Jump to content

Overhead Interior Lights


Recommended Posts

Hey guys I am getting ready to start my interior, I already plan to pick up a new headliner from the guy on here that sells them via ebay. I have seen were people have added overhead consoles to the headliner, however I want to do a just a light close to the middle of the cab in the headliner believe it will be as simple as cutting and hole and welding a bracket for it to bolt to the roof.

 

My question is has anyone done this and do you have any recommendations on which light to use, if I can find one aftermarket that is great but have come up short on that, my other idea was to find a simple light out in the junk yard off of another vehicle. Looking for just a basic square light with black trim ring on or off switch plan for it to come one with doors opening and if I switch the interior lights on via factory knob. If you got a truck or car with a light like I am looking for please let me know what it is so I have a place to start.

 

Thanks

Mike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Get the dome light out of a Cherokee. They are already wired to work with a door switch and headlight switch setup. Depending on the year some of them have the clips setup so they clip on to the head liner and do not require bolting to the roof.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

You could find a lighted rearview mirror, and wire it in while the headliner is out. I saw a writup on it somewhere

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/36069-fancy-rearview-mirror-again/

 

This is very nice little upgrade. I have personally done it with great success.

 

What's even better is the lighted mirror with Homelink.  :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a programmable RF transmitter built into the mirror that's used to open compatible receiver equipped garage doors openers, lighting, gates, electrical receptacles; all kinds of stuff. I use it mainly to open the garage doors, turn on the lighting, and crank up the coffee pot or whatever I plug in. Supports rolling codes too.   :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1097704

 

There's a thread on NAXJA that I'm keeping an eye on for better illumination inside the cab with some crazy bright led's.

that link has some great ideas i love the 10in led light bar as a back up light. Lol Thanks for all the ideas i will be checking in to all of them and will update with finished pictures.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Get the dome light out of a Cherokee. They are already wired to work with a door switch and headlight switch setup. Depending on the year some of them have the clips setup so they clip on to the head liner and do not require bolting to the roof.

 

This....

 

The headliner practically snugs up against the roof and there's really not much room to add brackets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Get the dome light out of a Cherokee. They are already wired to work with a door switch and headlight switch setup. Depending on the year some of them have the clips setup so they clip on to the head liner and do not require bolting to the roof.

 

This....

 

The headliner practically snugs up against the roof and there's really not much room to add brackets.

Had my headliner out today; there is nothing but roof sheetmetal directly above the center of the headliner... you won't want to put bolts through there.

 

However, there is a 'ledge' where the sunvisors mount; you could make something work there if so inclined.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had my headliner out today; there is nothing but roof sheetmetal directly above the center of the headliner... you won't want to put bolts through there.

 

However, there is a 'ledge' where the sunvisors mount; you could make something work there if so inclined.

What I mean is that the light fixture would clip itself to the head liner and stay there with out the need for bolts. The shape of the head liner would hold the minimal weight of the fixture up.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Had my headliner out today; there is nothing but roof sheetmetal directly above the center of the headliner... you won't want to put bolts through there.

 

However, there is a 'ledge' where the sunvisors mount; you could make something work there if so inclined.

What I mean is that the light fixture would clip itself to the head liner and stay there with out the need for bolts. The shape of the head liner would hold the minimal weight of the fixture up.

Ah, after rereading I now comprehend. Thanks. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rare earth magnets might work for you.  The magnet I have aggressively sticks to the front headliner edge close to visors and but no so well at the back window.  Two of those magnets would hold an acceptable light housing to the roof through the headliner........

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rare earth magnets might work for you.  The magnet I have aggressively sticks to the front headliner edge close to visors and but no so well at the back window.  Two of those magnets would hold an acceptable light housing to the roof through the headliner........

I like this idea

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don,

 

Where did you get the lighted mirror with the homelink?

 

I really do like my lighted mirror.  Since I am allways switching grage remote controllers, I would love to find a lighted mirror with homelink for the Commanche.

 

Can you point me where to look?

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

 

You could find a lighted rearview mirror, and wire it in while the headliner is out. I saw a writup on it somewhere
 
http://comancheclub.com/topic/36069-fancy-rearview-mirror-again/



This is very nice little upgrade. I have personally done it with great success.

 

What's even better is the lighted mirror with Homelink.  :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don,

 

Where did you get the lighted mirror with the homelink?

 

I really do like my lighted mirror.  Since I am allways switching grage remote controllers, I would love to find a lighted mirror with homelink for the Commanche.

 

Can you point me where to look?  Thanks,

I picked it up years ago in a junkyard. One of those things I spotted while strolling around and I snatched it. IIRC it came from a late 90s GM car, but I really don't remember.  :dunno:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just ordered a Chevy dome light off ebay believe it was for a 99 something Silverado has the pigtail and everything. Looked like it clips to the headliner depending on how heavy it is I may look in to the magnet idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...