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'03 Under Hood Lights
- Thread starter wyrickre
- Start date
Here's the lights I used. ?Available at most auto parts stores. ?You do have to modify them slightly...
For additional protection where the wires come out the side, I used heat shrink tubing to cover the wires. This has the added benefit of having only one thicker wire visible between the edge of light and where it disappears behind the insulation.
For additional protection where the wires come out the side, I used heat shrink tubing to cover the wires. This has the added benefit of having only one thicker wire visible between the edge of light and where it disappears behind the insulation.
Attachments
beaker
Full Member
Very nice job. What wire did you tap into for the power?
I haven't looked closely enough before but am definitely interested in doing this.
I haven't looked closely enough before but am definitely interested in doing this.
I just ran a new line to the battery. I used a nice, weather resistant inline fuse (3 Amp, smallest I had). If you look at the first picture, the power line runs right along the ground strap that goes between the hood and the engine compartment.
T
Torrance
GUEST
I agree. Very profesional job. It seems odd that GM removed the light. I guess it was a cost saving thing.
$5 a vehicle times say 100,00 vehicles = 1/2 million dollars! (a year) Thre more sold, the more savings.
Here is an interesting tidbit. I was once told the reason for side terminals on car batteries was to allow a shorter run on the required copper cable. Saves a few inches on each vehicle. It adds up to millions of $s over the years.
Please let us know where you tapped in for power.
Thanks
$5 a vehicle times say 100,00 vehicles = 1/2 million dollars! (a year) Thre more sold, the more savings.
Here is an interesting tidbit. I was once told the reason for side terminals on car batteries was to allow a shorter run on the required copper cable. Saves a few inches on each vehicle. It adds up to millions of $s over the years.
Please let us know where you tapped in for power.
Thanks
Excellent job Rewbob. The General could take a few pointers from you!
I agree, awesome job. Looks good, doesn't cost much, easy to do, and is very functional. Them kind of mods get a "A" on the CAFCNA scorecard for reasons to be here. Thanks for the pics and the documentation!
I decided it was high time I gave something back to this great community!
Well, I finally tested them at night 
They are definitely better than nothing... They are functional, but I still wish they were brighter. I'm hoping that a bulb swap will suffice.
They are definitely better than nothing... They are functional, but I still wish they were brighter. I'm hoping that a bulb swap will suffice.I had an older GM truck that had an OEM retractable magnetic light that mounted under the hood. ?You could pull the cord out and it would extend to the back tires if you wanted it to. ?Then you just had to roll it back up. ?I had to use it one night to change a tire on a dark road and it was great. ?
Nice mod, I might try it on my 02!
Nice mod, I might try it on my 02!
I thought the '02 already had an under hood light. Anyone?
02 does have the light - it was removed from the 03
outlw
Full Member
did the 2002's have the hood light
If so any one have a picture
If so any one have a pictureOkay, I've done some research on higher wattage bulbs for this.... It comes with what I can only assume are type 194 bulbs (3W). So far, the highest wattage bulb I can find that is an exact match in size/shape is the 168 or the 2825. They are both 5W. Does anyone know of an even brighter bulb? The 906/921 (9W/18W) style bulbs have the same wedge shaped base and do plug in, but the covers of my lights cannot be put on because the bulb is too large.
Rewbob, great mod and a good solution. I was also wondering about what has already been asked... "What does the OEM light on the 02's look like?" I'd bet the connectors and vacant plug are probably still there. What type of lights do they use? Has anyone got a pic they can post of us... or can take one and post it?
You COULD run with the covers off as there's not much under the hood that would ever damage the lights. But will look better with the cover on I'm sure.Rewbob said:
Nice install.
TXAVy said:
I had considered that. But it turns out that the 5 Watt bulbs are bright enough to satisfy me. Yes, it would be nice if they were even brighter, but I'm happy with them now. I've also considered adding two more lights at the bottom of the hood.
ToyGun
Full Member
VERRRY COOL, Huntched over the engine at night dose you body cast a shadow?
Over what you are working on that is.
Over what you are working on that is.
That would depend on where you are hunching.... This is more for the casual use of jumping a Ford or Dodge. Or maybe if I wanted to check my fluids at night.... If you want to do major repairs in the dark, I suggest removing the covers, going with the 906 or 921 bulbs (10 and 18 Watt, I think) and adding an extra set mounted lower on the hood to avoid shadows. Then you'd have plenty of light. You'd be up to about a 6 amp draw, though. If I knew more about batteries, I could tell you how long the battery would last at a 6 amp draw
Or maybe if I wanted to check my fluids at night.... If you want to do major repairs in the dark, I suggest removing the covers, going with the 906 or 921 bulbs (10 and 18 Watt, I think) and adding an extra set mounted lower on the hood to avoid shadows. Then you'd have plenty of light. You'd be up to about a 6 amp draw, though. If I knew more about batteries, I could tell you how long the battery would last at a 6 amp draw colonelmotox
Full Member
Beautiful job- professional to the 'ninth degree. I asked when I bought the '03 where was the light and the dealership had no idea- [they just work there and selll units]. I also had one of those lights on a rope coil things in last truck and it was a savior on more than one occasion. Your solutions is well timed. Thanks. {although I do not know why anybody would want to do this just to jump Fords and Dodges unless you run a wrecker service]. Wonderful pics help the rest of us.