I'm removing the back pad on my car and dynomat-ing and carpeting the firewall.

I'd like to repurpose the existing interior light wiring, and maintain some illumination in the cabin..

Interested to see what approach others have taken, and how you have done it... under dash lighting? alternative light unit(s) on the firewall? re-utilizing the original interior light?

...Illuminate me please! (Please no chandeliers though!)

I used to use one of these when I still had the cig lighter:

People have run the original wires under carpeting that replaced the back-pad, then mounted a different interior light directly on the firewall in roughly the original location. I know there are pictures out there somewhere, but I don't know where.

The original light needs room behind it for the working bits. You would need a light you can mount on a flat surface. The older setup I remember had a housing that stuck out from the firewall an inch or so, but I bet you could get some LED lights now that were very very thin.

Joe Bob has run LED lights under the dash. He says it works nicely.

--DD

I run 911 interior lights at the base between the two seats because the original higher location isn't double walled so, no real way to mount unless it's a base mount light.

Done this on a few cars with great factory look results...



Here's some install shots...

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This is exactly what I needed to see! Love it!

Was going to try and use a mirror with map lights.

Just revisiting this thread and wanted to say thanks to Eric for the great response with photos.

This is now exactly the approach I am going to try and take.
Albeit with mine I'll use a later 911 interior light with black surround instead of earlier chrome surround, to help it blend into the firewall carpet.

Will post photos when I'm done.

Eric that looks great. I want to finish my fire wall off with that type of fabric. What is it and how easy to apply. Best, Mark