I have the same one for nearly a year and I like it.  But it is not very
bright enough.
You can read by it though.  I use it in my Westy at the left of the back
seat.  It gets warm and gets distorted to make the switch operation
difficult.  Still, it is a fine addition.  The same tube fits in as the
Carat's light uses.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Wasson" <briwasson@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2005 1:46 PM
Subject: Low-cost 12v fluorescent fixture at Home Depot

> FYI, today I was at Home Depot and picked up a small fluorescent light
> fixture for around $10. It runs on either eight AA batteries or an
> optional AC adapter. I noticed that the DC-in plug took 12 volts, and
> figured I could retrofit it to work with 12v auto wiring. A few minutes
> to take it apart and solder leads to the plug outlet and I now have a
> nice $10 light that I can install in the Vanagon. I haven't hooked it
> up yet, so I can't comment on the light output. If it's good enough I
> may replace the stock light over the kitchen with another one of these.
>
> Brian W.
>