Author Topic: Adding a Dome Light  (Read 1185 times)

Offline nmyron3983

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 9
  • Newbie
Adding a Dome Light
« on: February 21, 2022, 10:04:56 PM »
Hey all. New member, and first time poster. I recently picked up a 87 Chevy V10 350 4 speed truck. It's a running, driving example. But it's a Custom Deluxe, and has literally 0 in the way of optional equipment. I have courtesy lamps, but no dome. And no headliner, with no intent really to put on in.

Here's my question though. I really, really want to install a dome light. I have no concern with running the wires or fishing them out. The rear pillar feels open at the bottom all the way up. But actually installing the light. There are no holes, no recess for the fixture to fit into.

To my understanding there should be a small punched out hole in the cab roof to accept the harness and the bulb holder itself, as the dome should screw in to hold the rear of the headliner up.

Could I get a small hole saw, maybe 3/4", and put a couple side by side holes in the center of that rear arc to create the recess to hold the fixture and flush mount it to the inner cab roof? I really don't want to trim out the whole interior just for lights, nor do I particularly want to. I like the minimalist feel, but I need some more light in here.

I've seen others ask similar,. but it was mostly "can I add a headliner and put in a light". I felt this needed to be asked separately since I won't have the headliner piece.

Offline nmyron3983

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 9
  • Newbie
Re: Adding a Dome Light
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2022, 09:23:07 AM »
I think I may have just answered my own question. There was a dome light question on here from last May. Sounds like I just need to use the rubber washers provided with the light to keep it from grounding to the cab. Might even get some neoprene gasket material and make a seal to keep it off the cab surface.

Offline Mr Diesel

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 325
  • Aaron
Re: Adding a Dome Light
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2022, 11:42:12 AM »
If you want to stay minimalist just grab a battery powered tent or closet light from Wal-Mart. Put lithium batteries in it so they last forever, magnet mount to ceiling or double sided tape.
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline nmyron3983

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 9
  • Newbie
Re: Adding a Dome Light
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2022, 04:17:53 PM »
Well, as far as minimalist, I more just don't want to fully dress the interior. I plan on getting some stuff to clean it up from  , but I don't really want to do the headliner and stuff.

I like the idea of having lights on in the cab when I open the door, as most of the time I end up driving it is at night after work. I have door switches already for the key buzzer, but they current don't appear to ground my courtesy lamps. They do come on when I roll the headlight dimmer to dome, though. So I am hoping to tie a new dome light into that circuit and tap the ground at the door switches to make them come on with the doors open.

I guess my biggest concern really is clearance inside the gap between the skins, and where the factory hole for the harness and the screw holes would be located. I don't have any other examples to look at. Maybe I can find something in a video of an interior upgrade.