Anyone here install a Tap Light in their rear cargo area? that idea came to me as i was lookin for a new light bulb in my local hardware store.

 

It makes perfect sense.

 

think it would be wired in instead of battery powered ??
if we could do that it would rock !!

 

Should be easy enough to tap into a 12V line somewhere (one that's hot even when the ignition is off -- like the one to the hatch lock popper) and wire it to the battery contacts on the light.

But, then, if you'e going to hardwire something, there are many other choices for lights, like a nice bright driving light.

 

I bought a second stock Scion xB dome light and will be mounting in the rear ceiling wired to the center dome light. The idea was created by 'Piston' and is documented in the following thread:

Nice bright rear hatch/Trunk Light

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9710

Toyota Part # 81240-12060 Cost: about $37

Unfortunately, Piston's link to his excellent photo of the mounted light does not seem to be working any more. :D RPM

 

I'd like to hear of any additional ideas on improving the interior lighting. The one little stock dome light is anemic and does very little to illuminate the interior when opening a door at night.

 

Thats a pretty cool idea.
I would try to wire it though.
Those things eat batteries!

 

here's an idea, what about some recessed lights from a conversion van ??
wired to the dome light would be fairly easy i think.

 

yeah maybe use a rechargeable battery?

 

Check the RV store. You should be able to get many different ones even fluorescent.

 

humm cool. They have some at my local saveon for like 3 bucks. I have 1 in my closet. The batterys last for like a year. And i use it once a day. So in a scion the batts will prob last like 6 months or so

 

my idea was to use some white cold cathode tubes... you can get 4 and 6 inch varieties for just about $10 each... then just mount them behind the bulb access grilles... it might cast a funny light due to the slats in the grille, but I think it might work...

http://www.elwirecheap.com/si6winco.html

 

dang yall just come up with the greatest ideas..........

 

aside from a relatively unattractive taplight being stuck to your interior, I found the easiest really is just to order a 2nd stock interior dome light and wire in-line with the other one.

I got mine for $24 from the dealer. Someone mentioned that there's was $37, but I belive that was an online price they'd gotten.

 

I was thinking of getting a second stock light and mounting it on the panel on the interior of the tailgate. That way, i'd have light at night in the rear when the tailgate is open.

 

why stop there??

hella fogs, marine style remote spot light...

anything under 1,000,000 candle power is just a waste of time...

 

how did u install a new dome light? i would be afraid of messin up my headligner. Did u just cut into it??? do u have pics?

 

Carefully read the following 2 page thread:

Nice bright rear hatch/Trunk Light
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9710

Yes, you cut a hole in the headliner. A good pic is now available in the above thread showing both lights on. It looks stock and great! Some do-it-themselves; others have the work done by a professional. Basically, you remove dome light, tap the wires, cut new hole, fish the wires, then connect and reassemble. That's it.

My xB is at the accessories shop today and tomorrow getting cruise control, tint, 2nd dome light install, engine temp gauge and other misc mods. I miss my baby... ... and I can't wait to get it back with all the cool stuff. RPM

 

I purchased mine from my Scion/Toyota dealer. It was not $37 as I had thought. Instead, after checking my invoice, it was:

$30.28 List Price

$27.25 My Price (after 10% Customer Discount) + tax.

It required a special order. RPM

 

Sorry, I have NO pics - never feel like doing them but someone above posted a link - use that. It's not hard to do as far as wiring goes. If you were keeping a stock headliner (like 99% of people) just cut a hole I assume.

My headliner is slicked hard 'glass and painted the same color as the box - so I had plenty of opportunity to place a light and cut holes - my point being, I wasn't as careful as cutting the hole becuase I could glass in any mistakes. You'll need to be careful if keeping the fabric as there's no room for error. Start small, you can always remove more material if needed.