Pillar light function

[Randy K]

The pillar lights are not operated by the door switches on a 2-door Manhattan - just the under dash lights are activated.  I created a "Y" adapter (out of pieces from an old harness) to provide grounding for the pillar lights in addition to the under dash lights so all light up when the doors are opened.  That plug is behind the left kick panel.

[DaveF]

Dear club members,

Don't be mad be mad (not factory original) but I wired my interior lights on my 52 Manhattan as follows:

 'Pillar' lights come on when front and rear passenger doors are opened........ This gives really great light at night (my wife approves)......... I've wired under dash lights to work off of toggle switch manually.

Dave F.  #10113

[GA Kaiser]

How do you remove the pillar light, or plastic cover?  I have no instructions, and I dare not pry at it unless someone tells me how to do that so I don't break anything.  Thanks for any instructions you can post.

[pnw_oldmags]

Hey GA ... Pry away.  Look close and you will see the clips that hold it in.

[mbflemingkf]

Frank, as Jim indicates, the entire pillar light is held in by large clips and prys out.  The plastic cover is non-removable.  Take it easy prying them out...little from the top, little from the bottom.  The clips can break off and then the light will need to be replaced.  I have both nice used and NOS on my list.  Good luck and let us know your success!  PS: wiring in there can be brittle so be carefull when wiggling them around don't scrape off any cloth insulation leaving bare wires that can short out or cause a fire.

[blackcat429cj]

My 54 Late special only has a drivers side pilar light, no under dash - it comes on when any of the 4 doors are opened.

[GA Kaiser]

I did remove the pillar lights and cleaned them up.  The slide switch still has no effect, but at least they slide a bit easier now. 

[GA Kaiser]

And I was very careful, nothing broke, but it was interesting how the plastic lens cannot be removed.  I posted a few photos on my Facebook page of the work. 

[dusty]

THANKS FOR PUTTING THIS ON THE FORUM, I HAD IT ON MY SCANNER AND BLEW IT UP TO RE WIRE MY 53 DRAGON, WHAT A PAIN TO TRY FOLLOWING THE SCHEMATIC IN THE MANUAL , NOW I CAN EXPAND IT ON THE COMPUTER AND PRINT IT OUT IN SECTIONS TAPE THE SECTIONS TOGETHER AND GO WITHOUT A MAGNIFER

[pnw_oldmags]

I printed one 4 feet wide and 3 feet high.  Taped it together and mounted on the shop wall.  Nice when you are chasing wiring issues.