FiftyFive

Sorry for the blurry cam phone pics, still in the process of finding a new digicam. I think it came out great, not as bright as the cathodes but for $10 and 10 minutes, it was worth it.

Here is how it started.







License plate cover off. Looks a hell of a lot cleaner.



At night.



The two bulbs were $9 shipped to my door through ebay.

intensity2x

Looking good

boxstock

You need a tripod for that cell phone camera!

Just kiddin, it looks good! Thanks for posting the pics.

boxstock

boxstock

I finally took an actual night picture of the CCFL's (instead of one in the garage).

Should be a good shot for anyone debating LED vs. CCFL's.



boxstock

FiftyFive

That looks so much better than mine. I'm probably gonna order CCFLs soon.

Nuckz23

iTrader: (2)

Nice job 55. You should do a DIY writeup and put it in the DIY posting. Can you sticky that thread?

FiftyFive

It is really as simple as replacing the original license plate bulbs. I just searched Ebay for "MDX led" and found them. They plug right in.

Type34

Looks cool...but help me out here guys

Doesn't this draw needed power from other accessories? Also, isn't it counterproductive to make it easier for the cops or stoplight cameras to identify your license plate?

I guess it may deter thieves because of license visibility (they would have to see the vehicle "on" beforehand) and perhaps the vehicle would be easier to recover if stolen, but I'm not sure security is what you guys are doing this for...or I could be wrong...

FiftyFive

Actually LEDs use less power the standard bulbs. They also last alot longer. I just did it for a cleaner look. The original bulbs are dim and kinda look cheap. I like how the new IS' license plate lights are nice a bright so i decided to do LEDs.

I don't worry too much about cops or license plate cameras because there aren't any cameras in our area and i really don't speed that much.

intensity2x

The led bulbs are actually a little dimmer than regular bulbs, mostly because they shine in only one direction while regular bulbs are omnidirectional. The main reason to do this is for looks. The color of leds looks a whole lot classier then the yellowish glow of regular bulbs. (To me anyway) CCFL's give the same color but are much much brighter. Led's do draw less power also, but the difference is negligible in the grand scheme of things. Some people have had problems with led bulbs burning out prematurely, probably due to vibration causing the solder points to crack. I haven't had any problems with mine after 2.5 years now. And I believe most license plates have some reflective properties, and are made to be easily photographable, even in low light. There are not a whole lot of ways to beat speed camera short of doing the speed limit

ChrisQ1980

LED plate bulbs look great. Def keep the cover off as well. Very nice.