Underhood Work Light LED Replacement

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'm probably going to run the wiring inside the hood ribs, like I have it now.

I think 1 meter ... 39 3/8~" will allow for that to a somewhat centralized switch, or the mercury bulb I already have.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Well, I just got told by Amazon that they can't get the LED strips that were "in stock, Prime" when I ordered them. 😡


But I did get a plug from Gary and intend to wire up my switch this afternoon, if the rain stops.

[Gary Lewis]

That's a bummer.  Hope you get the switch wired up, but what the plan now, Stan?

[ArdWrknTrk]

I have an LED version of an 1156 in the socket now.
It works well enough, and I very rarely use it.
I can wait.

I also need to weigh the idea of using a mercury switch.
I do have the bulbs, but wonder if they ever flash the lights going over bumps and such.

There's plenty of other projects for Li'l Red.
Like cab mounts, new insulation and a rubber mat, replacing the lower right bed corner, rebuilding the front end, finding a door that isn't rotted out, then painting the rest of the truck (from the fenders back)

Keeping junk alive is a full time task and I find it really hard to be motivated.

[Gary Lewis]

But you were motivated on the LED strips, so it is a shame that can't continue.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'll be stripping the fused power from my distribution module as soon as I can figure out how to keep the wires in the plug & socket.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Dane, that Braun worklite is on sale for $27....

https://flyer.harborfreight.com/june-2020-ad/page/1

[grumpin]

Good price.

 I was looking at their Icon metric wrenches last night. Need some good ones, but can’t really justify Snap-On’s. Although I am considering them.

Best price I found.

https://www.shamrocksupply.com/itemDetailFilterPH.action?RFP=SP&kwd=DRI&IDP=Y&codeId=20963052

[ArdWrknTrk]

$12 off 39 is substantial.

Dane,
For wrenches go to the Cripe Distributing site.
They have DEEP discounts on brands like Wright, Proto, Gearwrench, NAPA, Allen, etc..

I haven't seen Snap-Off there, and doubt I will.
But Cripe will combine shipping on orders and save you money, just like Tabco does with body panels.

They're in Boise and great people!

[ArdWrknTrk]

Unless you're really set on Snap-On check these guys out:

https://cripedistributing.com/

I have a few Snap-On/BluePoint tools, but I don't see the value and I'd rather buy American at their prices.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Oh!
Amazon just confirmed shipment of my LED's.

So this thread is back on track.

[Gary Lewis]

Yippee!  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Uh, yea....  😐

I'll put it at the top of my list when they get here.

[ArdWrknTrk]

And, they're here.

I think this is where I'm going with them.







You can see the existing 1156 style LED

[ArdWrknTrk]

I have some grommets for where the wires pass inside the hood.

[Gary Lewis]

The front locations look ideal as they'll shower the whole engine compartment with light.  And while your body will block light from some of the LEDs hitting whatever you are working on, light from the others should fill in.

But will the light from the rear strips be right in your eyes?  I guess there's no way to know but try them there.

And, remind me of where the switch is going to be?  I'm thinking of why you have the wiring pointing in the directions you do.  I know you have a plan.....

[ArdWrknTrk]

You can see the whole for the existing switch behind the wire, about 4" left of the 1156 LED I have mounted now.

I suppose I could mount the lower LED's right up along the hinges so they are pointing more 'down', but I'll have to see what their spread is.

I've had to do things back by the rear vacuum tree and oil pressure sender, so I want to make sure I have light without having to pull the air cleaner

[Gary Lewis]

I was wondering about placing the lights where the yellow arrows are.  Is there a way you can put them in place temporarily to test?  Maybe a few magnets?

[ArdWrknTrk]

I could certainly do that, but think I'd rather have them on the rearmost pair of diagonals.

I want light back at the firewall.

[Gary Lewis]

Then what about where the green arrows are?  I'm just looking for a way to direct it and keep it out of your eyes.