Under hood lights
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 2
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Under hood lights
Hi,first post
i have an 86 corvette convertible and am looking to put a switch for the lights under the hood. I had to cut out the connection due to it being totally eroded. I figure it’s a good time to put a switch in but figured I’d get some advise from others.
thanks
i have an 86 corvette convertible and am looking to put a switch for the lights under the hood. I had to cut out the connection due to it being totally eroded. I figure it’s a good time to put a switch in but figured I’d get some advise from others.
thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 583
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From: Wisconsin
Venders do sell a kit. Here is an example:
https://www.mamotorworks.com/corvett...92fAdllm6RyS7I
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Pro
Joined: May 2017
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From: Wisconsin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 314
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From: VT
I don't think the battery would be drained by the underhood trouble lights such that the car wouldn't start unless the hood is up and lights on for 24 hours plus. unlikely scenario probably, but if the job enters the 12th hour one could simply unplug the lights to play it safe. at least I can on my '86.
https://www.electra-hellas.gr/en/car...ight-what-now/
https://www.electra-hellas.gr/en/car...ight-what-now/
Pro
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From: Wisconsin
Pro
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 614
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From: OK
My early 86 has the mercury switches in the under hood lights, pretty sure they all did unless there was an actual switch somewhere to turn them off with the hood closed at some point.
You used to see mercury switches in cars a lot till the EPA got all hot about it years ago.
I also added some weatherproof pushbutton switches down in the place where the connectors are on each side since the hood is open so often for extended periods (yeah..)
It's a low amp deal so just breaking one of the legs with a decent little switch works fine.
You used to see mercury switches in cars a lot till the EPA got all hot about it years ago.
I also added some weatherproof pushbutton switches down in the place where the connectors are on each side since the hood is open so often for extended periods (yeah..)
It's a low amp deal so just breaking one of the legs with a decent little switch works fine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,135
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From: Joplin, MO, USA
Pretty simple-cut the hot (probably red) wire to the light about an inch away from it. The switch has 2 wires coming from it. Put one wire from the switch on each side of the switch wires.to each end of the cut wire. The switch shuts off current to the light. Solder if you can, and use heat shrink tubing.