Added some SMD lighting to my VX

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

I wanted to add some extra lighting to my VX when the
doors where open..and hatch.
So I bought some RED SMDs and mounted a 12" strip
on both doors and 1 in the rear hatch jamb.
I wired them into parking lites
Gives some more visibility to my VX and more uniqueness and
a modern touch too.
Didnt cost much either, took about an hour to install and wire
them in.
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thought it would cool to post

[VXorado]

Nice, very unique

[Triathlete]

VC Az...we going to see you at the meet this Sunday. Hope you can make it out!

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

wheres the meet ?

[Riff Raff]

I wired them into parking lites.

Hmmm; for safety purposes (when the VX is off, as you're getting in/out), it might have been better to wire the lights into the "Door-Jam Circuit" (not Parking Light circuit). Having the requirement to have your Parking Lights on kinda' defeats the safety purpose and offers no lighting to illuminate the ground when you enter/exit the VX at night (which would be a real advantage). Plus, it would help alert other approaching driver's from the rear as they drive upon the VX on a dark street when you enter/exit the VX.

Just think how much your significant other would be impressed when she first opens her passenger door at night to hop-in the VX and the door lighting helps illuminate her access way; this won't happen if wired to the Parking Lights. I'd go with the "Door-Jam Circuit" instead. Just my 2-cents.

Overall, cool effect. My only worry would be condensation/moisture during freezing temperatures causing ice and ripping the plastic lighting tube off of the door-jam surface.

[tom4bren]

That came out nice.

I have to agree with Riff Raff though. I can't believe I just said that.


It prolly would've made more sense to hook it into the door circuit. Of course, that wouldn't have been available for the rear. You would've had to add your own pin switch to activate that one.

On the other hand, don't the parking lights stay on for 30 sec after unlocking the doors with the remote? If so, maybe your solution was the best.

[2Bonthewater]

That looks pretty sweet

[Triathlete]

Don't think there is a whole lo5 of worry about it "freezing" in Tucson Riff.

VX Az... the meet is the dirt and dine. We are rolling out from the Circle k at Valencia and Midvale at 0700. Picking up others on the Frontage Rd at Canoa Ranch rd at 0800 then we are doing an easy trail to Patigonia to eat at the Velvet Elvis...great pizza! On the trail their is a mine we will explore and some old ruins...going to be fun. Hope to see you there.


Back on subject...
Lights look good. They are bright and until turned on near invissible.

[WormGod]

I would think wiring them to your interior/dome lighting (when doors are opened) would be a better option. That way, they aren't always on when your vehicle's lights are on. Unless of course you don't care about random ambient glowing from various points of your car while driving.

EDIT: I see I was already beat to the punch with my response.

[tom4bren]

& LEDs don't like to be dimmed so the dome light may be problematical.

[MSHardeman]

LED's don't like to be dimmed, but they do step down in brightness. I have an LED array in both of my dome lights (added a second to the cargo area) and they don't fade off like the old bulbs, but they do step down then go off. Not an electrical engineer, so I have no idea if that is shortening the life of the bulbs.

Sorry, back on topic. V-C-Az, the lights look great, and being mounted on the inside of the door gasket they should stay out of any kind of weather.... unless you drive around with your doors open just to show off how cool they are.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

I actually leave my parking lites on often when unloading the
car, or getting fuel or just in parking lots while getting out
of the car and stuff.
I have LED taillight bulbs and parking lites, to the usage is
minimal and looks pretty cool.
Thought about the dome lite, but this way they stay on with
rest of my parking lites (LEDs) which is why I chose that
connection.
Not sure if I can make it Sunday, wish I could though.

[VXobsession]

You know the "horns" on the headlights? I bought red LED bulbs to go in there, they are freaking awesome. I know you're not supposed to have any kind of red light outside of your vehicle because of the fire truck thing, but when my headlights are on, you can't see the red lights unless you're really close, like beside me. Haven't been pulled over yet. And when I just have my parking lights on, those red lights come on too, it just looks badass.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

Yeah, I did some red LEDs there too for a while
looks cool, but didnt want to hassle with the cops
around here.
Now Im fitted with Hyper white