Nice write up! I just completed my cargo area dome light installation. I used a rear dome light out of an '88 Mercedes Benz 300E. It doesn't have an on-off-dome switch like the stock Scion Center dome light. So now both the center AND rear dome light work in tandum with each other. They both dim at the same time. I made a backing plate out of .032" aluminum as the Benz light "snaps" in to the mounting hole. My installed light is 9" from the rear tail gate and centered. I had to pop-out all four plug-buttons to reach in under the top of the head liner to get the aluminum backing plate up in there. I used 22 gauge stranded wire and soldered those wires to the two convienently locateded holes next to the bulb retaining clips. Once soldered I used a coat hanger starting at the center headliner hole to fish my new wires back to the rear hole that I cut open with an Exacto knife. There is no reason why this modification would not work for an front dome light as well.

 

dude this mod is awesome. props to you i love this one!!!

 

great write up. i really want to do this.

 

great DIY!

 

I finally got around to taking some pics of my mods. Here's my rear dome light.
Steve

 

22 gauge stranded wire? sounds good...

 

Does anyone know where I can get dome light at a good price? I tried toyotapartsdealler.com but I couldnt find it there.

 

very nice, cant believe i never thought of that, there is definatly a light deficiancy in my box, a map light would be awesome just as much as a this one. :thumbsup:

 

Ok I'm bringing this thread back from the dead with a newbie question:

Can someone clarify where does the ground wire go?

I know one end is looped to one of the mounting bolts of the new dome light.

What about the other end?

Was it spliced into the OEM ground wire too, like the power wires?

I didn't see it in the pics so just double checking before I proceed with the mod, thx. I'm an electrical newbie, don't want any fireworks happening inside the car!

 

great write up. Thinking of doign this myself