I've got a convertible and want to add a one of the rear view mirrors that has the cool little lights that go on when you open the door or can be turned on manually. I am guessing that these are what are cars originally could have had, but now how would I go about wiring these? do I have to hook it up to the same power thing as the kick panel lights, ground it, then hook it up to another permanent power source?

 

You will need 2 power wires to make it operate normally. One that has constant 12v and one that is switched with the door opening. Just add a ground and you would be in business.

 

Actually, as far as I know, the switch on the door is a negative breaker, not positive, so you'll need two ground wires and one constant 12v.

 

Hmm, so most of these on ebay for our cars do come with three wires, and all I need is to wire them to a basic ground, a constant 12, those are for sure, but then with either of the positive or the ground wire coming off of the kickpanel lights? Where are some diagrams for these. Damn convertible has no light. Makes it a pain.

 

Here's how it should go, I believe. If the switch is either a 2-way or 3-way, the wiring will still be the same, but here are both diagrams just to illustrate.




The three way just allows the option of keeping the light off when you open the door. Hope this helps.