[AdrenaliNate]

Here's my latest mini-mod.
I've been looking for an easy/cheap solution for an engine bay light. I liked the idea of LED strips under the hood but didn't care for the cost or zip-tying. Also, I wanted to be able to move light around in case I needed it in a specific location...here's what I came up with.

1.I purchased this Electro-Tek 12v 10w magnetic-mount light with 10 foot retractable power cord at KMart for $3. I actually bought 2. I might add the other later.

2. Cut off the cigarette lighter adapter. Unscrewed unit and painted it black with Plasti-dip rattle can paint.

3. Dremeled dummy switch to install lighted mini switch (Pepboys)

4. Added an add-a-circuit ($7 Autozone) to the 10amp washer fuse and added a 3amp fuse for the light. Wired to power terminal on switch. Only hot fuse without ignition is the 20amp turn signal fuse (too big for add-a-circuit :thumbdown).

5. Grounded switch behind kick panel.

6. Split ground (black) and power wires (black with white stripe) of light and run power wire to accessory terminal of switch.

All basic wiring but thought I'd write it out for those unfamiliar.

7. Ground black wire of light to threaded hole (8mm bolt). Need to add wire loom to *********** wire.

8. Magnet holds light behind the engine fuse box. Clears hood struts and never moves.

9. Flip dash switch and enjoy plenty of light wherever you want it. All 10' feet of it for only a few bucks. :naughty:

Photo with NO flash.

 

[ilovetacos]

Cool idea! How strong is the magnet?

 

[AdrenaliNate]

Strong enough to put it wherever you'd like. It hasn't moved an inch while driving where I have it located behind the fuse box. I might tucked it down in the corner near the engine wall if I was off roading.

 

[DrifterFreak210]

Great idea man. If you dont have another place in the bay for the other light, you could use it as a bed light, i know quite a few people have done mods for that.

 

[AdrenaliNate]

Great idea man. If you dont have another place in the bay for the other light, you could use it as a bed light, i know quite a few people have done mods for that.

That's what I was thinking. I already have two 55w driving lights in the front cubbies but I could use something small in one of the cubbies near the tailgate.

 

[Zero-7]

wow...clever! props...

 

[RitcheyRch]

Thats awesome

 

[socalman22]

Nice mod indeed i bought a light like that at harborfrieght cheap in price and works really good.

 

[mjonags32]

pretty innovative Nate :clap:

 

[humanoid]

Nice job!

 

[JUNGLEMAN]

I like it!
I need to do this. My friends truck has a retractable mini light mounted on the inside of his hood, came stock like that, has a button switch that activates when you open the hood.

Would have been nice to have had something the other morning besides a mini mag held in my mouth when I had a "minor" malfuktion

 

[AdrenaliNate]

My little light came in handy last night when I needed to jump start someone without nearby lights. It was also nice not having to have one hand on my Mag. :clap:

I bet you'll all be wishing you ran to KMart for my little $3 light the next time you find yourself poking around under your hood in the dark. :naughty:

 

[scottie9982]

cool idea. i like that you can move it around and the cord is retractable

 

[PiercedTiger]

Nice! I need to stop by K-mart this week! (wonder if it's at Wal-mart or Advanced Auto since I need to find one of those Light Busters for my 7-pin too) I might just add a cig plug under the hood instead though. That way I can run my 2-mill. CP spot light from the front too.

 

[AdrenaliNate]

I might just add a cig plug under the hood instead though. That way I can run my 2-mill. CP spot light from the front too.

Originally, I was also going to add a cig outlet under the hood but I wasn't in the mood to wire in an outlet AND a switch and have it all look "factory".
I don't have too many accessories that I use under the hood that require a cig outlet.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Originally, I was also going to add a cig outlet under the hood but I wasn't in the mood to wire in an outlet AND a switch and have it all look "factory".
I don't have too many accessories that I use under the hood that require a cig outlet.

Looks good, but I'm running out of room for switches! :lol: And I don't even have my OBA/train horn setup I want, winch bumper or extra lights. Only cig plug thing I have at the moment is that spot light so it's mainly for that, or in case I have something else. I was just thinking it would be easier to just run one wire from the battery to the plug, then ground it on the frame. Drill 2 holes, 2 rivets, and it's done.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Oh, hope you don't mind, I stole your write up!

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods-8.html#post60443

 

[bobad]

Looks good, but I'm running out of room for switches! :lol:

Wonder if a mercury switch would work? It could positioned where the lights would turn on when the hood is raised beyond ~45deg.

 

[wilbret]

My old Chevy had an under hood light that had about 20 feet of cord on a reel, so you could use it to change a rear tire, for instance.

It was a brilliant idea... anybody ever think of installing something like that?

 

[PiercedTiger]

Wonder if a mercury switch would work? It could positioned where the lights would turn on when the hood is raised beyond ~45deg.

I would just be concerned parking on hills. The hood is sloped so that will add to whatever angle the truck is parked on. I have the same light in this thread, the light was on over night once, and I couldn't start the truck. I had to adjust the pin switch to make better contact.

So I know it's possible for that one light to kill you battery. Park on a steep street, or trail all day while hunting, or trails while camping and you might not be driving out the next morning.