How to add on factory cargo light

[max03]

I've been contemplating on adding a factory cargo light and switch set up to my 68, how much would exactly be involved? I know I would have to drill a hole for the switch but what about the cargo light it's self? I've never seen one hands on to be able to figure out the mounts and wiring, also what's the best powersource as far as safely adding this odea? I would love for it to be completed with NOS parts. Thanks guys!

[tempefd]

I have added two cargo lights on a couple of trucks that I own with very little effort. I added one on a 69 F250 4x4 and a 71 F250 4x4. I pulled the cargo lights and switch out of some trucks in junk yard. I own a truck with a factory cargo light so I pulled the light out of the back of the cab and made a template. I put the template on the other truck, marked my pattern and cut it out with a sawzall. I installed the light with the factory wiring harness and ran the wires under the head liner and down the A post of the truck on the driver side. I drilled a hole in the dash for the switch and pulled out the dash/gauges. Behind the dash I found the factory wires and plugged in the switch. It took me about an hour to install with the factory switch, light and wiring harness

[max03]

How much cutting was required? Thanks for your helpful insight. Also I'd you happen to get any pics? None of the bumps in my local parts yard have cargo's. Thanks again.

[72BahamaBlue]

Yep, the harness is pretty easy to install. Power for the cargo light harness is usually under the dash, on my '72 it's a light green/yellow 2 into 1 female connector., should be hanging around under the dash on the left side.
Removing the headliner makes installing the harness easy.


Here's the switch and harness:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110908426820?ss ... 1555.l2649

New light assemblies are reproduced:
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/full.aspx?Page=140

You'll also need the thick rubber gasket (#3), and 2 light housing mounting screws. (The ones that come with the light assembly are for the bezel to housing).

*edit* If you need the entire setup, look in the classifieds. tybob81 has one.

[max03]

Just purchased an entire set up from tybob1, thanks for all the info:) I'll post back with progress and any further questions. I have afew days off work so the headliner and trim is getting removed and a desperately needed cleaning

[Mach428]

Wonder why Ford went to the expense of adding additional wiring, switch, etc when all they really had to do was wire it to the dome light?

[72BahamaBlue]

Wonder why Ford went to the expense of adding additional wiring, switch, etc when all they really had to do was wire it to the dome light?

Perhaps having the cargo lamp wired separate from the dome light gives the abilty to operate only one lamp at a time, less battery drain? It is nice to have each lamp controlled independantly of each other. The harness itself is pretty simple, lamp option was added to some different levels of trim and equipment.

The dentsides added a twist, cargo lamp switch would also light the interior light, and I think the door-switch had to be activated. I guess a safety feature; would prevent driving with cargo light on. The dentsides just had a warning decal.

[galexie64]

I was also about to add a cargo light to my truck. I already picked up the light, wiring, and switch.

Does anyone have a templet that they can scan and post for the cutout in the back of the cab? and pics?

[Mach428]

I do but I'll have to find it. I too have everything needed to start "cutting" but I'm still a little chicken!!!

The template I have is exact and shows the screw holes plus the cut-out area
Let me look this weekend and I'll advise.

[Mach428]

I looked high and low and couldn't find the template for the cargo light. I know for sure I have one...just not sure where it is!

Maybe someone else can help? I didn't want to leave you hanging. sorry

[max03]

that would be great and virtually painless with a templete. i hate to butcher this precious metal !

[max03]

Their is a photo with measurements under the tech info section. Thanks to whom ever posted it:)

[galexie64]

Thanks. That's just what I was needing.

[capeclassics]

I also have the stuff necessary to install the cargo light and am wondering about the wiring.......an earlier poster said that he ran the wies down the driver side pillar to underdash.....my Q is are the wies run down inside the piller or outside?????(I know,dumb Q).And does the wire show between the headliner and the piller???
Thanks

[max03]

I haven't had time to try my install either but if you remove te instrument cluster and look above te brake warning sworn, their is a orange and black wire running above it into the pillar which operates the in cab style fuel tank sender and ground. I planed on using a coat hanger to pull the wires into the pillar and running them between headliner and roof panel. I haven't located the plugs to use yet but hopefully this will get you started in the right direction.