DIY Trunk Lighting (Lots of light)

[stresstest]

Any of those AR's 80% units?

All including the AR10

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[dly2k1]

Just a quick questions I have received the LED strip - I can cut to any length correct??

 

[lucasszy]

Just a quick questions I have received the LED strip - I can cut to any length correct??

You should be able to cut every third one, and there should be cut narks as well.

 

[stresstest]

You can only cut in the areas where the copper pads are. Anywhere else and you will interrupt the circuit. if you look closely you will see the scissor mark printed on your strip as shown here between the copper pads.

 

[stresstest]

Some days ago I was thinking about doing something like this and then maybe made a thread here.. today I come here to check what's new in DIY section and BUM! your thread!
Thanks for the links, I'll check that

Edit: could you post a picture showing where the led strip is placed, with led off?

@ papinist

Dude, totally missed your edit till now. Here ya go. I did split mine up to work that curve in the deck since its not straight. And I had to add the 3M Molding tape since the 3M used on the strips gave way. I have edited the first post with a link for the stuff I used. Auto-parts stores everywhere sell it.

 

[papinist]

Thank you, I'm waiting for the connectors (delivery from china requires some days) and already have received the led strip. I ordered a natural white one but it actually seems a bit cold for my taste. However I'm waiting to try it inside the trunk to choose if buy a warmer one.

 

[papinist]

Finally I received the connector but after all I decided that it's not needed.

I posted a new thread in Europe section but these are the main points:

I simply put some solder tin on the wire tips and pushed them inside the trunk light connector

I used a non-waterproof led strip because it's the brightest I had
The improvment in visibility is astonishing!

Thank you for this great idea

 

[Starfighter]

After two failed wiring configurations, I found I should have done this the way I wanted to in the first place. No need for the fake bulb wiring adapter. Just drill a hole in the lens so the wires come out below the deck and solder the wires directly to the metal bits in the lens assembly. This way, your wires are secure and won't be pinched between the lens and body sheet metal.

 

[stresstest]

What you are going to find is the adhesive on these strips will not hold to the test of time. I have updated the OP to reflect how I fixed this. Today they are still in place with no signs of giving way.

Nice job BTW

 

[GTP]

@stresstest, Wanting to do this.

Should I just order these LEDs?
Cut two strips that each reach out from the center? How many per side?
Then solder on my own leads, and connect them to the lens assembly?
Tape it in place with better tape?

OP, please update post#1 with your photos again. Thanks.

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