2snail

Hello fellow aziners.

I have been toying with the idea of retrofitting the stock tail lights to use some LED's. While i am well aware of the spirior tails I like the look of the stock tails. my idea is to add some LED modules to the inner tails that mount to the trunk lid. I have attached a picture of the proposed area where i would like to add the LED modules.

These modules are backlit led and use an acrylic to diffuse the light evenly. I have measured the dimensions of the 4 recess slots marked in green and the module i found fits. I went ahead and ordered a set of inner tail assemblies from aliexpress and some modules. If i can open up these tails i can have a better idea of mounting them in.

Ill post more as i get progress on the project. So far this project isnt too pricey:
100 for the inner tails pair.
25 for the led modules
6 for the resistors.

cu2wagon

Good luck!

I love reading these types of diy. It's cool to see people take initiative and try something new. Even if you fail, you'll learn something from it.

2snail

Status update,

I have received the LED modules and I should be receiving the light assemblies any day according to the tracking info.

Ill try and post up a youtube video once i get the remaining parts in.

Also I realized my circuit had a critical flaw. I was relying on reducing the 12-14v dc voltage from the tail light harness using some resistors which would be prone to failure due to heat. Instead I plan to utilize a DC/DC voltage regulator which uses a potentiometer to adjust the output voltage. The units I found are waterproof and utilize a heatsink on the casing. These can be mounted to the inside of the trunk lid.

knavekid

Depending on the forward voltage of the LEDs, consider connecting them in series. The light output is generally proportional to current, not voltage, so a series connection will have them all be the same brightness. If this requires a voltage higher than 12V, you should be able to find a boost switching regulator. Good luck with your project.

2snail

attached a video update.

2snail

Update part 2,

ssjoeboe9

How yellow do they look in real life?

2snail

They look red orange, the camera makes them look more orange

2snail

Final update, the project was a success. The DC dc converters I bought on amazon were a complete failure. Under testing the capacitor on the converter exploded. Luckily nothing hit me.

I originally was going to run both inner tails as a string of 4 leds with the parking lights and utilize the boost converter to push 14v from 12v.
I decided to avoid that when I discovered that I could tap into the license plate lights on each side. I tested the voltage with my multimeter and under Rpm load, ignition off with just parking light, and startup, the voltage never passed 13.8.

Also i tapped into the center brake light under the rear deck and ran both strings of leds for my brake signals.

I believe the multiplex unit regulates the voltage for each set of lights.

Finally here the pictures

I ran a 470ohm resistor to each string of 2 leds and everything is working. They are rated for 1w.

I sealed up the taillights by melting the top and bottom edges back together. The sides were too difficult so I ran a bead of ge silicone. I have used it before for my fogs lights and it worked well. I ran an additional bead along the top and bottom.

Finally here are the pictures.

cu2wagon

Looks nice!

I noticed the Texas plates. I'm not sure if I forgot or don't know... Where are you?

2snail

Houston, just north of the heights.