Overhead Maplight Kit

**SwissArmySuv** · 06-10-2007, 09:19 AM

Hi Boys and Girls,

Swiss here with a possible project proposal for an overhead map light kit.

A lot of you are probably aware of the other map light project I did:
Overhead map light install (lots of pics and details)

And some of you even made additional improvements; scan guages, etc. and that was great. But this map light thing has kind of bugged me because I feel it is one of the most needed mods on the FJ and there have not been more people doing it. Not that I am pissed that I am not sending out more free brackets; folks this mod is a "must do".

Anyways, I was working on another little FJ project yesterday and while doing it, I was doing some "brain multi-tasking" (i.e. thinking about this map light thing also). Note: This becomes a major accomplishment as you get a little older... maybe I'll check with bellydoc on this? Oh, back to the topic. I figure that most people are just afraid to cut into their headliner and the project was a little scarey for them to do ... and I don't blame them, I have messed up a few things in my day.

Ok, here is my question: Would people be interested in a nice little kit that would have everything you need in it for overhead map lights which would be easy to install and would be a surface mount?

This (or something very similar) would be the light:

overhead-maplight-kit-mlk-1-medium-.jpg.jpg
Views: 850
Size: 54.8 KB
ID: 12893

Let me know your thoughts and if some of you are interested, I'll investigate a little further. I need to go change my oil ... I may attempt a little "multi-tasking" again while doing that.

12/26/2007 Note: See http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...tml#post748294 for the Kit

**bernd** · 06-10-2007, 09:24 AM

I would say that most people would rather have a plug and play set up. Less to go wrong. Just my .02

***Landrover*** · 06-10-2007, 09:27 AM

Great idea Swiss, although that light isn't nearly as nice as the one you used on your install. I'm sure the cost is quite a bit less, but the quality doesn't appear to be on par. The color of the light you installed better matches the headliner as well. I think the black color would be kind of a "sore thumb" point. If your kit was to include an overhead light that is just like, or very similar, to the one you installed, and the price is right, I might just have to pull the trigger on it.

On another note. Thanks for all the cool do-it-yourself mods that you have contributed to the site. They are much appreciated

**GW193** · 06-10-2007, 09:29 AM

Yes!!!!! This is something that should be standard equipment, Oops, don't listen to that Toyota. Sounds great, SAS.

Sorry about the nogo on the lights, short on cash for a bit. I'll check back later. Thanks

bisdak · 06-10-2007, 09:39 AM

Im interested on that kit SAS. Appreciate your time and effort man.

**SwissArmySuv** · 06-10-2007, 10:04 AM

GOT IT! .. couldn't wait, had to do a little test and just did it.

This is so simple, you will say, "why didn't I think of that".

All you will need is a phillips screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers, and about 1/2 hours time.. I'm fired up!

I sent off an e-mail to get a quote on some lights, will be out of town this next week so it may be early the following week when I can have some pricing. Gut feel is that it would be about the price of a tank of gas.

Back to the oil change. Catch ya later.

fountaic · 06-10-2007, 10:12 AM

Swiss,

I would definately be interested in this kit, depending on actual light used and cost. I also prefer the look of the light you used in your original conversion - looks a little more stock and blends better with interior.

Keep up the great work!

-Chris

FiremedicPQ1 · 06-10-2007, 10:37 AM

Thanks for the research.... This is something that I felt should have been included when we bought the FJ. I love my truck, but I need a map light...

Keep us up to date - I am in on a group buy.

Paul

**MudLovingFJ** · 06-10-2007, 11:59 AM

hey swiss, is this gonna mount off of the rear view mirror? i think that would be super easy. i already have my garage/gate opener up there (i believe you did that first here). i would be interested if i could make my opener stay up there as well.

Mitch01 · 06-10-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

SwissArmySuv previously said:

Ok, here is my question: Would people be interested in a nice little kit that would have everything you need in it for overhead map lights which would be easy to install and would be a surface mount?

Let me know your thoughts and if some of you are interested, I'll investigate a little further. I need to go change my oil ... I may attempt a little "multi-tasking" again while doing that.

I'm wondering if this mounts to the mirror? If it mounts to the headliner, something gray that matches would be better, I think. I would like to have some map lights, so keep us posted, please.