White Cold Cathode License Plate How-To!!!! 3G Garage #G-070
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
White Cold Cathode License Plate How-To!!!! 3G Garage #G-070
Guys, here is the new HOW-TO if you would like to replace those yellow bulbs on your license plate with a cold cathode bulbs. This is a very cheap mod. The bulbs only cost $7.29 from the link on the how-to. I did this so others would not be scared to do this mod. I notice not to many have done it and its really simple and its worth it. Look at the pictures!
I didn't have a stock car to show a picture of to compare, but just by the light on the bumper and ground I think you guys can figure out how bright it is and white!
I would also like to thank Kracker for the idea and his help last night to finish up this project. I will soon replace the interior floorboard lights with this type of lighting and the trunk light.
http://www.acuraclubsa.com/DIY/catho...odeTLhowto.htm
Enjoy guys! Hope it was worth the trouble making this page for all you! I am sure this willl work on the RL and other Acura models.
Here is a picture of what they look like below. See the link above for more pics.
http://www.acuraclubsa.org/DIY/catho...decompare1.jpg
http://www.acuraclubsa.org/DIY/catho...decompare3.jpg
I didn't have a stock car to show a picture of to compare, but just by the light on the bumper and ground I think you guys can figure out how bright it is and white!
I would also like to thank Kracker for the idea and his help last night to finish up this project. I will soon replace the interior floorboard lights with this type of lighting and the trunk light.
http://www.acuraclubsa.com/DIY/catho...odeTLhowto.htm
Enjoy guys! Hope it was worth the trouble making this page for all you! I am sure this willl work on the RL and other Acura models.
Here is a picture of what they look like below. See the link above for more pics.
http://www.acuraclubsa.org/DIY/catho...decompare1.jpg
http://www.acuraclubsa.org/DIY/catho...decompare3.jpg
Last edited by Steven Bell; 06-02-2012 at 10:35 PM.
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jermagesty (04-28-2013)
#3
Looks good. I already have 2 LEDs that I got off some guy who made them for the 350Z forums which look pretty white but this looks nicer. So you bought two of the $7 tubes?
The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still...
Nice job. I may do this soon.
The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still...
Nice job. I may do this soon.
#5
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by SilverStoneTTL
Looks good. I already have 2 LEDs that I got off some guy who made them for the 350Z forums which look pretty white but this looks nicer. So you bought two of the $7 tubes?
The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still...
Nice job. I may do this soon.
The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still...
Nice job. I may do this soon.
The bulbs have there own protective cover they are sealed in. Thick plastic. The plastic that I installed from the package is to help keep it sealed from water.
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#8
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Yes. It runs inside the actual trunk lid and will not interfere with the rear camera. Kracker has the rear camera and these.
You can see where its mounted by the pics.
You can see where its mounted by the pics.
#12
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Not really sure how long they will last, but they should last much longer than a normal bulb. And for $8 bucks at that site or ebay 3 bucks + shipping, yea its pretty cheap. The pictures don't do it justice. In person they would blow away LEDs in brightness and color.
#14
Cancel that last bit. The seller all_city has the same lights judging by the fact that it shows the same packaging as the site pimpin had a link to. Came out to 9.90 shipped.
#17
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That sounds good to. I need to come that way and hang on the river walk. I so miss it there. Last time I was there (Dec. 2005) there was a totally drunk Santa on one of the tall building we were by. Anyway yes I do need to come that way. You think the TL can make it there?
#18
2004 SSM/EB/5AT/Navi/RSB
I'm so glad you did this! I've seen other cars (Lexus, perhaps?) that obviously use CC bulbs and I have a couple of tiny battery-operated CC reading lights that I thought I might tweak to work for this. Now that I see your post, I'm going with your setup.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#19
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by KatyTL
That sounds good to. I need to come that way and hang on the river walk. I so miss it there. Last time I was there (Dec. 2005) there was a totally drunk Santa on one of the tall building we were by. Anyway yes I do need to come that way. You think the TL can make it there?
#20
King of NYC
iTrader: (6)
I thought of this mod a while back as I got the idea from some BMW dudes doin it online (Not TLs though, this is a 1st). I was hesitant to do it because of a discussion some guys were talking about as to how long they will last.
Some were saying that cold cathode tubes won't last long particularly in cold weather. The tubes operate best at room temperature supposedly and aren't suited for automotive applications. Some other guys insisted that the technology has proven just fine when used on angel-eyes so why not as with this mod. I know some of you will say "so what they're only $8 tubes". Well that's not my concern either. I agree they are dirt cheap which is a great thing. I just don't want to disassemble my trunk lid everytime I have a problem.
