engine bay lighting

[7783911]

what is considered the best source for a power (hot) and a ground as I intend to add a worklight to the engine bay (with on off switch). The 3 fuses at the sub panel have 2 HOT (Blue fuses) and one switched (White: likely AC? which is removed). I could crimp a new wire to one of the two hots if that makes sense. What is best ground location?

Pictures always appreciated as a guide

Thanks

Bob

[timmy2]

What year is your car? There are available plugs if ‘74 or newer to tap into. Switched with running lights.

[7783911]

My Bad

its a 77 Targa, with 83 sc engine. PO sort of bodged wiring harness so I cant locate any circuit to use that should have come from fuse 4 at the front. I d like to wire in a light with on off switch for those time i need a bit of extra light..so was looking for engine bay sources to simplify

[timmy2]

Is there a single male, yellowed from age, plastic plug with a grey wire coming out at the drivers side rear male 6 pin lighting connector ? (By rear fuse panel)
If so, that is a switched power source from running lights.

[7783911]

not there so i will hot wire to red on rear fuse panel and find a ground..then put in a switch so its on off when needed. i just wondered if there was a specific ground point to use

[timmy2]

Best ground is to the right of the rear fuse panel.

[donporfi]

Or you can use this light which has an integrated switch. Porsche original part.

[Mark Salvetti]

I've been thinking about adding the Porsche light myself, but doesn't it require the mounting tabs welded to the middle brace under the deck lid? Mine doesn't have those tabs so I kind of dismissed adding the light as not worth the hassle.

Mark

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by donporfi

Or you can use this light which has an integrated switch. Porsche original part.

Best & easiest.

Gerry

[pocketscience]

What's the part number of that light switch?

[kavadarci]

The light coming out will be insufficient for any work.
Use the switch as on/off and connect super bright led strip to light up that engine bay.

[donporfi]

Pelican sells it.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by kavadarci

The light coming out will be insufficient for any work.
Use the switch as on/off and connect super bright led strip to light up that engine bay.

^^^^^

Great idea!!!

Just did this to illuminate the rear seat delete on our car.

Gerry

[7783911]

not too keen on led strip thought it would work better but i also dont want to end up with a street burner look....so original light with better bulb is best option

[emcon5]

This application screams for a magnetic LED puck that lives in the glove box.

I have a bunch of these around the house, get them free with a coupon every couple months.

https://www.harborfreight.com/144-lumen-led-portable-worklightflashlight-63601.html

[Jack Stands]

If it’s the same size festoon bulb as the interior lights, I found this led to be plenty bright. It does get hot however when lit which is unfortunate), but is plenty bright. It’s shown mounted in my 914-6 interior light.

[7783911]

yes, i saw that one and a couple pf others..likely i also have in the garage since I am a hoarder..thanks