Interior lighting an NA

[Mr nanotech]

Ok I've put up threads about this before but I just had an idea and did a quick search to find no intel. So I'm really wanting to know if-
a: someone has tried this
b: if it's possible

I know that the nb mx5's have an interior light mounted on in the middle of the windscreen pillar thing at the top. It's bugged be for some time now that the na doesn't. I do a lot of night driving and as a result I need to check maps etc at work. Unfortuntaly I'm using my phone light or lurching down to the footwells to read.
I did buy a travel light that sticks into the cigarrette lighter but it just takes up way too much room in the glove box when I'm not using it and it's freakin massive when it's out.
So this was the idea I came up with this morning. I was going through the for sale section of the forum where I saw a carbon fiber rear view mirror for sale off an nb when I realised that the nb mirror is mounted to the windscreen not the frame (unlike the na). Which means that the nb interior light is wired up where the na mirror is.

Has anyone tried retro fitting an nb interior light into the place the na mirror would be, and then gluing an nb mirror to the glass instead? It seems like a bloody good idea since the na and the nb have the same pillars. In theory it sounds like it might work but in terms of wiring etc has anyone tried this?

[Locutus]

the interior light upgrade actually happened in the late NA8s, before the NBs.

haven't heard of anyone retrofitting it, but if you source the parts there's a good chance it could all be plug and play. in any case, rewiring to a pillar would be dead simple with the interior trim off.

[GP14]

Has anyone tried retro fitting an nb interior light into the place the na mirror would be, and then gluing an nb mirror to the glass instead? It seems like a bloody good idea since the na and the nb have the same pillars. In theory it sounds like it might work but in terms of wiring etc has anyone tried this?

Not an NB mirror but I bought one from Autobarn(same concept where it glues to the windscreen) and bought a square cluster of LEDs from ebay( i think theres 20 LED lights) then wired it to the footwell switch. Ended up making my own cover from opal acrylic lying around and screwed it into the existing holes. Works a treat. Will try and take some pics at night to show you how bright it is.

[GP14]

Not the best pics but it was taken in the dark with just the cabin light on. Its actually brighter than whats shown on camera but you get the idea. Also ignore the existing footwell light. It adds very little to the cabin only the footwell itself.

[Mr nanotech]

That looks neat, can you post a pic in daylight just to show the fitting etc? Was it hard to make the cover?

[Mr Morlock]

I would have thought a travel light eg flexible shaft movable head is unbeatable for map reading and could be stored under the seat - maybe use a bag with a draw string. The usual interior lights are merely courtesy and pretty much valueless for reading duties. My NB int light is of little value.

[93_Clubman]

There was an aftermarket NA rear view mirror with a light built into it available in the US - not sure it would be bright enough to use a map at night with given it's height, but better the footwell lights.

[Mr nanotech]

I would have thought a travel light eg flexible shaft movable head is unbeatable for map reading and could be stored under the seat - maybe use a bag with a draw string. The usual interior lights are merely courtesy and pretty much valueless for reading duties. My NB int light is of little value.

I can understand what you mean since my mate had an nb. But to be honest, some light is better than none! I think I'm currently more debating whether the nb light cover will fit in the na mirror mounting point more than anything. I'd like to rig up LED's there.
I do have one of those bendy lights but to be perfectly honest it's freakin huge and embarassing haha. It's not one of those things you can just pull over, flick a switch, check what you need to check and drive on with. Plus I'd like something that looks relatively oem styled if that makes sense. But that's for the comment mate!

[Mr nanotech]

There was an aftermarket NA rear view mirror with a light built into it available in the US - not sure it would be bright enough to use a map at night with given it's height, but better the footwell lights.

Do you know where I can find pictures of said light? thanks for the response!

[GP14]

That looks neat, can you post a pic in daylight just to show the fitting etc? Was it hard to make the cover?

Here you go. I had 5mm opal acrylic at home so got the jigsaw out and cut a piece, sanded the edges down and drilled holes using the existing screws from the mirror. I cut the acrylic larger than the hole because the LEDs protruded from the face a bit and you could see them from the side. I am going to eventually get the flat LEDs and neaten up the acrylic and screws so its looks the part but for the moment it will do.

[hks_kansei]

I reckon the simplest and neatest option would be to get an NA8 or NB windscreen trim thing.

another option that may work.

if I remember correctly the Ford Capri had a pair of map lights built into the mirror itself.

it's possible that it may use the same fittings as an MX5 (remember, Ford owned Mazda at the time, so may have done some parts sharing)

bad photos, but gives a rough idea where the lights are mounted on them.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MERCURY-CAPRI-94 ... 35ad6f1ec8

[93_Clubman]

There was an aftermarket NA rear view mirror with a light built into it available in the US - not sure it would be bright enough to use a map at night with given it's height, but better the footwell lights.

Do you know where I can find pictures of said light? thanks for the response!

Looks like they may have been discontinued, but MM Marketing & Brainstorm Performance both sold them.

Alternatively, a small rechargeable torch that fits in the cigarette lighter might work.