Interior / Exterior Visual TechThis section contains discussion related to visual modifications of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Some items might include dash kits, roof rack modifications and other visual modifications.
I finally got around to mounting my auxiliary back-up light. Since I really wasn't up to tearing apart the roof rack to run wiring, I came up with a simpler (and inexpensive) means.
The very bright 55 Watt utility/flood light was $10.95 at Walmart, along with a quick-disconnect plug and some 12 gauge wiring was all that was needed. (Total cost: @ $16.)
A slightly-fabricated (and painted) L-bracket fit right into the center of the spare tire mounting hub and used the existing holes for mounting of the bracket, as well as, feeding the wiring through behind the spare tire mount.
The light does not protrude beyond the depth of the spare tire.
And, spare tire removal only requires that one easy bolt be removed (about 30 seconds), and unplugging the quick-disconnect (about 3 seconds) . . . . and the entire light comes right off.
The ground (-) wire for the light is attached to the back of one of the L-bracket's mounting bolts. The positive (+) lead runs inside of the lower plastic molding across the bottom of the door, up through the door wiring grommet into the cab (in the same manner as the CB antenna cable), and forward to the 12V relay under the hood.
Light activation is done with the panel-mounted switch.
Very nicely done! Does this come on automatically when the car is shifted into reverse, or does it work via the switch only?
Reason I ask is that I have my reverse lights hooked up to a switch, and I would like to figure out how to get them to come on automatically when I am backing up...
Looks very good though--if mine weren't already on the roof I would have gone this route...
To get a switch selectable on/off/reverse only light function, you'll need to tap the backup light signal under the dash, along with a (switched) 12V and route them through a SPDT switch, with the center pole of the switch wired to the relay for the backup lamp(s).
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Steve
2007 FJ: Titanium, 6MT, CQ, GY, UP1, C7, Z1. K&N Air Filter, Westin Nerf Bars, Stebel Air Horn, In-Channel Vent Visors, Parrot CK-3100 Bluetooth, Hardwired Radar Detector, Toyota/Garmin GPS, SAS fog lamp kit, Custom shift knobs, ATRAC Hack, SAS GM map light, Heated Multivex mirrors, Running light+turn signal mirror lamp mod, ScanGauge II, 200 PSI on-board air system, Siege Engineering Hammer 4 air horns, rack-mounted halogen back-up lights, VR3 backup camera.
Does this come on automatically when the car is shifted into reverse, or does it work via the switch only?
Reason I ask is that I have my reverse lights hooked up to a switch, and I would like to figure out how to get them to come on automatically when I am backing up...
No, mine only come on manually when I activate the interior switch. However, sending a feed from your OEM reverse light power to your auxiliary back-up lights' relay will do the job for you.
Looks good Steve. Could you show me how you ran the positive wire? I'm not sure you run it into the plastic panel inside. Did you have it go throught the lower portion of the hitch on the right or did you drill?
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Click for the "Genie" build up
Sandoo Blue FJ
Walker Evans 2.5 dia. front shocks, adj. rear reservoir shocks, Pro Links. AP F&R bumpers, AP 1.25" UCA, Demello skid, TMax 9000 Competition winch. Viking Trail Line. 34X10.5X16 Swamper LTB. Trail Gear Sliders, Aeroflow, Lightforce Blitz 240 HID, All Pro Swing Out.
Simple Auxiliary BackUp Light install . . . .
Linear Mode