For those who can't wait and just want to jump on this mod I can understand. I just want to hold out maybe till next year to see if reliability holds up with time. There's no doubt these look better than anything else out there. I don't think LEDs can compare, even though they will do for me; hopefully temporarily. Good job pimpin-TL!
Some were saying that cold cathode tubes won't last long particularly in cold weather. The tubes operate best at room temperature supposedly and aren't suited for automotive applications. Some other guys insisted that the technology has proven just fine when used on angel-eyes so why not as with this mod. I know some of you will say "so what they're only $8 tubes". Well that's not my concern either. I agree they are dirt cheap which is a great thing. I just don't want to disassemble my trunk lid everytime I have a problem.
For those who can't wait and just want to jump on this mod I can understand. I just want to hold out maybe till next year to see if reliability holds up with time. There's no doubt these look better than anything else out there. I don't think LEDs can compare, even though they will do for me; hopefully temporarily. Good job pimpin-TL!
#22
Safety Car
iTrader: (1)
Hehe, I've had these for a while. For local purchases, these can be found at Fry's, or any electronic stores that carry the neon tubes people put in computer cases.
My inverter actually recently went out. Lasted about 4 months. Not bad, and much more of an improvement compared to the flickering LED's I've had to replace!
Nice write up!
My inverter actually recently went out. Lasted about 4 months. Not bad, and much more of an improvement compared to the flickering LED's I've had to replace!
Nice write up!
#24
Racer
Originally Posted by rockyfeller
I just don't want to disassemble my trunk lid everytime I have a problem.
#25
Trucki!!
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Yes. It runs inside the actual trunk lid and will not interfere with the rear camera. Kracker has the rear camera and these.
You can see where its mounted by the pics.
You can see where its mounted by the pics.
#26
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by jdb8805
I agree. It is against the law to drive without lights on your plate in TX, so if the light goes out, then I can't drive at night until I find time to disassemble my trunk.
#27
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Good question about the RR. You might want to ask Kracker on that. He is on this forum. Since the light is behindthe camera I think it will help the camera not make it washed out.
#28
05 TL
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I didn't notice a big difference... They only time I even notice is backing up to a wall. But that may be my PIAA Backup lights.
here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2.
http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/
here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2.
http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/
#30
Trucki!!
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Originally Posted by Kracker
I didn't notice a big difference... They only time I even notice is backing up to a wall. But that may be my PIAA Backup lights.
here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2.
http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/
here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2.
http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/
What do you notice against the wall? Does it white out to the point you can't see very good when you are close to things? I have to parrell park at night very often and I don't want the camera to be affected.
#31
05 TL
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So it can air up twice as fast Its for Nitrogen. One sucks the N, the other is the source.... FYI I got the rims and tires from Pimpin for a great deal..
I was looking over the FAQ... I dont see a big need to remove the license plate holders. (the black thing)...
I didnt, but hey. His came out better than mime did.
I was looking over the FAQ... I dont see a big need to remove the license plate holders. (the black thing)...
I didnt, but hey. His came out better than mime did.
#32
How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application.
Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.
Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.
#35
Senior Moderator
how long do these inverters last? if not long, i'd rather leave the yellow stock ones in there
#36
Safety Car
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by SilverStoneTTL
How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application.
Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.
Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.
#37
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by csmeance
how long do these inverters last? if not long, i'd rather leave the yellow stock ones in there
#38
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Originally Posted by lembowski
Thank you Kracker
What do you notice against the wall? Does it white out to the point you can't see very good when you are close to things? I have to parrell park at night very often and I don't want the camera to be affected.
What do you notice against the wall? Does it white out to the point you can't see very good when you are close to things? I have to parrell park at night very often and I don't want the camera to be affected.
The backup lights make more light then the license plate lights... My camera is angled so that once any item like a wall or column is at the bottom of my screen I have three feet until I hit it. I honestly dont notice it... I also dont trust my camera...
#39
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Originally Posted by SilverStoneTTL
How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application.
Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.
Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.
In the second picture you can clearly see where I did a crappy job. http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/IMG_1548.jpg
I used superglue gel. I then stuck a paper towel and used that to hold it in place.
As far as inverter life... I just checked my order, and I bought it 7/14. So its been in about 3 and half months. We will see if it breaks. I slam the trunk I don't even pretend to be nice. Haven't noticed a problem yet. But the LEDs I had flickered after only a few months and didn't look as cool.