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'61 Dome Light Wiring

HookedUpGTP

HookedUpGTP

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63
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Ladson, SC
The dome light in my '61 is not wired up completely. There are two wires ran from the light, along the door sill up to the fuse box area. Can anyone tell me how it's supposed to be wired up? I haven't done a thorough inspection, and it's raining cats and dogs right now so I can't, but I don't remember seeing any of the door switches that turn on the dome light on later model vehicles.

Thanks!
 
These year trucks do not have the door switches. So far as the dome light, there is wire that comes from the fuse block to the dome light. Then one from the dome light to the head light switch. hope this helps.
 
I've got an aftermarket fuse box and wiring harness. There's a location for "Interior Lights". Maybe that will work.

Is the dome light only supposed to come on when the headlight switch is rotated all of the way over?
 
The light is wired wierd, in my book. It is set up so that the ground circuit is broken when the dome light is off. When you turn the headlight switch knob to the dome light position the ground circuit is then connected turning the light ON.

Go figure....

dv
 
along the same lines...

i have completely rewired my 63.

Bought a new dome light (w/o wires because, hell, I already rewired the truck), and the new dome light is....empty...no electrical socket to snap in the bulb (although the new lamp came with a bulb)

now what do i do?

and... to stay on topic...HookedUp, mine doesn't have door switches. just a turn of the light switch turns on the dome light.
 
add door switches

The wiring you guys talked about is standard on all vehicles through at least the 80's. The light always has its power. The switching is the ground wire. The local parts store will have a variety of switches that can be added to the door jam area. I added them when I was building my truck. These switches come in different lengths. Take a piece of modeling clay and stick it in the jam area where you plan to put the switch. Close the door on the modeling clay. Measure how thick the compressed material is. That is how long the closed switch can be. Be sure to locate the switch where it clears the weather seal.

My problem is the dome light is dim. I installed a new bulb but it didn't help. There are probably brighter bulbs, but brighter = hotter. My light housing is already discolored from heat. I'm afraid it would melt with a little more heat.
 
My problem is the dome light is dim.
Click to expand...

Check the headlight switch/ door switch grounding. If good ??

Replace the wire from the headlight switch/ door switches to the dome light.

It's NOT the bulb !!!

dv
 
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