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DIY Almost Free Super Bright LEDs
- Thread starter Darscot
- Start date
We like to hide from our neighbors. They get all needy.
buyehara
Member
I'm ok with modifying my Model 3 but it always gets a bit more complicated if I updated a car that is not my own. I've had situations where I suddenly became the lifetime tech support after I applied my initial mod to a friend's computer. Any quirk or weird behavior I suddenly became the level 1 tech support line. After that I said "no more" I'll just mod my own devices.
This is such an important point. And it happens for any sort of offered assistance. After helping my neighbor with a plumbing job, I now seem to own his entire plumbing situation. I install a toilet, and in a few weeks, he wants to know why that made the kitchen faucet start leaking... Same with electrical. Once it is touched, it then becomes my problem. So I agree... helping folks modify their cars is something that I generally shy away from. I'm happy to show people how, not so happy with actually doing the work. And even showing how can come with similar strings attached, unfortunately...
buyehara
Member
I used a small screwdriver to wedge it between the clear and black clip holder. When I wedged it in I slowly used the screwdriver to pry up the clear housing away from the black housing just a little in that section then do the same to the other 3 corners until they are all unlocked, after that you can simply pull out the black case away from the clear housing. The clear case was pretty resilient. Like you I was taking my time with the first light assembly to get a feel of how much pressure I could apply to jostle loose the clear housing from the LED unit. Once you get that off, use a small screwdriver the lift the existing LED board from the black housing. it will break off at the soldered terminals nicely so no need to remove any solder.
Will these work? Couldn’t find the ones posted from amazon CA.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013C2U0IO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KWe1BbJ6DB2NE
Thanks fellas!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013C2U0IO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KWe1BbJ6DB2NE
Thanks fellas!
Thanks! Ordered. Can’t wait for them to come in on Monday.
Did you only do 3 LEDs per light replacement or cram 6 into each unit? Trying to determine if it’ll be too bright with 6 6
Honestly, even if you crack any of the plastic while prying, the project is not ruined. Super glue would put it back together just fine. Remember that all you see is the clear lens... everything else, not so much. It just takes a bit of patience. And once you've done a couple of them, you'll get the knack, and figure out the best tool and method.
Don't worry about it, and you'll get it.
I've found that 3 is ideal. Yes, you can make them brighter, but I don't think that the extra current draw, and extra heat is worth it. Three fits so perfectly, it's meant to be!
If you can find 3 that are closer together - it'll be easier to fit them in.
Bought a strip that was waterproof - but had to peel away the protective covering to get it to fit inside.
Also, had many attempts where if I bent the strips to much to force it to fit - the light just wouldnt work - had to make sure it was working first before snapping back the clear housing (for me that was the worst part of this DIY - thanks buyehara for the detailed explanation).
Bought a strip that was waterproof - but had to peel away the protective covering to get it to fit inside.
Also, had many attempts where if I bent the strips to much to force it to fit - the light just wouldnt work - had to make sure it was working first before snapping back the clear housing (for me that was the worst part of this DIY - thanks buyehara for the detailed explanation).
Akikiki
A'-Lo-HA ! y'all
Totally guilty as chargedThe LEDs for me was just scratching that itch to monkey around with a car and there is not a lot you can do to a Tesla.
....there is not a lot you can do to a Tesla. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Depends on where you look for projects. Try here. This will keep you busy for a while.
Akikiki
A'-Lo-HA ! y'all
You guys like making stuff with LEDs... look at this. I added a wireless remote relay that turned on momentarily and persistently. When the headlights are on, the lights look like eyes and the LED strip a smile. When I approached another Tesla, I flipped the lights on to smile at them as I passed. One lady chased me down to find out how I did it. Tried to talk me into do it for her. Uh-huh.
I went with 6 just because I could fit 6 inside the housing. RpmTesla also has 6 inside their upgraded lights. Opened my trunk on a really dark back road and I found the lighting pretty good. Was even considering adding another strip in since I already have the lights.
Didn’t really think about the heat or current draw, because I don’t keep my trunk open for extended periods, and if I can do the whole strip of 600 plugged in, the difference between 12 and 6 has to be pretty minimal. Also the 2x6 lights is still less than adding a long strip of lights like I have seen in other projects.
Didn’t really think about the heat or current draw, because I don’t keep my trunk open for extended periods, and if I can do the whole strip of 600 plugged in, the difference between 12 and 6 has to be pretty minimal. Also the 2x6 lights is still less than adding a long strip of lights like I have seen in other projects.
Akikiki
A'-Lo-HA ! y'all
The trunk lights are on a timer anyway. They power down in about 10 minutes of inactivity back there.
buyehara
Member
KDGr
Member
I'll give you a tip to make THAT easier as well: Use a proper flux. Suddenly all solder projects go better.
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