X19 Trunk lighting addition - anyone have a good example?

tvmaster

tvmaster

True Classic
While playing with ideas for footwell and glovebox LED lighting in the '74 X19, it would seem the trunk is also a good space to add illumination (as opposed to a Honda engine for the time being).
I'm experimenting with magnetic reed switches, which seem like a better idea than drilling holes for physical contact buttons, but if anyone else has a good idea, or has done this, how did you do it? Searching for 'trunk lighting' didn't turn up much...

 
tvmaster said:
While playing with ideas for footwell and glovebox LED lighting in the '74 X19, it would seem the trunk is also a good space to add illumination (as opposed to a Honda engine for the time being).
I'm experimenting with magnetic reed switches, which seem like a better idea than drilling holes for physical contact buttons, but if anyone else has a good idea, or has done this, how did you do it? Searching for 'trunk lighting' didn't turn up much...

Click to expand...
I have used reed switches many times. I use them in combination with a solid state circuit or a relay, not to carry actual current as they aren’t rated for that generally.

Personally I have no real issue with drilling minor holes in my cars, honestly, it isn’t a Lambo.

I would use a pin switch as Erwin suggests. I would look at something like this:
www.parts-express.com

Home

Nickel Plated Pin Switch w/Polycarb Plunger and Rubber Boot12 VDC 1-3/64" nickel plated pin switch with cut to length polycarbonate plunger and rubber boot.Specifications: • Pin dimensions: 8 mm dia. x 17.1 mm H • Shaft diameter: 10 mm • Accepts 1/4" female disconnect.
www.parts-express.com

Or use a OE Fiat one and make small bracket to bring it up high enough.
 
kmead said:
I have used reed switches many times. I use them in combination with a solid state circuit or a relay, not to carry actual current as they aren’t rated for that generally.

Personally I have no real issue with drilling minor holes in my cars, honestly, it isn’t a Lambo.

I would use a pin switch as Erwin suggests. I would look at something like this:
www.parts-express.com

Home

Nickel Plated Pin Switch w/Polycarb Plunger and Rubber Boot12 VDC 1-3/64" nickel plated pin switch with cut to length polycarbonate plunger and rubber boot.Specifications: • Pin dimensions: 8 mm dia. x 17.1 mm H • Shaft diameter: 10 mm • Accepts 1/4" female disconnect.
www.parts-express.com

Or use a OE Fiat one and make small bracket to bring it up high enough.
Click to expand...
The reed switch idea came from the glove box, as there's absolutely no where for a refrigerator style switch. But the reed works perfectly - box just drops down and breaks the link, and there's a good place on the frame to stick the wired portion just above and to the right of the box.
I like the idea of a button switch in the trunk, but yes, it would involve drilling a hole -and hey, it's a Lambo to me. lol. Super baby Lambo.
Great switch link btw, thanks
 
You have a 1974 X. Maybe you should concentrate on making it run the nice way it was designed to? Then, you can move on to 'customizing'. If I wanted light in the trunk, I might try this flashlight: Harbor Freight 63766. $5 and you can carry it back to the engine where your big problem is.
 
johnph said:
You have a 1974 X. Maybe you should concentrate on making it run the nice way it was designed to? Then, you can move on to 'customizing'. If I wanted light in the trunk, I might try this flashlight: Harbor Freight 63766. $5 and you can carry it back to the engine where your big problem is.
Click to expand...
Sacramento, eh? Thanks. That was helpful…
 
kmead said:
I have used reed switches many times. I use them in combination with a solid state circuit or a relay, not to carry actual current as they aren’t rated for that generally.

Personally I have no real issue with drilling minor holes in my cars, honestly, it isn’t a Lambo.

I would use a pin switch as Erwin suggests. I would look at something like this:
www.parts-express.com

Home

Nickel Plated Pin Switch w/Polycarb Plunger and Rubber Boot12 VDC 1-3/64" nickel plated pin switch with cut to length polycarbonate plunger and rubber boot.Specifications: • Pin dimensions: 8 mm dia. x 17.1 mm H • Shaft diameter: 10 mm • Accepts 1/4" female disconnect.
www.parts-express.com

Or use a OE Fiat one and make small bracket to bring it up high enough.
Click to expand...
That picture is the exact one i used. You can cut the stalk to length needed. They look perfectly in keeping with rest of car
 
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