Where the heck is my engine compartment light?

[mountainbiker]

Hey, where the heck is my engine compartment light?! :(

Who has installed some lights?
Where did you get 'em?
How did you wire 'em?
Where are your pictures?
Shed some light on the subject for me.

[f5fstop]

It seems that the engine compartment lamp is one of the first things to go in a cost cutting climate. But my Jeep didn't have on either:jump

Almost any mercury type lamp will work. Just tap into any wire on the courtesy lamp circuits.

[mountainbiker]

LOL- Now if I just had a battery in my H3 to power one :crying:

Okay, I will have to have a look around online for a light.

[marin8703]

i wired mine with a switch on the hood. Similar to the switches put by alarm installers. Then wired it to make a closed loop when the hood is opened. Goes out when you close it.

Rite now i have a small light bulb, but would like to get one biger. I've been looking for one that would integrate nicely, but havent found one yet.

[jp's-h3]

i wired mine with a switch on the hood. Similar to the switches put by alarm installers. Then wired it to make a closed loop when the hood is opened. Goes out when you close it.

Rite now i have a small light bulb, but would like to get one biger. I've been looking for one that would integrate nicely, but havent found one yet.

Please, give details!
Don't leave us hanging!:D

[fourfourto]

I was also thinking of a light for the engine compartment.

I know the 90's blazers had a retractable factory GM light under the hood.
Its nice and you can bring it over to the wheels if needed.
Its also not that big should be able to be mounted on the pasanger side firewall,If I can find one .

[DDWH]

I was also thinking of a light for the engine compartment.

I know the 90's blazers had a retractable factory GM light under the hood.
Its nice and you can bring it over to the wheels if needed.
Its also not that big should be able to be mounted on the pasanger side firewall,If I can find one .

:iagree: My suburban had one.....wasn't the brightest light, but it was better than nothing....PM partsguy I am sure he can get you the factory one. I just figured it was more of a hassle than it was worth so I just keep a mini mag in my console and a full size one in my recovery box in the back.

[fourfourto]

I found one on ebay,I was looking for one in better condition .

link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-98-Chevy-GMC-Truck-Retractable-Underhood-Light_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42613QQihZ005QQit emZ150047951022QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



Parts guy are these available new ?

[f5fstop]

You could purchase any under hood light from any vehicle. If it was a mercury switch type, you could wire it directly into a constant hot circuit under the hood. That way, it would come on whenever you opened the hood; regardless of ignition switch location.

[DDWH]

I found one on ebay,I was looking for one in better condition .

link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-98-Chevy-GMC-Truck-Retractable-Underhood-Light_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42613QQihZ005QQit emZ150047951022QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



Parts guy are these available new ?

That one looks pretty rough! 442 you might want to PM him.

[DDWH]

You could purchase any under hood light from any vehicle. If it was a mercury switch type, you could wire it directly into a constant hot circuit under the hood. That way, it would come on whenever you opened the hood; regardless of ignition switch location.

Even a toggle switch for non op daytime use would be nice. Just mount it in a place you could flip it even with your eyes closed. Fstop, did gm use mecury switchs on the suburbans, etc?

[marin8703]

Please, give details!
Don't leave us hanging!:D

i got one of these http://www.pfyc.com/pc/GN3007/VTUNDER/Underhood+Light.html .

Then i connected it directly to the battery (added fuse). Interupted the circuit with a pin switch mounted to the right of the radiator, over the driver head light. When the hood is opened the light goes on, when you close it the light goes off.

I might also put a manual switch in there to be able to turn the light off with the hood open during the day. Now that i think of it the light might have one built in, gotta check.

[fourfourto]

i got one of these http://www.pfyc.com/pc/GN3007/VTUNDER/Underhood+Light.html .

Then i connected it directly to the battery (added fuse). Interupted the circuit with a pin switch mounted to the right of the radiator, over the driver head light. When the hood is opened the light goes on, when you close it the light goes off.

I might also put a manual switch in there to be able to turn the light off with the hood open during the day. Now that i think of it the light might have one built in, gotta check.


Thats the same one i was looking for but its new,I will save the link.

[fourfourto]

marin8703 (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/member.php?u=4734) Where did you mount it ,on the firewall or on the hood.
Did you use screws?.
I was thinking maybe using 3m double sided tape.
My friend has one on his blazer and I think there is a switch on it.

[jp's-h3]

Very nice!
ordered mine!
:clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

[marin8703]

marin8703 (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/member.php?u=4734) Where did you mount it ,on the firewall or on the hood.
Did you use screws?.
I was thinking maybe using 3m double sided tape.
My friend has one on his blazer and I think there is a switch on it.

I put it on the hood. Used double sided tape, does a great job. looks pretty good too!:)

[fourfourto]

:iagree: Thats what i was thinking I didnt want to drill holes . did you put it over the battery ?. Any pics

[marin8703]

:iagree: Thats what i was thinking I didnt want to drill holes . did you put it over the battery ?. Any pics

Its not exactly over the battery but it is in that location, i beleive a little further back and to the left, i'll look again tomorow morning. Sorry, no pic, but i'll try and post one by the end of the week.

Does anyone know if 3m double sided tape would have a problem with the heat under the hood. It seems to still be holding strong, but over time could it come off, could the heat make it come off quicker? I'll be checking on it every now and then to make sure its still there.:)

[fourfourto]

I have my garage remote device mounted with 3m on the side of the air box for a year ,it has'nt fallen off yet.:D

I want to mount mine near the battery and air compressor (on top of fuse panel) and dont want to stretch to far to get to it.

