Interior lights
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
Interior lights
I'm going to be putting a new headliner in my truck within the next few weeks. The previous owner removed the interior light on the back panel, I don't want to replace it because the metal is all cut and I think it would look better without it at this point. I need some ideas on interior lights and where to install them. Any suggestions?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
Is your truck painted? If not, and you can weld, I'd look at the boneyards for an overhead console with storage and lights. These need some kind of bracket welded to the roof to support them, tho. Maybe you could use one of the super-adhesives to put a bracket up without welding, but the roof can get awful hot in the summer.
For down low, I have gone to the boneyards and scrounged some nice looking interior lights that mount in flat panels, to put in my kick panels. They are out of '80's - '90's vintage Chrysler products, and are about 1.5" x 4" rectangles. What I like about OEM lights is their heat resistance, and also that I can always get a replacement lens.
For down low, I have gone to the boneyards and scrounged some nice looking interior lights that mount in flat panels, to put in my kick panels. They are out of '80's - '90's vintage Chrysler products, and are about 1.5" x 4" rectangles. What I like about OEM lights is their heat resistance, and also that I can always get a replacement lens.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Yes I'd recommend the kick panels or under edge of dash, but I'd also put one above or at least in the glove compartment (pull out map light from a luxury car?), it's real difficult to read a map or driving directions at night while standing on your head! 
You might also consider courtesy lights in the lower part of the doors to light up the running boards when you open the doors.
There's a lot of wasted space between the windshield and roof so an overhead console makes sense up there (hmmmm, drop down monitor with GPS, DVD player... ). You could make a couple metal strap bows and screw or rivet them on the sides to the roof framing to support a console.
You might also consider courtesy lights in the lower part of the doors to light up the running boards when you open the doors.
There's a lot of wasted space between the windshield and roof so an overhead console makes sense up there (hmmmm, drop down monitor with GPS, DVD player... ). You could make a couple metal strap bows and screw or rivet them on the sides to the roof framing to support a console.
Last edited by AXracer; Aug 24, 2005 at 11:37 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Troy, Kansas
I got an under dash light kit as I couldn't find a factory dome light for my 58( didn't look real hard) but wanted a little light.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 37
From: Chicago
I put a small dome light under the dash
hooked up to the running lights (no door switch) (1st click)
that turn off when the headlights are on(running lights turn off on stock setup)(2nd click)
at night you mainly run headlights pulled all the way out (switch)
hooked up to the running lights (no door switch) (1st click)
that turn off when the headlights are on(running lights turn off on stock setup)(2nd click)
at night you mainly run headlights pulled all the way out (switch)
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
I used two marker lights. They are made for external use, but they work inside too. They are about 2" x 3". The frame is plastic and low profile. The lense is held in with two small screws. I sanded the frame and painted it to match the upholstery. I got them at Kragen for about $4 each. I think you can see one in my gallery. One was mounted on the overhead console and the other under the dash on the driver side. Good luck, Jag
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
I bought a Gen-4 Camaro ('93-up) rear view mirror that has two map lights in it. It mounts directly to the glass (glue-on wedge thingy), and the lights come on with the door jamb switches or with a little switch on either side of the mirror. No holes to drill, shines right down on the dash and seat. Plus it's a better mirror.