Overhead map light install (lots of pics and details) - Page 11

Steve_53 · 04-15-2007, 08:57 AM

Installation complete! Another awesome engineering job by SwissArmySuv!

The "second generation" bracket was pretty easy to line up and install, I did look at the angles that the first design would have required, and I'm glad I waited.. I'm just not that flexible any more

05-08-2007, 02:46 PM

Someone needs to do this install with a dome light from a camry with the integrated flip down sunglass holder!

-B

ChrisInSeattle · 05-08-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Blown383 previously said:

Someone needs to do this install with a dome light from a camry with the integrated flip down sunglass holder!

-B

You can look at this thread:

Map Light And Scanguage Install

There's a few more tips in there. I bought an overhead console because that would be a huge mod for me. But I think I will need more help than that. Particularly with figuring out the bracket.

MR. FJCZR · 05-10-2007, 10:22 PM

I ordered the map light from ebay and didn't wanna go with the install. Just didn't like the way it looked replacing the dome light and didn't wanna put a hole in the headliner.
So if anyone's interested PM me just pay me what they go for one ebay. Shipping is on me.

**mir207** · 06-28-2007, 02:58 AM

Mine has gotten delayed by months by various other mods:

Have four questions:
1. what tool did you use to cut the headliner?
2. what masking patterns(s) and sequence of paints / applications did you use to color match the light to the roof?
3. i have the original mount - any major advantage to update other than easy of instillation?
4. for very vigorous offroading and shaking, do you suggest gluing, and if so, where?

Thanks

Steve_53 · 06-28-2007, 06:59 AM

mir207,

1. I used a utility knife (with a brand new blade) to cut the headliner.

2. For painting - I disassembled the bezel from the lamp per SAS's instructions, wiped it down with paint thinner to clean the plastic, and sprayed it with a couple of coats of flat gray auto body primer. When the paint was dry, I glued the bezel back onto the lamp with some Locktite brand plastic adhesive.

3. I used the 2nd generation bracket, the only difference is where the holes get drilled in the roof crossmember. With the original style bracket, the holes are located on the "face" of the crossmember, so you are drilling parallel to the roof. With the 2nd generation design, the holes are located on the bottom of the crossmember, so you are drilling sratight up (toward the roof). The only benefit to the 2nd gen design is that a bit less contortion is required on the part of the installer.

4. I don't believe that any additional fastening (such as glue) is required - the lamp assembly is pretty lightweight, and the mounting bracket isn't very long so there is not going to be much (if any) movement caused by flexing. If you read back in this thread, you will see mention of using a bit of padding to get the headliner flush against the bezel of the lamp - this will also kill any vibration of the mounted lamp.

**KD7NAC_07FJ** · 06-28-2007, 08:15 AM

Quote:

shahman2378 previously said:

I ordered the map light from ebay and didn't wanna go with the install. Just didn't like the way it looked replacing the dome light and didn't wanna put a hole in the headliner.
So if anyone's interested PM me just pay me what they go for one ebay. Shipping is on me.

I've got one of these I don't need either. I decided to go the scanguage route by using an overhead console from a 2001 Honda Odyssey. Not only does it have the area to mount the scanguage but it has Homelink built into it

So if anyone else needs the original lights, I've got one I'll sell also.

SwissArmySuv · 06-28-2007, 05:19 PM

Mir,

Steve has it nailed 100% ...

The only issue I had was that I had installed and un-installed my bracket a whole bunch of times for "pictures" and my screws got a little stripped so I had used a little bit of adhesive where the bracket contacts the roof just to solidify things. Normally, it will be very solid and you won't have to worry about flex or adding adhesive.

If you have the 1st generation bracket and want the second generation, I will send out another. Another advantage of the second generation is that I have a real nice install .pdf file I send out and it is based on the second generation bracket.

Quote:

Steve_53 previously said:

mir207,

1. I used a utility knife (with a brand new blade) to cut the headliner.

2. For painting - I disassembled the bezel from the lamp per SAS's instructions, wiped it down with paint thinner to clean the plastic, and sprayed it with a couple of coats of flat gray auto body primer. When the paint was dry, I glued the bezel back onto the lamp with some Locktite brand plastic adhesive.

3. I used the 2nd generation bracket, the only difference is where the holes get drilled in the roof crossmember. With the original style bracket, the holes are located on the "face" of the crossmember, so you are drilling parallel to the roof. With the 2nd generation design, the holes are located on the bottom of the crossmember, so you are drilling sratight up (toward the roof). The only benefit to the 2nd gen design is that a bit less contortion is required on the part of the installer.

4. I don't believe that any additional fastening (such as glue) is required - the lamp assembly is pretty lightweight, and the mounting bracket isn't very long so there is not going to be much (if any) movement caused by flexing. If you read back in this thread, you will see mention of using a bit of padding to get the headliner flush against the bezel of the lamp - this will also kill any vibration of the mounted lamp.

**mir207** · 06-29-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

SwissArmySuv previously said:

Mir,
Steve has it nailed 100% ...

If you have the 1st generation bracket and want the second generation, I will send out another. Another advantage of the second generation is that I have a real nice install .pdf file I send out and it is based on the second generation bracket.

If you don'y mind sending me the second gen plus pdf, that'd be great. Do you have my original PM? I can resend. I asked the guys that do my major mods to do this, but while they're fine with rebuilding the entire electrical system, ripping off the bumpers, etc. everyone gets queazy about cutting the headliner

- So I'm going to go in and do it next week

Strangely enough, I have no qualms about cutting into it - kinda looking forward, actually...

SwissArmySuv · 07-07-2007, 08:37 AM

If there is anyone interested, I have (2) remaining brackets and that will be it.

I also have (1) "painted and ready to install" map light if someone is interested in that. I would be willing to ship the map light with a bracket and the mounting screws for $20.

Send me a PM or an e-mail.