Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Console lighting alternative

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Old 02-20-2012, 03:27 PM
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Console lighting alternative

I have an aftermarket radio in my camaro, so there is no light behind it so I can't see the a/c controls at night. So I bought blue lights that have adhesive on the so I placed one on each corner pointing towards the control. Well they didn't stick too well so I figured the adhesive wasn't that great. I then bought clear mounting squares which didn't stick either, so then I tried 3M double sided tape... And of course, that didn't work either, so what did you guy do to solve this problem? Or is there a way to use the old radio light to light the controls from behind?
Old 02-20-2012, 04:02 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Sounds like some type of interior conditioner like armor-all was used. Try wiping the surface down with rubbing alcohol.
Old 02-20-2012, 04:02 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Your HVAC controls should have backlighting, a single #194 bulb behind the faceplate. You could however, replace the light for the ashtray located under the center vents in the dash with a brighter light or LED. With a brighter light in that location, your HVAC controls should be lighted up enough for you to see them.

Look up under the center vents and you might see something like this....

Old 02-20-2012, 04:28 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

What type of led does that littlel light take?
Old 02-20-2012, 05:07 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

I need to know as well as I have the stock bulb but its burn out and I cant seem to find a replacement for it
Old 02-20-2012, 05:08 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Oh and the AC / Heater controls should have there own bulb that goes into it so I cant see why it doesnt light up unless the blub is burnt out
Old 02-20-2012, 10:13 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

I did see that light under the vents but its not bright enough to see anything, and where is the light on the AC controls at? I couldn't find one, I only saw a loose one which I assumed came from the radio because I couldn't find a place for it on the controls, and how woul I change the light under the vents?
Old 02-20-2012, 10:17 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Oh and has anyone ever run into trouble with a steering wheel ****? (legal trouble) because I got one a few weeks ago that I put on and I heard they were illegal before I got it and I've been pulled over 3 times already so if I were to get pulled over again are they actually illegal to have?
Old 02-20-2012, 10:52 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

That loose light you found was most likely for the HVAC controls. Remove the trim panel from the radio and HVAC, then you'll see 4 7mm screws that hold the HVAC control head in. With a little difficulty, the HVAC control head will pull out enough so you can get behind the right side, there is a spot for that light with its socket to twist in. Of course, replace the light fist if it's burned out.

For the other under the dash vents, I put in a 12V LED from radio Shack (about $2.00). I removed the plate under the vents and opened up the pinhole the light shines through and slid a flush mount LED in. Access from the top requires removing the dash pad so you can splice the LED leads to the existing wires.
Old 02-20-2012, 11:26 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

What do you mean by steering wheel ****?
Old 02-20-2012, 11:32 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Ok thanks, ill have to take it all apart again, I just couldn't find anywhere for the light to go, I didn't have much time tho so I was rushing, and like a **** that's on tractors or big trucks which just helps you steer easily, the are nick named "suicide *****"
Old 02-20-2012, 11:36 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Oh i know what you are talking about now. The shunt trucks at my work have those and they are the most annoying thing on the earth while driving. I break them off and toss them out the window as they are useless. Thats just my 2cents tho
Old 02-20-2012, 11:50 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

I love them, I first used one when I had my learners permit and I was driving my uncles blazer, so I decided to get one and I love it, makes turning easier and quick turns a lot smoother and it's an 8ball so it's got style too haha
Old 02-22-2012, 12:14 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

When I lived in New Hampshire I heard that they were illegal also. I do not know if it is true or not as I never liked them except when on a forklift. I haven't had a hard steering wheel since then. Never wanted to put one on a leather or padded wheel.
Old 02-22-2012, 12:35 PM
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Re: Console lighting alternative

Originally Posted by NagleMac
Oh and has anyone ever run into trouble with a steering wheel ****? (legal trouble) because I got one a few weeks ago that I put on and I heard they were illegal before I got it and I've been pulled over 3 times already so if I were to get pulled over again are they actually illegal to have?
Each state is different. In TX they aren't. I have one & love it. Doubt I'll ever own a car again without one. I got a plain black one from Tractor Supply.

Last edited by BlackenedBird; 02-22-2012 at 01:03 PM.
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