Footwell lighting hack?

[CharlieG]

I think I saw this hack a few years ago, but if I recall it wasn't done too professionally (using a wire all the way up to the "dome" light via the A-pillar).

I searched this site and didn't find anything.

I'm just wondering if this hack could be done OEM style, using a wire to the fusebox (probably shared with the overhead light) and a couple trunk interior light parts. Actually I think there is even more to the $700 option, because I think it also adds a switch to the console?

[wheelie]

Here is the link you speak of.

Footwell light hack

[Orient Express]

I added footwell lighting to my 996 with 2 lamps from VW (the same ones that are used in the trunk and engine compartment) and a power line that runs up the A pillar across the windshield header to the center dome lights. I fabricated a little bracket for each lamp to stick them under the dashboard. Pieces cost about $10 and 2 hours of time.

[CharlieG]

Orient Express, that looks really nice. Did you look into finding where the dome light wire came from, or did you do it with the A-pillar because it was simpler to do?

[ukchris]

Orient Express, that looks really nice. Did you look into finding where the dome light wire came from, or did you do it with the A-pillar because it was simpler to do?

I think I'm becoming your shadow Charlie... this looks so good it's next on my list now too!!

[Orient Express]

Orient Express, that looks really nice. Did you look into finding where the dome light wire came from, or did you do it with the A-pillar because it was simpler to do?

I took the power from the center top dome light because it was the simplest thing to do. The A pillar cover just pops off, and the windshield top header cover comes loose by removing the sun visor. The dome light is held in with 2 screws that are under the little alarm sensor covers.

[ukchris]

Inspired by this post I started my install last night, drivers side is done, it is using a lamp with three ultra bright LEDs in it stuck under the dash and wired to the dome light. It looks brighter in the picture than in real life and also white rather than blue, it's nicely subdued in person. Total cost < $10. Carpets need a clean...!

Lights off:

Lights on:

Chris.

[Richard Hamilton]

Inspired by Chris, and using the same LED's that he used, here's what it looks like on a 996 coupe:

The only minor modification to original was soldering the wires to the circuit board of the interior light:

Looking at the connections in the picture, the one on the right is earth, and the one on the left is 12v.