I was looking at the access panels on the rear insides of my bed (never mind the snow):

http://elcaminocentral.com/users/77ss/forumpics/bedpanel.jpg

First off, does anyone know what these are for? I removed one for the helluvit and it doesn't seem to serve much purpose.

:idea: Anyways, I was looking at this and thought this might make a nice mounting location for a 12-volt power outlet like this one:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/wcsstore/jcwhitney/images/imagecache/I2254.gif

We've got one like that in our mini-van, and it's nice for tire inflators, work lights, etc. Since the panel is just a flat piece of sheet metal, I was thinking about fabricating my own plate (so I don't muck up my original), and mounting the outlet(s) to it.

Then I got to thinking :idea: (again)... since I am already fabricating a mounting plate, how about adding a small utility light to light up the bed?

There are flush mount lights like this:

http://www.pmlights.com/cacheimages/b13664e39fbf092272e16e44d7e7f8f3.jpg

or even like this:

http://www.pmlights.com/cacheimages/bb8ea2b702477ca273875e1e6b40cbb2.jpg

For power, I could pull it from the new outlet, or even the license plate lamp. This would keep the power off, unless the running lamps were turned on.

:idea: (last time) To switch it on and off, I could use a door pin switch like this one, mounted in the tailgate recess:


http://www.autotechs.com/images/item498_1.jpg

:?: So whaddu think? Good idea? Bad idea? Has anyone done this? Did you do it better? I'm looking for more :idea:'s

I've been looking at high mount stop lamps from late model pickups. they generally have built in cargo lamps.I have an 84, and I'm putting in a 3rd brake light in mine 'cause people don't stay back far enough to see the tail lights :evil:

My rear side markers were shaved, and I left the units inside. I thought about mounting them in the bed to provide some illumination and to be different -- especially if you used some cool colored bulbs! But I never got around to it.

I think the first light looks the best, make sure to seal it to keep the SNOW out !!. I think its a great idea, Go for it .

Okay, I found this one for boats....

http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20050101/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/boatersworld/products/197260227.jpg

I also had another :idea: :

Since I am already going to install a power outlet, I could just keep one of these in the glove box, and plug it in when I need it:

http://www.boatersworld.com/graphics/boatersworld/products/197020019.jpg

Or is that too "pimped"?

Wow this post sure came at a good time! I've been researching the same idea except I want to install flat lights on the underside of my carpetied hard tommeau. I've looked at these because they are LEDs but I don't know how bright they are.

http://store.wheelshield.us/category.php?qcc=3&qpg=1

I was also thinking of these: http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.cfm/partfamilyid/1528

Another option is to get a 12 volt spotlight at Ikea and use an LED bulb cluster in place of the halogen.

By the way, where do you get that 12V outlet, I like that!

Here are my utility lights.. they turn on as soon as I open the bed lid. Well, they are more for show than "utility" but I figured I'd share them with you anyway. -Matt
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673376_30_full.jpg

Here's a better shot of what they look like in daylight. -Matthttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673376_17_full.jpg

By the way, where do you get that 12V outlet, I like that!

JC Whitney: OUTSIDE-MOUNT POWER OUTLET (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-1669/c-10101)

I've seen them at Murray's Discount Auto and they probably have them at PepBoys and Autozone too.

I wan't totally sold on any of those lamps, so I went to a swap meet today, hoping to find some sort of backup light or clear marker lamp. Didn't find squat.

Then I went to several auto stores. Nothing.

Then I went to a camper/RV store and a truck stop. Nothing.

My ride is stock, and I kind of want to keep it looking that way. The problem with those other lamps is they have that "add on" feel. Then it dawned on me....

:idea: What I am going to do is cut holes in the new panels, exactly the same dimensions as the rear side marker lamps. I'll place a piece of frosted or white plexi behind the holes, and seal it with silicone.

I bought a cheap pair of auxillary lights (Harbor Freight had 'em on sale for $8.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/37300-37399/37349.gif
I can take the lenses off the front of the lights, and mount the housings to the back of the plexi with screws throught the sheetmetal, plexi, and into the housing. When I am done, it will look similar to the stock marker lamps on the outside, only in white:

http://elcaminocentral.com/users/77ss/forumpics/bedpanel2.jpeg

:idea: For power, I'll run a wire from the dome light. This way the light will come on either with the door, or the manual switch, like a lot of pickups do!

I don't know how accurate you made your picture, but I think I would make the cut-outs parallel with where the tailgate closes. To me, it looks a little off at the angle you have them situated. It's up to you. That's what I think. I really like the idea of the lights though 8)

When I lay it out, it will either be perfectly vertical like the front lamps, or match the angle of the rear lamps.

Sounds good :D