Wire routing from overhead light to below

[CharlieS]

I decided to replace my current basic switch panel with an Auxbeam switch setup. I have a fancier Switchpros setup in my other rig, but am trying to make my 80 a somewhat budget build. I bought a mount from an Etsy seller that replaces the surround for the overhead light.

I need to route the cable from the overhead light to the dash area. I have an early style dash with the older headliner.

Can anyone share tips or tricks for routing the cable on the early style headliner?

Thanks!

 

[mudgudgeon]

I tried and failed to get a draw wire down the A pillar to pull a microphone wire through.
Draw wire kept hitting a road block on the A pillar a few inches below the dash.

I've had success with a few cars by removing the sun visor and feeding trimmer cord down the pillar, and through the roof structure to the overhead light or console, then pull your wire through with the cord.

I think to get a wire up the pillar, you'll need to start under the dash, find the opening used by the factory and feed a cord up the pillar. This makes it hard to capture the draw wire through the sun visor hole so you can direct it across to the lamp.

 

[mudgudgeon]

My cruiser is a 93, cloth liner.

If you succeed with the above, you don't have to disturb the head liner at all

 

[CharlieS]

Thank you! Mine is a '94 so I'm in the same situation. I'll report back once I try what you suggested.

With my 200 with a hard foam headliner, and it was easy to do the tuck method.

I like the position of the switches being overhead. Something I think Ineos got really right with the switchgear on the Grenadier...

 

[RivMan]

I used this as my "string" to run through the visor mount and down the A-pillar. There were several locations I had to twist and route the camera around obstacles, but I was able to get a wire pulled down through.

Amazon.com

-Rob

 

[mudgudgeon]

I used this as my "string" to run through the visor mount and down the A-pillar. There were several locations I had to twist and route the camera around obstacles, but I was able to get a wire pulled down through.

Amazon.com

-Rob

Great idea!
That would be well worth the price for reduced frustration alone

 

[thatcabledude]

I used this to pull 2 pvc jacketed 4 conductor wires to the same area for I assume the same 3d printed panel using what’s called Magnepull. (Already owned)

Magnepull Wire Fishing System

The Magnepull wire fishing kits have simplified the way wires are fished. The Magnepull cuts fishing time by over 70 percent. Great for electricians, cable installers, satellite installers, and anyone that fishes wire on a regular basis.

www.techtoolsupply.com

 

[thatcabledude]

I came down the driver B pillar BTW

 

[CharlieS]

I came down the driver B pillar BTW

View attachment 3667258

View attachment 3667260

I honestly wouldn't have thought about the B-pillar. I'm sure thinking about it now!

 

[thatcabledude]

I honestly wouldn't have thought about the B-pillar. I'm sure thinking about it now!

It’s a cakewalk after you remove the grab handle that’s at the top of the pillar and unbolt the seatbelt.

 

[CharlieS]

B-pillar was looking promising, but the auxbeam cord is too short.

Edit: I couldn't find any clear path up/down the A-pillar and don't have one of those long inspection cameras handy, so I ran it down the B-pillar and will either purchase or make an extension cable.

In retrospect, I should have purchased another switchpros. I'm not impressed with this auxbeam. They really are two different classes of products.

 

[thatcabledude]

B-pillar was looking promising, but the auxbeam cord is too short.

Edit: I couldn't find any clear path up/down the A-pillar and don't have one of those long inspection cameras handy, so I ran it down the B-pillar and will either purchase or make an extension cable.

In retrospect, I should have purchased another switchpros. I'm not impressed with this auxbeam. They really are two different classes of products.

Auxbeam sells a long cord for cheap

 

[CharlieS]

It looks pretty decent, at least.

 

[glinskonian]

Did you print the overhead mount/black piece yourself?

 

[CharlieS]

Did you print the overhead mount/black piece yourself?

No, I bought it on eBay from seller r3d_creations_usa. They have an Etsy store too at https://www.etsy.com/shop/R3DCreationsUSA?ref=shop_sugg_market.

 

[glinskonian]

Cool!

I just designed an overhead console to fit a radio of mine, but it's all open source: Custom (Open Source) Overhead Console Design - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/custom-open-source-overhead-console-design.1348901/#post-15679842

 

[CharlieS]

Auxbeam sells a long cord for cheap

I forgot to close the loop on this - I got the Auxbeam extension cord on Amazon, and it worked well. I installed the box on a home made bracket where the ABS pump used to be.