Doube wall dome light???

[Critter]

Has anyone ever added a factory style dome light (or two) to a double wall top? If so, where, and how did you run the wire? Any pics?

[Big J]

Something I've pondered on are those new LED push style lights. I think they are closet lights or something. I know my LED flashlights last forever before having to replace the batteries. The light produced by them blows the old factory GM stuff away..... Just a thought. Best part is no wires to run, lol....

[bouncytruck]

I think running the wires is the issue. You might be able to route out a channel or surface mount the wires in some way.

As for alternatives, I thought that running the LED strip lights under or along the bed rails. That way, there would still be lights in the truck when the top is off.

[OleSenna]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

As for alternatives, I thought that running the LED strip lights under or along the bed rails. That way, there would still be lights in the truck when the top is off.

Brilliant (pun intended)! I cannot wait to install those lights in my truck!

[CJ5 Convert]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

I think running the wires is the issue. You might be able to route out a channel or surface mount the wires in some way.

As for alternatives, I thought that running the LED strip lights under or along the bed rails. That way, there would still be lights in the truck when the top is off.

I'm with you Bouncy. I was thinking along those same lines for my rig I'm gonna wake custom side panels out of something (probably start with 3/4 marine grade plywood) and build speaker boxes into them as well as some lights. One of the guys (JFORTNER) who helped me with my rewire had bought these

http://www.rallylights.com/hella/Ova...tesy_Lamps.asp

he also got some of these from the same place

"I also bought the Hella CE lights; and the Terra Map lights; plus driving and fog lights from this company. " - quote frome Jfortner.

I havn't had a chance to talk to him about how he implemented them or how it all worked out. Also I must say I haven't puchased anything from this company or tried these lights. I just thought it might give you some ideas.

Hope that helps - Jason

[pound41]

My first blazers double wall top had a small gun rack/fishing pole holder
mounted in it. They used plastic plugs to mount the screws meaning hollow in that area. so I would think you could easily get one light in. Putting a second one towards the back might be a problem if the top has any real supports. If you could find a messed up top and get a look you would know for sure. Anyway I am redoing the floor pans in my truck. I bought the light set up for a single wall. I plan on running the wire under the floor or through the rocker box. If I knew how a true one was run I would do it like that. The wire has to run through the area that is the first stake pocket on a pick up bed

[Critter]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

As for alternatives, I thought that running the LED strip lights under or along the bed rails. That way, there would still be lights in the truck when the top is off.

I might try to flush mount something in my rollbar for this same reason. I would rather the light be above my head, but along the bed rails is definitly a good spot as well.

Originally Posted by pound41

They used plastic plugs to mount the screws meaning hollow in that area. so I would think you could easily get one light in. Putting a second one towards the back might be a problem if the top has any real supports. If you could find a messed up top and get a look you would know for sure.

I have an old broken top. I think I will do a little exploring through its insides.

[70 Suburban]

hmmm i am in need of an old broken top.......I use old chey reverse lights in the side panels of my cst. they look factory clean and are wired into my underdash lights

[Critter]

Originally Posted by 70 Suburban

hmmm i am in need of an old broken top.......I use old chey reverse lights in the side panels of my cst. they look factory clean and are wired into my underdash lights

Good idea! Whatever I end up using will be tied into the underdash lights as well.

I'm curious, what are you hoping to do with a broken top??? Make a half top or do you need a patch piece to fiberglass into another top? Either way, maybe we could work a deal/trade. PM me if you have anything interesting! The one I have is a little rough with one major crack running up and down behind the passenger window.

[vtblazer]

What about replacing the rear view mirror with one that has lights built in?

I know you can buy them after market but I forget what cars/trucks had em factory.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

What about replacing the rear view mirror with one that has lights built in?

I know you can buy them after market but I forget what cars/trucks had em factory.

I'm keeping it in mind as well. I'm worried about something farther towards the back though for passengers and my cargo at night. I have plans on taking the Critter on some beach/lake trips and I think it would be great to have some light in the back area.

Oh yeah, I forgot the "L" in "double"

[AJs72K5]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

What about replacing the rear view mirror with one that has lights built in?

I know you can buy them after market but I forget what cars/trucks had em factory.

I don't think they're cheap. And you'd need to run electric up the windshield frame.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

I don't think they're cheap. And you'd need to run electric up the windshield frame.

Correct on both counts but getting power there would be simple.

[bouncytruck]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

What about replacing the rear view mirror with one that has lights built in?

I know you can buy them after market but I forget what cars/trucks had em factory.

I've only seen one of the proper era factory mirrors for sale on ebay in the past and it when for a mint! My '94 Mustang Convertible had lights in the mirrors and I'd assume a lot of other convertibles do as well.

[bouncytruck]

Would this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-69...spagenameZWDVW

[Blizz]

http://www.nifty-stuff.com/mini-tap-light.php

there ya go!

lol...actually that's not a bad idea...you COULD modify it to look more like it belonged. also, i know the tapping part is lame but consider that on most cars, dome lights and/or maplights turn on by clicking/tapping them.

OR
http://www.autobarn.net/syldotit.html