JDM optional map light

[Patcon]

This roof cut is from a 76 280z

[dmorales-bello]

 I got a response via email from Mike at Whitehead performance:

" There seems to be a thin metal plate that bolted into the rearview mirror location that then provided the two screw holes to attach the spotlight.  A similar concept plate may have to be fabricated to install the spot lamp "

So it's pretty much as Patcon had imagined. Pretty impressive!

On 11/12/2016 at 7:08 PM, Patcon said:

I just happen to have a roof panel lying around. This all you are going to have up front I believe. The three holes are for the base of the mirror. I am just guessing but I bet the base that is missing comes all the way forward and replaces the existing mirror base using the three mounting screws

It would have been nice if this information had been disclosed by Mike in the description of the lamp to potential buyers. The only mention about installation reads  as follows: " Fits in the center of the forward roof panel between the sunvisors with two self tapping metal screws.  Wires will need to be run from the glovebox light, up the a-pillar, and over to the JDM spot lamp. "

Anyways, I'll get on it during my Christmas break and fab up a base. I'll post pics as usual. Should be pretty easy and cool. Thanks to everyone for all the great help. 

 

 

[Patcon]

Glad you got a response. That means at least you know you are working in the right direction. I would measure the thickness of the factory mirror base and source some metal in a similar thickness...

[HS30-H]

7 hours ago, dmoralesbello said:

 " There seems to be a thin metal plate that bolted into the rearview mirror location that then provided the two screw holes to attach the spotlight.  A similar concept plate may have to be fabricated to install the spot lamp "

So it's pretty much as Patcon had imagined. Pretty impressive!

It would have been nice if this information had been disclosed by Mike in the description of the lamp to potential buyers. The only mention about installation reads  as follows: " Fits in the center of the forward roof panel between the sunvisors with two self tapping metal screws.  Wires will need to be run from the glovebox light, up the a-pillar, and over to the JDM spot lamp. "

If there was an extra bolt-in part that formed a mount or base for the eyeball lamp, then it would have a part number and it would be in the factory parts list. So what's the part number and where is it hiding in the relevant factory parts list? I don't see it.

He also mentions that this supposed mount bolts into the rearview mirror location, but what then happens with the rearview mirror? Does it then mount somewhere else, or on the same mount? If so, how? There's also mention of "self-tapping screws". The parts shown in the factory parts list are fine-threaded machine screws.

Sorry, but I think he's guessing. And guessing wrongly. My money's on the late Japan market 'Z-T' models having a pre-installed mount spotwelded to the windscreen header rail and extending back under the headlining. It may simply not be present on Export models.

[dmorales-bello]

2 hours ago, HS30-H said:

If there was an extra bolt-in part that formed a mount or base for the eyeball lamp, then it would have a part number and it would be in the factory parts list. So what's the part number and where is it hiding in the relevant factory parts list? I don't see it.

He also mentions that this supposed mount bolts into the rearview mirror location, but what then happens with the rearview mirror? Does it then mount somewhere else, or on the same mount? If so, how? There's also mention of "self-tapping screws". The parts shown in the factory parts list are fine-threaded machine screws.

Sorry, but I think he's guessing. And guessing wrongly. My money's on the late Japan market 'Z-T' models having a pre-installed mount spotwelded to the windscreen header rail and extending back under the headlining. It may simply not be present on Export models.

I think you're totally correct and all of your points are very valid. Perhaps Mike's (Whitehead Performance) similar opinion with Patcon isn't mere coincidence. He might be reading this forum as well and pulled a Melania Trump! LOL!!

Regardless, since the OEM provision for installing the light is most probably not there I will attempt fabricating a plate out of ABS plastic (3 or 4 mm thickness) that i will partially slide under the front headliner trim and glue (still have to decide on which type of glue would work best) onto the headliner itself. The light will attach to that ABS plate using 2 self tapping screws. Since the ABS plate or the light are not heavy at all, I think this simple set up should work well as a custom fitment for the map light.

[dmorales-bello]

Finally found some time to work on the Z again and take care of the map light installation. After some trial and error I decided to use a sheet of stainless steel and shape it to fit inside the base of the lamp and extend forward over and into the headliner front trim above the rearview mirror base. The carefully bent plate wedges firmly in place without the need for additional fasteners. The maplight attaches to the mounting plate via two rivnuts and a couple of M5 bolts. 

After mock up I dismounted everything, painted the mounting plate, touched up some areas of the lamp and replaced the incandescent bulb with an LED. My wiring harness extension is ready and I'll do a final install tomorrow and post some final pics with the working light.

Here are some pictures of the process so far:

 

[dmorales-bello]

Here's the final install. No hiccups, everything mounted right up and the electrical connection was as planned. Here are the pics.

Added aluminum tape on the underside to increase light reflection:

Mounted the lamp assembly on the metal base:

Created an exit for the cables and attached to new harness:

Slipped the foremost section of the mounting plate over the front headliner trim, connected the harness to the glove box light connection and I think it looks like it belongs there :

[Patcon]

That looks great, and no major modifications

[dmorales-bello]

Thanks for all the ideas, guys. That what makes this forum exceptional.