Overhead map light install (lots of pics and details)

[Trader098]

Best mod and write up....ever!

[FJ4MnT]

EXCELLENT!! I just got done installing my XM radio and was thinking about 2 more things the FJ needs. An overhead console and a light for the glove box. This is a great mod.

[FJoel]

Okay I'm going for it! I bought another assembly of maplights from Toyota that are out of an '05 echo (ours is in the picture). I know this is going to take some custom fab, but I think/hope I can hack it. Thanks again for the inspiration.

Oh yeah, my girlfriend wouldn't let me have the light from the echo, so I had to shell out $120CAD for it. I don't know what she has against duct tape...that would have patched the hole in the echo's roof nicely.

I know it was steep but I need lights!!!

[n928kc]

I got ambitious and followed swissarmysuv's instructions ( he also supplied a handmade bracket )

looks factory

[the_answer3]

ginzero previously said:

Professional looking! You got balls.. I'm too timid to cut up the interior like that!

I agree...you da man!

[dbbd1]

Once again, I really, really want to thank Swiss Army. He is the first to have the balls big enough to cut his headliner and provided free brackkets to those that asked. I did deviate a little from his game plan though. I ordered both the GMC and a Ford Exploder dome lights from ebay. In the end, I thought that the Ford had a little lower profile and went with that. Here are the final pic's. You may notice the additional switch. It is there to kill the overhead domelight, in case I ever want to. Oh, and BTW, the 18 watt bulb that was original in the light fixture was WAY too much light, it looked like a nuclear blast in there, I have an 11 watt in there now and may still change it out. Definitely recommend this to all (if you are local I will offer to to help even), the lighting is a vast improvement!!!

[DFrelich]

dbbd1 previously said:

Once again, I really, really want to thank Swiss Army. He is the first to have the balls big enough to cut his headliner and provided free brackkets to those that asked. I did deviate a little from his game plan though. I ordered both the GMC and a Ford Exploder dome lights from ebay. In the end, I thought that the Ford had a little lower profile and went with that. Here are the final pic's. You may notice the additional switch. It is there to kill the overhead domelight, in case I ever want to. Oh, and BTW, the 18 watt bulb that was original in the light fixture was WAY too much light, it looked like a nuclear blast in there, I have an 11 watt in there now and may still change it out. Definitely recommend this to all (if you are local I will offer to to help even), the lighting is a vast improvement!!!

Looks good. I spray painted my GMC overhead map light yesterday with plastic primer. Today, I did flat grey that closely match the grey interior. Will follow with satin clear coat later in the evening.

This should be very dry by time I do two projects on Wednesday. The overhead, and atrac/rlock hack.

Good idea about the kill switch. I think I will go buy the switch. And I'll try finding power supply to the light and put the switch in.

******* SOME MORE THOUGHTS *******

I got to think some more about this when I went out for my 5 miles run. I wonder what is it like with the overhead light?

1. Does the light in the overhead have slow fade-on, and slow fade off the same way as original dome light?
2. Does not the switch in the original light controls the way the map light goes on and off?

I'd like to know.. if not then I'd ponder some more on how I can tap in wires from that dome light switch.

[dbbd1]

******* SOME MORE THOUGHTS *******

I got to think some more about this when I went out for my 5 miles run. I wonder what is it like with the overhead light?

1. Does the light in the overhead have slow fade-on, and slow fade off the same way as original dome light?


Yes, just like stock



2. Does not the switch in the original light controls the way the map light goes on and off?


Unfortunately, no. The wiring will not allow this setup




I'd like to know.. if not then I'd ponder some more on how I can tap in wires from that dome light switch.[/quote]

[SwissArmySuv]

dbbd1 previously said:

Once again, I really, really want to thank Swiss Army. He is the first to have the balls big enough to cut his headliner and provided free brackkets to those that asked. I did deviate a little from his game plan though. I ordered both the GMC and a Ford Exploder dome lights from ebay. In the end, I thought that the Ford had a little lower profile and went with that. Here are the final pic's. You may notice the additional switch. It is there to kill the overhead domelight, in case I ever want to. Oh, and BTW, the 18 watt bulb that was original in the light fixture was WAY too much light, it looked like a nuclear blast in there, I have an 11 watt in there now and may still change it out. Definitely recommend this to all (if you are local I will offer to to help even), the lighting is a vast improvement!!!

You are more than welcome. I like your setup. That Explorer light looks good.
You are correct on the light note .... those babies make all the difference in the world on the "up-front" light now.

Nice job! ... oh BTW, looks like a nice crack in the windshield!

[yureeka9]

Excellent installation! You've inspired me!