I was at a local yard today when I came across a 85 Corvette. I noticed that Under the hood there were 2 built in lights. I Decided to grab them (Along with some TPI, and factory Bose stuff). Has anyone ever fabricated some decent under hood lights on their thirdgen? I know that there was a option from the factory for a light but I have heard it wasn't very good.

 

I disconnected mine LONG ago never re-installed it. I thought about this option when I ran into a handful of the wiring harnesses while cleaning out my garage last week and I'm thinking about re-installing it somewhere -----> if I can. ( I've got-a hood ?? ) I seem to remember that the lights ground wire was screwed to the hood itself - so I've got to see how it was wired before I'll know more.

The factory light actually made pretty good light,... they seemed to be prone to rusting badly or rotting out completely.

 

I had an under hood light at one time and just recently removed the balance of the wiring.
Power came directly from the starter lug via a single wire and a fusible link. From there it landed on the firewall just above the heater box where it terminated in a single connector. That's what was remaining as I had removed the rest long ago. There was a matching connector that was a pig tail to the light itself. Ground was by way of a another short tail that landed on the hood. Activation was through a mercury switch I believe which is a part of the light housing.

 

There was a tiny glass fuse on the harness, I remember.The only thing I did with mine was install a micro switch on the light fixture & hide the wires in the hood.Then exiting just behind the pass hinge.
Would like to put a neat LED panel, but I seldom use it as is.

 

I wouldnt bother with a stock 3rd gen underhood light. Early 90's CK1500's have a much better light on a cord reel that can be mounted anywhere. Simple 12v/grd hookup