Boot light - alternative location (DIY)

25357 Views 27 Replies 16 Participants Last post by strelnik, Jan 21, 2020

cubefx

Discussion Starter · Jan 6, 2009 (Edited)

4

Here is my take on boot light.

I used boot dome light from late 80's Blazer I picked up few month ago for a couple of bucks when I was visiting local junk yard.

Instead installing it on the celling, I decided to put it on passenger side of the boot area. I have factory light installed in my Pt Cruiser in the similar location and never have any problems with it.

Here we go......

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cubefx

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 6, 2009

8

Here is wiring diagram.

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Cut the hole in the cover for the light.

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Thickness of the cover was not enough so I added another layer of plastic, so the light will fit snug. I also installed plug from Radio Shack for quick disconnecting.

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This is the ground point I used. You can find it on the driver side of the boot floor.

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Fuse installed.

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Connected to the constant 12V.

Took about 30 minutes.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

CUBE

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forestacademy

· #3 · Jan 6, 2009

Dang man, You make it so much more simple than other ideas. Its not like this thing will be much of a current draw when it is only on once in a blue moon. Unloading Cargo at night is something that happens, but not all that often.
As always, Nice work Cube

Reactions: 1

Wdhitch

· #4 · Jan 6, 2009

Great alternative!!!

mvaldes

· #5 · Jan 6, 2009

Another very cool and informative DIY, thanks!

jandjcs

· #6 · Jan 6, 2009

seems to be also possible for the cabrio. Can it be done on both sides? (do not have my smart yet :-( )

tovilin

· #7 · Jan 6, 2009

That is a great mod. Would it be too difficult to make it so that it lights up automatically when the rear door is opened? Maybe using the power source from the light in the front?

10632

· #8 · Jan 6, 2009

Nicely done alternative, especially for those Cabrio owners. My only concern with the placement is the ease of burying the light under cargo too easily, and its vulnerable placement to shifting stuff. But that is based on the stuff I carry.
Thanks, especially for taking the time to document so well!:worship::worship:

Evilution

· #9 · Jan 6, 2009

Nice idea, I did something similar to another smart using a front courtesy light from a 450, it wasn't as bright though and the switch was easy to accidentally knock.

cubefx

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 8, 2009

jandjcs said:
seems to be also possible for the cabrio. Can it be done on both sides? (do not have my smart yet :-( )

I do not see why not. You could easily install two of them and make them both light up from one switch or individually.

CUBE

cubefx

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 8, 2009

2

Evilution said:
Nice idea, I did something similar to another smart using a front courtesy light from a 450, it wasn't as bright though and the switch was easy to accidentally knock.

That is why I decided to use this light. Switch is recessed and it would be very hard to accidentally activate it.

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CUBE

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JazJon

· #12 · Aug 24, 2013 (Edited)

cubefx said:
That is why I decided to use this light. Switch is recessed and it would be very hard to accidentally activate it.

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CUBE

I'm ready to put one in, where did you buy that switch? (what do I search for?)

EDIT: Oh Duh, CUBEFX is the OP! I thought page 2 was different my bad.

jwight

· #13 · Aug 24, 2013

From post #1:

I used boot dome light from late 80's Blazer I picked up few month ago for a couple of bucks when I was visiting local junk yard.

JazJon

· #14 · Aug 24, 2013 (Edited)

jwight said:
From post #1:

Thanks, but I'm interested in the recessed one cubefx got if at all possible. If I can't find one recessed, I'll just get the 80's Blazer one

I'm going to email a few junk yard / online places

EDIT: Oh Duh, CUBEFX is the OP! I thought page 2 was different my bad.

