Overhead map light install (lots of pics and details)

[Apexbasher]

DUDE! Got the bracket today. Now I have a project for the weekend. Thanks for all the help.

SwissArmySUV Rocks!

[Apexbasher]

Finished this mod last night. Between the wiring and mounting I think I spent a total of 3 hrs on the project.
End result?
Worth every minute! Excellent instructions and meaningful pictures made it a snap. Hardest part was positioning myself to drill the holes in the roof support. Great stuff, though. Thanks SwissArmySUV!!!

[wvuhillbilly]

There was an idea posted a few weeks ago that I used and it works great. Get the headband shop light at home depot, $17. Remove the straps and use industrial velcro to attach it the the rear view mirror mount.....there is a flat area right above the mirror mounting point. This light is battery operated LED and has 4 different light adjustments, even red for night use. This really lights up the front passenger area!! And like the original poster said, it can be removed and used outside the vehicle or for looking for stuff on the floor.

[JAMM0812]

very nice!!!!!!!!!!

[ttott17]

And people say im too careful and worry to much........this is the best thread by far and the best sought out project with perfect results its not even funny. Great job!!!!!

[ttott17]

Finally installed SwissArmyLights. Excellent instructions!! All worked well and I even added a switch for the center light. Thanks for the bracket Swiss and chalk another up for your idea. Next?

[Shadow-Warrior]

OUTSTANDING POST!..Great work, and directions, thanks for passing it on!

[SwissArmySuv]

You know ... I was making some more brackets today to send out and I was thinking, why haven't more people asked for these brackets?

Don't get me wrong here, it's not that I want to make more brackets and send them out ... but you people who have not done this mod are "missin the boat"!. The difference in the cab is "night and day" and I bet if you ask any of the others that have done this mod they would say the same.

Anyways, the thought came to me, maybe it's because they have to cut the headliner? Granted that's a little scary.

So, I think what I'll do is try to find another way to do this mod so people don't have to cut the headliner. It may not work quite as well but maybe it would be a good compromise...

I'll get back to you guys on this after I give it a little more thought.

[ttott17]

To ease the pain of people scared to cut their headliner........I was contemplating the process while "pinning" my headliner. Then it dawned on me....do i want more permanent lighting or not. Heck yea i did. The 13 7/8" measurement from the mirror was EXACTLY what was posted. Holding the tape measure up against the mirror mount like pictured. All pictures were exactly what i did. I even would add one additional tool to the list. A wireless laptop, lol. I have an older laptop that i use wireless on my garage bench for such occasions and for parts lookup when im out staring at the FJ.
I just compared pictures with my work for added security.
I have just put on my Revtek 3" and new shoes and wheels, but the SwissArmyLights have given the FJ just as much of a pleasure. I had received the lights in the mail, went and got all extra parts needed except i used solderless insulated connectors and taped. Added a switch so i can turn the center light off if the doors are open. And now that its done i have so much light up front there is never any more fumbling to change out my Aux plug audio connections while driving (could never find that darn hole when the kids wanted to listen to their dvd players in surround in the FJ). Anyways, just do EXACTLY what the instructions tell you to, including pictures for sure. Its cake. Takes some time and patience but gets you out of the house and into the FJ. Just remember, keep your hands clean for the headliner. Now onto the open door chime alert mod.
Havent found one yet.

I used.......

16gauge wire (black, white, red)
insulated connectors (light blue 16 guage)
switch for turning off center lights if doors open
(mounted flush on front of light towards mirror....radio shack)
(i didnt use the switch mount that comes with switch of course)

electrical tape
knife (not butter)
marker to mark wiring on dome light (had to.....it was late at nite)
headlamp to see
wire cutters and crimpers with strippers (strippers?.......DOH!!!!)
drill and bits
1/2in light masking tape and pins (holes do not show afterwards)
dremel for switch hole
flat light gray spray paint with satin clear for overcoat
patience, clean hands
drop cloth for inside of FJ for drilling crossbrace
meter to check why my switch didnt work at first!!!!
(i was watching The Big Labowski in garage at the time...distraction)
4 Coors Light
Kerosene Heater (in PA)
Ear Plugs (woman kept asking when i was comin back into the house)
1 20oz French Vanilla Cappocino
chips
3 potty breaks

pretty much it.....As Mr Nike would say..........JUST DO IT!!!!!!!

Thanks again a million SwissArmySuv for bracket and thorough instructions!!!

[CHITOWNFJ]

It looks as if an L bracket would suffice, or some bent flat iron would do it as well. I like the look and it is something that is very needed in our FJ's