Convertible interior lighting
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Convertible interior lighting
Guys,
I tried searching the forums but with this topic I didnt have much luck. I have 71 convertible that is a black car, black top, black interior. I cant see ANYTHING inside the car at night, save for the gauges. Even when I turn on the kick panel/back light. Has anybody installed a replacement mirror with map lights built in? My other idea was to remove the upper windshield pad, notch some holes in it, and install some courtesy lighting there that could be wired in with the current interior lights. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Richard
I tried searching the forums but with this topic I didnt have much luck. I have 71 convertible that is a black car, black top, black interior. I cant see ANYTHING inside the car at night, save for the gauges. Even when I turn on the kick panel/back light. Has anybody installed a replacement mirror with map lights built in? My other idea was to remove the upper windshield pad, notch some holes in it, and install some courtesy lighting there that could be wired in with the current interior lights. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Richard
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,800
Likes: 1,943
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Guys,
I tried searching the forums but with this topic I didnt have much luck. I have 71 convertible that is a black car, black top, black interior. I cant see ANYTHING inside the car at night, save for the gauges. Even when I turn on the kick panel/back light. Has anybody installed a replacement mirror with map lights built in? My other idea was to remove the upper windshield pad, notch some holes in it, and install some courtesy lighting there that could be wired in with the current interior lights. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Richard
I tried searching the forums but with this topic I didnt have much luck. I have 71 convertible that is a black car, black top, black interior. I cant see ANYTHING inside the car at night, save for the gauges. Even when I turn on the kick panel/back light. Has anybody installed a replacement mirror with map lights built in? My other idea was to remove the upper windshield pad, notch some holes in it, and install some courtesy lighting there that could be wired in with the current interior lights. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Richard
I don't take my car out at night my car is scared of the dark.........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I know what you mean, I have a 71 vert also with black top and interior and it is dark. The kick panel lights are worthless for seeing anything above the floor. Should have had a "dome" light on the upper windshield frame.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 0
From: midlothian texas
Guys,
I tried searching the forums but with this topic I didnt have much luck. I have 71 convertible that is a black car, black top, black interior. I cant see ANYTHING inside the car at night, save for the gauges. Even when I turn on the kick panel/back light. Has anybody installed a replacement mirror with map lights built in? My other idea was to remove the upper windshield pad, notch some holes in it, and install some courtesy lighting there that could be wired in with the current interior lights. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Richard
I tried searching the forums but with this topic I didnt have much luck. I have 71 convertible that is a black car, black top, black interior. I cant see ANYTHING inside the car at night, save for the gauges. Even when I turn on the kick panel/back light. Has anybody installed a replacement mirror with map lights built in? My other idea was to remove the upper windshield pad, notch some holes in it, and install some courtesy lighting there that could be wired in with the current interior lights. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Richard
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Thanks for the funny feedback. I have a mirror (windshield mount) that has lamps, but i just like how the factory mirror mounts so much better.
Does anyone know if anyone else here has made an attempt at tackling this before?
Does anyone know if anyone else here has made an attempt at tackling this before?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I may be missing something here, but what do you need to see? Courtesy lights should be enough to get the key in the ignition. Once the engine is running and the lights are on, you should be able to see all you need to see. Gauges, glove box, stereo, heat/AC controls, etc. are all illuminated.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Well, I tend to drop my cell phone, fumbling for the radio remote, the garage door opener - the pliers and screwdrivers I carry with me, whatever replacement parts are on the passenger seat, my good luck roll of electrical tape, etc etc.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
I am in the same car as you...can't see $hit at night when I need to find something that is not attached to the car such as my cell phone, extra keys, etc. I just had my entire interior redone and we installed HomeLink which works great to eliminate the need for a garage door remote, but I am still loosing my other things. I keep having to call my myself to listen for the ringing to figure out where in the vette is my cell or blackberry. I am now thinking of running a very small dome light just above the rear view mirror that would come on with the courtesy lights.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
My lucky roll of electrical tape is in my toolbox in the garage.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
You would have to get creative, but find you 2 very small LED spots. I am talking 1/4 inch diameter. you could install them in the plastic windshield trim over the driver and passenger seat. Hide the wires behind the framework and wire them into the interior kick panel supply. It's just an idea, but I think it would work. Would be almost invisible unless illuminated.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 0
From: midlothian texas
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Tell me about it. I added the lincolm mark viii fan, bosch heavy duty relay, hot rod air, aftermarket kenwood radio w sirius tuner, deville alternator, quick battery disconnect - I have so many drawings on my laminated wiring diagram it isnt funny! Probably why I have a lucky roll of electrical tape.
Do small LED lights use a regular 12v power source? I have never messed w them before, but it sounds like a good idea that will be very subtle if not invisible.
Do small LED lights use a regular 12v power source? I have never messed w them before, but it sounds like a good idea that will be very subtle if not invisible.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
http://www.theledlight.com/northstar.html
This electrical stuff is way over my head...but take a look at these....?
"quote"...press it in and your done......???
Just install and wire em up...?
This electrical stuff is way over my head...but take a look at these....?
"quote"...press it in and your done......???
Just install and wire em up...?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I thought that was a good idea - to mount some leds on the convertible soft top plastic liner that surrounds to clamps.
Leds? Have a look at www.superbrightleds.com/mini_tubes.htm
Also in general look at the stuff at superbrightleds.
Leds? Have a look at www.superbrightleds.com/mini_tubes.htm
Also in general look at the stuff at superbrightleds.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Twin Lake Mi
We have the saddle interior in our 70. It's a night mare trying to find the heater controls at night if it cools down too much. I can phsically locate the dials & switches but to see where things are at in the window is not possible while driving. It just doesn't light the control window up enough. If I stop & get a closer look, I can just barely see where it's set. I don't use it enough to remember which way to turn the dials.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
I'm going to dive into the LED thing next week, I will document my work and share it w all as soon as its ready to go. I figure Ill place a few leds either in the top windshield piece. Thanks for the idea.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
My 71 vert has a light in the luggage area that comes on when the doors are open, or you turn the light rheostat all the way. Its of no value of course when the top is folded. Also have lighting under the dash. If you want to add some switchable lighting, Get a rear view mirror with a map light (available as an option in 74 for sure and more than likely other years). Looks right, and no cutting up interior pieces. Another option might be to install later model C3 sunvisors with vanity mirrors.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I installed a mirror with map lights from a Pontiac Sunfire. It fit the mount perfectly, and I tapped into the courtesy light circuit so they come on when the doors open. I just pulled down the T-panel above your head, and tapped into the orange and white wires leading to the dome light. I cut a small opening at the front by the glass for the wire to feed through, and it all worked great. Make sure you get the wire and pigtail when you order your lighted mirror. I got mine off Ebay for $9 and shipped for another $5.