Alternative way to install dashboard ABL (with light tape)

[FIREWOLFF]

I was talking to few guys at their last meet and we were discussing the ABL dash upgrade done. The biggest thing that scared them off was cutting the dash. I explained that it can be done without any dash trimming. Since I had no way of showing them without doing it myself I got right on it and here are the results. First and foremost once I sanded the top edge of the molding. The entire install only took 45 minutes. I followed the other guys instructions to the t. But with my changes. Instead of the led and light tube. I used light tape and a transformer.

[5th_GEN_SS]

hmm looks good. pics are kinda hard to see, out of focus

[FIREWOLFF]

I only have 2 concerns which are not bad at all. First the dash is alot brighter than the doors. I will probably do the doors as well. Second this way does not dim. They stay on until there is not enough voltage to keep the transformer on and then they cut off. I never dim them to begin with. Also these are so bright I can see a sand line so I plan on taping off the light part and painting the backside with some black. You can not see where you sanded with the lights off but when the are on they show every thin spot in the paint. If you are interested I can put together a package. All parts Transformer, 2 pieces of light tape, wiring all ready to install for $160.00. I know this is more than buying the other parts but install is way easier. I didnt even have to drill a hole for the wire it is thin enough that I used the hole already existing in the dash that were not being used by the clips. I will take some more pics tonight with a better camera and update this when I get them.

[FIREWOLFF]

Here are the better pics.

[CamaroSkooter]

Looks good but I'm confused. The light tape is how thick? It looks like it would need to be trimmed around each trim piece clip that secures the trim to the dash. Am I missing something here?

[ddunerider]

That looks cool

[Indpowr]

Nice job

[Blood]

Looks awesome, is there a switch that activates these? And how much does it end up running you?
Also, is there somehwere I could get this done. I dont want to mess anything up!

[C4]

pretty wicked
looks good
can u get it in red?

[lakers171]

that looks good can you take pics from the backseat looking to the dash and not so blurry but looks great. one more question is it super bright or is it like the door panels

[FIREWOLFF]

The thickness of the tape is less than 1/16 of an inch. It comes in cool blue only...but you can get transparency colored tap to go over it and make it any color you want. Cost is a bit high for all parts to make it work you are looking close to $200.00 that is the tape, wires transformer, and tr7 low volt converter. The reason I went this way is there is no trimming of anything. I saw pics where a guy was trimming the dash for the clear tubing done in another ABL install and nicked his dash. Well I knew that would be me. I am to particular with my car and didn't want to trim or drill anything. It all fits behind the panel no cutting. The width of the tape is 1". We install here at TNT audio in Victoria,Tx

[FIREWOLFF]

Here are some of the other things we have done using light tape.

[FIREWOLFF]

Also I used the led plug behind the gauges so they turn on with the doors. I mentioned above they do not dim with the doors they are on or off. This is twice as bright as the doors. I plan on doing them next. This company uses this stuff for lighting runway strips in airports and claim up to 3 mile visibility. Its not blinding though. Awesome product.

[yubman]

Looks nice. Do you have any idea the lifespan of the light tape?