[fourfourto]

I put it on the hood. Used double sided tape, does a great job. looks pretty good too!:)


I just picked up a new one on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160057988052

It has a suction cup and a magnet.$35.00 total with shipping:D


Any pics were you mounted it also hows the tape holding.:beerchug:

[marin8703]

i forgot that i said i'll post pics a long time ago, been a little busy with school. mine didnt come with a magnet but if it did i would have used that, would be easier to move around. The tape i used (3m double sided) seems to be hoding up pretty good, but when you kind of pull on it or bump it with something it doesnt seem sturdy, like it can come off, but it hasnt yet.

I mounted it by the battery a little back, kind of over the brake fluid, not over it but a little to the side. Tried to put it so it doesnt hit anything.

Also didnt want to put it far forward on the hood, because when im shutting it its gona feel alot more downward force at the front than near the back, which can cauze it to pop off.

sorry for the huge delay in a picture, it always slips my mind. ill try and remember to take a pic with the phone tomorow or as soon as possible.

how big is the magnet that is used, does it seem sturdy? i might get a magnet and glue it to the light or something.

[marin8703]

oh and by the way 35 bucks shipped is a pretty good deal.:beerchug:

[f5fstop]

i got one of these http://www.pfyc.com/pc/GN3007/VTUNDER/Underhood+Light.html .

Then i connected it directly to the battery (added fuse). Interupted the circuit with a pin switch mounted to the right of the radiator, over the driver head light. When the hood is opened the light goes on, when you close it the light goes off.

I might also put a manual switch in there to be able to turn the light off with the hood open during the day. Now that i think of it the light might have one built in, gotta check.

PFYC is a good place to purchase from. However, I got a kick out of the magnetic based light being sold on the C5 store. Sure would be hard to use the magnet to attach the light to a Corvette Fender....:D

[wpage]

Advance auto has the clip to battery cigarette lighter adapter. $2.69 + the magnetic plug in light with draw cord $6.69 works modular when you need it. Keep mine in a container in the engine compartment for certain times:beerchug:

[fourfourto]

I didnt receive it yet The guy said it has a magnet at the light base and also a suction cup as you can see in the pic of the item.
I will get thin outside 3m double sided tape and mount it on the hood around the same spot as marin8703.

If the tape doesnt hold up ther are spots on the hood were the metal is doubled up and might be screwed to.

I will probobly have it by the weekend.

[fourfourto]

marin8703 I recieved my light .It has the suction cup
(F5 it will work on a vet or the H3 fenders:beerchug: )

and theres a magnet under the light .
I noticed that there are raised tabs on the bottom.(easy to cut off if needed)
Does yours have a flat surface? how did you mount the tape.

I need to pop the hood and find a nice mounting spot.

Not sure if Ill tape it or screw it.Im out of tape so I will need to pick some up.

Maybe on the top of the battery box if it fits then nut/bolt it from the underside of the box.(kinda like the compressor install.)


Pick of the bottom

[fourfourto]

Possible mounting spot, using flush bolt heads from the bottom of the cover

[fourfourto]

Another angle.

Any thoughts on this spot .
It would be firmly mounted.
I dont have time to put it in today and I will be needing some SS bolts/nuts/washers and a fuse.

[marin8703]

i used two pices of double sided tape (back to back) and cut it to fit between the weird tabs (seemed like ti would be a pain to cut those things off, hehe). Im still wondering why mine didnt have a magnet or suction cup, hehe, no biggie. that looks like a good place to mount it. im still trying to post a pic of mine but somehow im comming out retarded on this one. You ordered the thing got it and posted pics and i cant even take a pic yet:o . Oh and that compressor setup is sweet as hell, i want to do that too, they should make that optional from the factory, great job.

[marin8703]

also the H3 sticker on the compresor is a nice touch, looks OEM!!!:perfect10s:

[fourfourto]

also the H3 sticker on the compresor is a nice touch, looks OEM!!!:perfect10s:

Thanks
Its acually Jp's idea:shhh: I did think of the sticker :D

link

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5167

How come you didnt get a magnet or suction cup :confused:

Im going with the battery cover mount,handy spot EZ install can put the loght anywhere anytime.
I picked up some 3/4 inch bolts with small screw heads and a fuse today.
I will probably install it next weekend

[H3PAC]

I took the retractable unit with mercury switch out of my 87 Jeep Cherokee and mounted it on the aft portion of the hood. The height is advantageous - it lights the entire compartment without blinding you. I'll grab some pics tomorrow and post.

[fourfourto]

I mounted the light:excited: .On top off the battery cover seems to be a nice firm mounting surface .I mounted it with 3 flat top bolts(painted black) with washers from the underside of the cover.
I used a dab of silicone to seal it and lock tight on the nut.

A lesson learned, when hooking the battery back up make sure you disable the auto start or it starts up unexpectedly:eek:
There is a warning sticker above the radiator:twak:

[fourfourto]

Very handy, light cord is 20 feet long.
Unplugs easy for battery cover removal.

I also measured the factory battery

7 inches high
9 inched long
6.75 inches wide

Do they make a optimum battery in that size?

Im running out of room under the hood:giggling:

side view