Alternate t-top map lights.

[pat83t]

Well I finally got it all finished up except a little trim work. Everyone I have seen has used the newer style rearview mirror with the map lights built in for thier t-top cars. I decided to break away from the masses and I found a set that seemed to work fairly easy. Only downside was I had to cut my center plastic trim on my t-bar and trim the back of the lights where the stock plug goes in. The lights I used are from a late 80's 300zx. It looks pretty bad azz. I will post a link to some pics tomorrow evening. As for wiring I just had to run a ground and tap into the main orange wire that runs inside that t-bar.

 

[pat83t]

Well, here is the updated pics. Hope you enjoy it or it is atleast some food for thought.

http://pat83t.tripod.com/my83t/id20.html

 

[TDS-84]

That is rather interesting. Looks like you did a pretty good job on that install.

Personally, I would be afraid to cut that center piece of trim, unless I had another, just in case.

Nice work, though.

 

[S1NISTER 87GN]

that install looks really good. has that factory look, which is when you know you had a good idea. do you have it wired to work when the doors open also or just by the switches only?

 

[pat83t]

I wanted to have it operate when the doors open also but for now it is just set up to operate on the switches alone. I have shown some people and point to the map lights and say "see what I did" and their usually response is "what?????" Then I have to inform them that the t-top cars never came with lights there. Of course that is from people that don't know regals or have never really seen into a t-top regal before.

Thanx for the compliments. I was real skeptical about cutting that piece without a back-up but it turned out in my favor. The main thing is just to make sure you get it lined up where you want it before cutting.

 

[gn85]

Thinking about lights coming on with the door..

First off, let me say that is a really clean job. I don't have t-tops, but my father's Monte does. That might be a project I would consider.

As for the door opening and turning on the lights. I was just thinking how that'd be wired. Can you tell me if the switch for the map lights is on the hot-side then the bulb and ground or on the ground side??

Great work... and ingenuity.

 

[pat83t]

The switch is on the hot side. You would almost have to run a second hotline to the bulbs direct that would be triggered by the white wire that runs through the t-bar. (The white wire is the hot for the rear inside coupe lights.)