Anyone have any type of a mercury activated light? My 65 Came with a trunk light but I don't think they had lights for the engine compartment. So who knows of any of these lights out there? What cars had them in the 60's?? Would a trunk light look ok? I know it would work but it need to look like it belongs there. It has to look right.:beers2: Thanks Fellas.:TU:
I don't recall ever seeing an underhood light, but Yearone has a listing for them. http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=2 Looks like they have a button switch on them and come on automatically when the hood pops up. Mine has a trunk light, and I suppose that would work if you have one lying around. I would think that if they did come with an underhood light, they would be a mercury switch, and not what Yearone has; just my $.02. PLUS, they need to work on getting their years correct on the page . . . read it carefully.
Is this what your refering to? Buick » Electrical » Lights » Under-Hood Light Kit » 18410 This light is a good reproduction of the original for 1968-and-later models but is only correct for 1964-1972 models. Includes socket, wire, and bulb.
I'm not sure Goran, that's the exact reason I started this thread. I'm trying to find out myself. Let's see what other people say. People?
Not sure on the Buicks, but most things like this were common across divisions. My 68 W31 Olds came with one just like that pic. It was part of a lighting group/convenience option. Pretty sure it had prestamped holes or dimples to locate the two small screws that mount it, and the wire plugged into the forward lamp harness on the dash panel near the Master Cylinder. Has a small clip to retain that lead wire to the flange on the front edge of the cowl.
Were the retractable utility lights offered that early? That may be a good option if you want to stay with a factory look. If nothing else it should be close to period correct. I've got a couple, but sorry -- no picture right now / also not for sale. -- Steve
Joe, I have an under the hood retractable light that works good with an on/off switch on it. I think this one came off 80's GM vehicles - $25 + shipping. I could send a pic to email address if you are interested.
Definitely off of a Chevy Truck . . . late 80's to early/mid 90's I think. Those things are actually pretty cool.
Buick / maybe pontiac / olds offered an accessory underhood light in the late sixties. Listed in the ealer accessory brochures. Light slid into a mounting clip bolted to the hood and had a 20-foot retractable wire so you could use the light to light up your tires when changing them in the dark, etc. Retractor worked about as well as a $1.00 tape measure, but it's a cool idea. I'll try to post a picture tomorrow. -- Steve
