Under Hood Lights

[ShadowRaven]

So I was researching about this mod on Google earlier and I stumbled across two options: Hood pin switch or a mercury tilt switch. Any thoughts on which you prefer/think would be better? I'm leaning more towards the tilt switch due to it being easier, but i think the pin switch would be an overall better investment. What do you guys think?

 

[97sprt4x4]

i would see if you could pull one from a 95-01 explorer, i know mine has one from the factory, comes in handy when wrenching as most things takes longer then you expect. but if you decide to make your own, i would use the hood switch because the tilt switch could possibly get tripped when your off roading, or if you park on a hill and drain your battery if it's not set up perfectly.

justin

Or maybe it's just my truck....?

 

[Blazepet7]

thats a great idea being that there is no light under the hood im sure a few of us would like to do this mod lets see how its done, write up! write up!...i personally like the mercury idea

 

[ShadowRaven]

Well, while searching earlier I found these two examples:

http://www.skyroadster.com/forums/f5/how-under-hood-oznium-leds-hood-pin-switch-31287/

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-faq-howto-area/44658-under-hood-light-mod.html

And that's where I got the initial idea from. They both look like they would work well, as long as everything was done right, but you're right with the mercury possibly getting a little crazy. I was thinking of leaving a switch in-line on the positive as well tho, kind of like a backup method of ensuring it's on only when I want it on. I'm gonna take a peek under my hood tomorrow and see exactly what I'm up against, so I'll let you guys know what I decide.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

gmc/chey full size trucks, and blazers used to have a really neat under hood light. they had them on the late 80's and early to mid 90's. they had a recoil in them that allowed you to reach all the way to the back of the truck, and had a magnet on them so you could stick it on any metal surface. also, it had a switch on it, so you could turn it on or off when needed. it was a simple hook up as well, two wires (- and +) and attached with 3 screws. if you want a picture, i will post one up later. i snagged one from work, and just have to find some time to put it in.

 

[ShadowRaven]

Definitely man, see about getting that pic up! Any idea what it's called, so that maybe I could search eBay or Google for one myself?

 

[jad2411]

There are a lot on ebay like the ones VZZ mentions, just look for under hood light on ebay, I actually looked last week they run for ~$40, I just haven't checked for a good spot to mount it, but as soon as I have some spare $ I'll be getting one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ligh...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2556fe870a

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chev...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4ceb910f46

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-R...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ca70d5ed2

 

[jad2411]

Ok $18 I had so I just got me one, in the 3rd link hehehe

 

[ShadowRaven]

Ok $18 I had so I just got me one, in the 3rd link hehehe

Haha, good find sir. I'm wondering though, I have a boatload of extra white LEDs lying around not doing me any good (I got lazy on my LED interior upgrade so I'm wondering, do you think they would be bright enough to work for this application? I can't remember the MCD rating, but if I recall, it's pretty up there.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

Ok $18 I had so I just got me one, in the 3rd link hehehe

yep, thats them! i had forgotten about them. then one day, i remembered about them while at work. low and behold, a truck came in, and it was still in it. thats the advantage of working at a scrap yard!

 

[ShadowRaven]

yep, thats them! i had forgotten about them. then one day, i remembered about them while at work. low and behold, a truck came in, and it was still in it. thats the advantage of working at a scrap yard!

So these are like lights on a retractable line, kind of like a tape measurer? This really does intrigue me, it would be nice to have two of those on the hood, hell yea.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

So these are like lights on a retractable line, kind of like a tape measurer? This really does intrigue me, it would be nice to have two of those on the hood, hell yea.

yes, they are retractable. you wouldn't need two of them, they will go the full length and a little more of the vehicle.

 

[ShadowRaven]

yes, they are retractable. you wouldn't need two of them, they will go the full length and a little more of the vehicle.

Oh, all right. How do they wire up? Can I wire right into a constant 12v with an inline switch? Or do they use mercury tilt switches?

 

[vroomzoomboom]

they wire direct into a 12v source. you can even go to your battery. i would put a fuse in line as well just to be safe. you will not need a switch because there is one on the light itself. there are only two wires. + and -, with no mercury switch.

 

[Maniak]

I have an old GM retractable one that I am going to install (I forgot I had it until this thread reminded me)

I would "personally" add a mercury switch or hood pin so that it is only possible to turn on when the hood is open. Otherwise, you could accidentally leave it turned on when you close the hood. I can't think of any reason you would want it on with the hood closed.


~Mark

 

[vroomzoomboom]

those lights where the best thing gm ever made.

 

[ShadowRaven]

those lights where the best thing gm ever made.

Heck yea, man, I'm sold. I'm gonna purchase one of these when I get home from work tonight. Good lookin out guys!

 

[jad2411]

Guy I got it from has over 10 available, at $18 shipped (to my location) it was a good deal

 

[99SportX]

That GM light is one of the cheesiest things ever. lol

We put a similar unit on some of the machines at work.

 

[XLT]

Maybe i will have to pick one of the gm lights up. I cant believe my 98 sport doesnt have an under hood light (unless if someone removed it). Even my 93 x had one.