DIY: LED SIDEMARKERS

[vroomapunk]

Originally Posted by Gator6977

Automotivetouchup.com does a spot on SGM as well! I was looking around ar different LEDs and came across these little guys. Substantially cheaper and they I've always had excellent luck with their product.

http://www.oznium.com/thin-led-tube

Would just need to trim them down.

Wait, so the oznium place has them for 10$ a piece and radiantz is 33$??

Is it because radiantz is flexible, I assume we dont need them to be flexible. This project got so much more affordable if the 10$ ones are okay

[sjmautoprod]

Note that the Oz strips have fewer LED's (there is space between them).

[2010camarolt]

Originally Posted by Gator6977

Automotivetouchup.com does a spot on SGM as well! I was looking around ar different LEDs and came across these little guys. Substantially cheaper and they I've always had excellent luck with their product.

http://www.oznium.com/thin-led-tube

Would just need to trim them down.

im intersted to see what they look like installed

[vroomapunk]

Originally Posted by sjmautoprod

Note that the Oz strips have fewer LED's (there is space between them).

I wonder how it would look, since I am re-using the stock lens ( should diffuse it)

[sjmautoprod]

I'd bet that the LED's end up too close to the lens to diffuse much. May look okay, though.

[puertoricanfont]

those led are not as bright as my ACC led in my sidemarkers for comparison. Also there is more spacing between each led and there more subtle but still light up pretty good. I've had them for my footwell lightnig since i had my v6 and they are still working.

[Mach]

Originally Posted by vroomapunk

Wait, so the oznium place has them for 10$ a piece and radiantz is 33$??

Is it because radiantz is flexible, I assume we dont need them to be flexible. This project got so much more affordable if the 10$ ones are okay

Radiantz have a 1mm spacing. Oznium are at least 10 times that. Radiantz are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. Still no problems with mine.

Also not sure how bright they are.. But the Radiantz I have.. light up cars around me.

[a.morblu]

I already ghosted my stock markers. I plan on doing this mod this winter. I cant wait to get them on the car! Great write up.

[vroomapunk]

Originally Posted by Mach

Radiantz have a 1mm spacing. Oznium are at least 10 times that. Radiantz are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. Still no problems with mine.

Also not sure how bright they are.. But the Radiantz I have.. light up cars around me.

It would seem the spacing is about 2.3 times bigger on the Oznium.

Oznium has 44 Led's per foot basically and Radiantz is 100 leds per foot.

You could still save money if you wanted to put two strips of the oznium in each marker lol.

[Camaroblk]

GUYS THIS IS GREAT. U SHOULD CHANGE THE SUBJECT TO " DIY LED SIDEMARKER AND AFTERBURNER " CUZ THESE LED ARE THE SAME FOR AFTERBURNER !!!! THE STRIP IS FLEX SO IT SHOULD LOOK EXACTLY AS ACC ONE JUST NEED TO KNOW THE LENGTH

[Camaroblk]

Originally Posted by Mach

UPDATE: Radiantz.com now calls these LED strips the "Z-Flex Array"
Just get 2x 40 led amber and 2x 40 led red. Remember they are the 100 Leds per foot style.
The are under "Category->Z-Flex LED lights->1mm Z-Flex arrays 100 LEDs Per foot"


What nice too is these have a LIFETIME Warranty against LED failure.




I got 2 amber and 2 red 40 LED flexible array strips from Radiantz.com


Splitting the sidemarkers apart was challenging. I started prying at the tab on the front of the lens. Then ran a sharp utility knife along the edge. A 10 min 200 degree oven did help soften the plastic and made it less prone to the lens cracking.

Double sided tape on the LED Strip.


LED strip in position.


Glued back up and installed.


I still need to paint the lens white. I will leave a 1/8 inch slot unpainted for the LED strip to shine through.

Repeat this 3 more times... I paid $131 for all four LED strips. Alot less then the 2 companies that make these.

UPDATE:

To connect these correctly....

Go here.. http://autolumination.com/connectors.htm

Scroll down still you hit this.... Standard bulb bases with a plug-in 2-wire pigtail 12"- 18 gauge wires

and buy 4 194 wedges. You guys can figure out the rest!!!

do u know if the rear sidemarker will take 45 leds ?

[vroomapunk]

So I just went and priced what it would cost, since I was looking at just buying the showstopper ones.

Showstopper = $250 (350-100 core charge)

DIY:
LEDs = $132
Paint/Clear/Promoter/Primer = $45 (from automotivetouchup.com)
Misc Materials (tape,sandpaper) = $10
Connectors = $12
TOTAL: $199

Essentially saving $50 if you go my route. If you car is a normal color, you may be able to get away with normal paint, black white or yellow, etc may be easier to come by. Crystal red is not. The clear and primer may be cheaper at autozone. But everything else would stay the same.
You may be able to save 75$ if you can find cheaper paint!

Personally, 50$ is kinda of my breaking point. If i am only saving 50$, and I can save myself the hassle of baking, cutting, splicing, sanding, masking off, painting multiple coats, With the very real possibility that I will mess something up and have to start over, I may just pay a professional 50$ to do it.

Showstopper really is a good deal when you think about it

[Mach]

Originally Posted by Camaroblk

GUYS THIS IS GREAT. U SHOULD CHANGE THE SUBJECT TO " DIY LED SIDEMARKER AND AFTERBURNER " CUZ THESE LED ARE THE SAME FOR AFTERBURNER !!!! THE STRIP IS FLEX SO IT SHOULD LOOK EXACTLY AS ACC ONE JUST NEED TO KNOW THE LENGTH

It won't bend the way the afterburners are. And Please don't yell! LOL

[Mach]

Originally Posted by Camaroblk

do u know if the rear sidemarker will take 45 leds ?

If I remember correctly yes. But I kept it 40 to be even with the front. As it will only fit 40.