Light-sensitive auto-on headlight conversion?

[deevergote]

I've been wanting to do this forever, first on my CB, then on my Miata. After having newer cars with set-and-forget automatic headlights, I really love it. I know, it's not a whole lot of work to twist a little knob to turn on the lights... but I think it's cool to simply turn the car on at night and have the lights come on. Or have the lights turn on when it gets dark out, without having to think about it.

I looked around, and apparently conversion kits are super cheap. Not as clean as working an OEM stalk into the mix (though maybe you could modify the kit to do it...) but still.
I kinda want to try it, though I'm hesitant to modify stock wiring, and dashboard removal is never fun.

Here's a kit I found on eBay. $32.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...k1%26vxp%3Dmtr

[Domesticated]

I built an Arduino setup for about 40 dollars. Probably still have the code laying around.

[deevergote]

That's where I started looking (I might actually have seen you mention it before). Then I stumbled across the kit, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation (assuming it works.)

[Domesticated]

As long as it's a smart kit (on/off) and not just analog. It would be way easier to just buy one ready to go.

[cp[mike]]

They have similar add-on modules to get rain sensing wipers, too!

I don't particularly like the auto-on feature, but that item on ebay sounds like that's exactly what it does. Definitely post a folllowup if you end up getting it.

[deevergote]

Something about putting it on the Miata seems extra special. Auto popup headlights!