JazJon

· #15 · Aug 24, 2013

Should I just keep it simple with option 2, or is option 1 possible? (three way switch)

Option 1) I'm interested in a 3 way switch.
(always on, on only when door opens, off)

Option 2) I'll take a single switch one if it's all I can find. (hard wired on/off) recessed is best in this case

Option 3) No switch at all works too, I'd have to make it only turn on when the door, or switch up front activates it)

Here's what I found so far.
Option 1)
Rear Reading Dome Map Light VW Passat 90-97 B3 B4 GLX
95 97 Blazer Jimmy Bravada Rear Dome Light | eBay

Option 2)
95-97 BLAZER JIMMY BRAVADA REAR DOME LIGHT
Rear Reading Dome MAP Light VW Passat 90 97 B3 B4 GLX | eBay

Option 3)
Plenty of those out there
2004 Chevy S 10 Blazer ZR2 4 3L Rear Cargo Hatch Dome Light Complete W Wires OEM | eBay

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JazJon

· #16 · Aug 24, 2013

So yeah I found CUBEFX's Blazer light, but I'm leaning towards the Three-Way so I can leave it in mode: (door open/accessory on up front) That way I don't leave it on by mistake. It will also then turn on when I open the trunk without even having to reach for it.

The switch isn't as recessed, but it appears flatter over all from what I see.
Google part 3A0947303

But just to double check and not assume, is the CUBEFX's light switch on/off, or is it accessory (always on, accessory on, off)?
It looks like on/off

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JazJon

· #17 · Aug 25, 2013 (Edited)

3

I slept on it, re-thought it through. I think the On/Off makes more sense actually. When "On" it will be on only if the Accessory light is active from the door or trunk open. Off will rarely be used. This one looks more Stock and is cheaper anyway. (done and done)

"95-97 BLAZER JIMMY BRAVADA REAR DOME LIGHT" for $16 free shipping.

Next I'll be hunting down a compatible LED Bulb to match the one I replaced up front. (to keep the same color temperature) I crammed in a 4210-xHP6: 6 High Power LED Festoon Bulb (Warm White) in the front Dome Light.
4210-xHPx High Power LED Festoon Bulbs Specifications

Here are 3 LED Choices for my future Trunk light mod, 2 are exact fits, 1 is special.
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada Trunk Cargo Area LED Lights | LED Replacement Bulbs for Cars | 12v | Super Bright LEDs

The special one looks the most interesting!
30 High Power LED Rectangle PCB Lamp w/ Festoon Base | Festoon Base Bulbs | LED Car Bulbs | Super Bright LEDs

I found the best deal on quick disconnects ($2.59 free 2 day prime shipping)
Allstar Performance ALL76232 Universal Two Wire Connector with 12” Loop by Allstar

via @amazon

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Duckhunter

· #18 · Aug 25, 2013

I just put a second smart dome light in the center of the top roof trim piece. Ran three wires to the front light. Both work with doors or by the switch. Looks stock. Ebay for the light and asked to get the wiring pigtail from the seller that took it from the junk smart.

JazJon

· #19 · Sep 2, 2013 (Edited)

Duckhunter said:
I just put a second smart dome light in the center of the top roof trim piece. Ran three wires to the front light. Both work with doors or by the switch. Looks stock. Ebay for the light and asked to get the wiring pigtail from the seller that took it from the junk smart.

Having Light from above is definitely the the way go for non Convertible smarts.

I just received my Blazer cargo light (looks identical to cubefx)

I'm waiting for some digital calipers to arrive so I don't mess up the measurements. (I need them for another DashCam project as well)

My new SuperBrightLEDS order arrived too, I got the 30 LED High Power one. I liked it so much I already put it in my main Dome light. I'll use the left over 6 High Power bulb in the new trunk light fixture or possibly get another 30 LED one as well if I want it brighter. (both are warm white)

So yeah I'm going to mount the fixture in the same exact vertical spot as cubefx. I'm going to practice on a piece of cardboard first to make sure I get the cut perfect. I'll have to add extra material to allow the slip clips to hold tight as well.

I'll throw up a youtube video when it's complete. That will showcase better on how well it lights up the back.

JazJon

· #20 · Sep 10, 2013

I just started making a template tonight. Mine is shaped different. (not square, two parts)

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