Bongo Fury

HI All,

I want to put some extra interior lights in - I've got a couple of extra front courtesy lights I want to put on either side (for that authentic Mazda look!) so I need to cut out a hole in the roof lining half way down on each side. I've done a search but most info is on the front cab headlining which comes out quite easily apparently - but the rear headlining- I can't see any way in from the top with the roof up, but it looks like I need to pull off the plastic surrounds for the windows and undo the seat belt top points?

Is this right or is there an easier way - the lush projects diag somebody posted a link to was usefull but it didnt show how the panel was kept up.

Cheers!

Steveyd

Depending how much access you need you may get away with removing the trim jobby around the edge of the larger hatch into the roof, then gently prising the metal tabs back that hold the roof lining up. If you nee more access then it's going to be a matter of plastic trim removal, you may have enough access just removing the two panels above the rear doorway. If the rest have to come out it means grab handles & seatbelt bolts first then prising the upper plastic trim off, carefully trying not to lose too many of the metal clips or break their plastic mounting points
You should be able to route power from the interior light power supply at the rear. May be best going for led bulbs to reduce power draw.

Don't let a drill bit go anywhere near the fabric covering of the interior roof trim. I learned this the hard way. D'oh!!

Agree - use a very sharp knife & you will get a clean edge to the hole. To get proper access to the section by the door, you will need to remove the 2 grey plastic covers that run across the top by the rubber seal. Give them a gentle downwards pull & they will just ping off. Once removed, you'll see a little trim rivet which is removed by pulling the centre section out slightly. If you need more access, then the surrounds by the windows may need to be removed. These also just ping off quite easily although it is a little daunting when you first have a go.

Thanks,

Was going to use a very sharp knife as the material itself doesnt look too hard to cut - I just have to copy the shape of the one in the front. I've plenty of expereince with those horrible little trim retainers after replacing the sliding door inner panels...! Easy does it...

I was thinking of going down the LED route - my plan is to wire them to a master switch on the dash which means I can give the kids some light to read by but I can turn them all off from the front when driving (and when they fall asleep).

Other reason for having them is with 2 kids we have bongoboards with the inner roof up which means the flourescant light can't be used as it will wake the little lovelies up!

cheers,

Steve