New Cabin Lighting

I started this post several weeks ago, and have since started using the WordPress thumbnail feature. I apologize for the strange post style.

My cabin lights were yellowed and feeling flimsy. The light above the parcel shelf was always hanging by its wire, and never seemed to fit. My goal is lights that are a little more modern, brighter, maybe bigger, but remain cheaper than NOS or 3rd party options. I removed the trim and headliners so I could begin exploring my options.

Parcel Shelf Light:

A unit I took from a junkyard Saab. I like how it’s trapezoid shaped, so it fits well with the shape of the parcel shelf:

Uses a festoon bulb:

A light I took from a junkyard Volkswagen Jetta:

Exact same length and width. The depth is shallower.

The LEDs I ordered from China:

Measuring amps:

With the Saab unit, I cut off the festoon bulb holder with a dremel, retaining only the lens. I glued on two of these panel lights behind the lens:

My recovered trim, with the new Saab light installed:

It works:

I prepped the VW unit with 600 grit sandpaper, and SEM Plastic & Leather Prep. Now for some SEM Landau Black Color Coat:

My painted (or dyed?) VW housing, and the new LED festoon unit ready to be used as my map light:

Installed in the headliner:

My new light is a big difference when compared to the old light! It’s a little more modern, yet subtle update. The new map rocks side to side. In the center position, it lights in courtesy mode with the doors open. Rock it to the passenger side, and it turns off. Rock it to the drivers side, and it’s a map light.

Installed:




Well I think I accomplished my goal. In my opinion, the lights look great, and they cost less than this light and a DMCH NOS unit (currently $74.95). I’m pretty proud of this.

Costs (shipping not included):