood light has the same bulb. Not just how bright it is but with out the high temperature the old incadescent bulbs give off either.
I have a picture in my thread about the under dash lights of the packaging and numbers the Sylvania’s come in.
Placement is a big issue - where they mounted the light, you could have a football stadium light hanging, and if your head's in the wrong spot, you'd just as well have a BIC lighter. Haven't done it inside a topper, but I've used several running feet of generic fleabay flexible LED tape inside my 5th wheel. Works pretty nice, low amp-load so you can get away with the circuitry. If you have an aversion to drilling more holes, it's lightweight enough to hold with adhesive nicely (added it to the tops of trim strips, underside of cabinets, etc.)
How much lighting do you need/want? You could try a really realllly bright LED 1156 and see if that helps. Maybe an LED light strip along the rear and tapped into the existing wiring from your 1156? Something like this, but arranged to your liking of course.
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