lets install some running lights! mspaint inside!

Spoiler pic:




I want some running lights in my Tundra. I personally like the look. These are the LED bolt lights I am using @ $4/ea

I was going to use the bulge, but the insert is plastic-weld and bolted to the bulge. It looks water-tight and do not want to hack it open, exposing the engine bay to water. Also, personal preference, I do not like running wiring thru the hood.



So, next best thing, the grill. First idea is a bar. I purchased a piece from HD and cut to length, slightly over 44", and gave it a slight bend to fit the grill profile.



Now how to secure it?



I had two ideas, a support bar using the OE grill bolt locations.



Second idea, epoxy a bolt inside the pocket from the rear of grill. Bolt bar to grill.

(view from top)




Then I thought, to independently mount the lights. So I cut out the shape of the grill in 5 rigid black plastic panels from a cardboard template. I will epoxy them to each of the rear grill openings.




So this is where I'm at. I'll be pulling the grill this weekend. Hopefully epoxy will hold the plastic inserts in place. Then just drill the center hole for the bolt lights and wire it up! More to come...

 

I got the grill pulled (even though its single digits outside) and inside the house to warm up. Had some minor fitting to do on the tabs, and used a step bit to drill the center hole. I then put a dot of hot glue on the front to hold the tab in place, then used epoxy on the rear. The hot glue pulled right off after the epoxy was set, leaving no marks/residue. After a few hours cure time, I finished the wiring. All black to a common ground, all hot to common hot. I continued with 22g to extend the LED wiring and am using 14g to circuit termination.










UPDATES:


and done... add-a-fuse to INJ. Any suggestion on a dif fuse location so they are only on with the other lights?

 

I’m having some blocks 3D printed to fit in grill , 4 of them with amber LED’s so I Don’t look like a Ford ! Should have them next week.

 

I thought of that, but dont have a file to print from. Each opening is slightly different. How did you get a file?

 

subbed!

 

Great idea !

Glad someone else feels same as me on the “Raptor” 3- amber copycat !

 

Have you checked out yota leds?

I did Amazon ones in my bulge on my other tundra, lasted few months before they had water in them then stopped working

 

Over $100 for $4 LEDS, a $5 add-a-fuse and some wiring.... ya no thanks

These are IP65 weather rated and 2 year guarantee for $4.

 

Agreed, the price is high for what you get for sure. Have you tried a two piece mounting approach? One piece on the outside of the grill that fits in the hole but will not go through with another piece inside that is basically the same just shaped to fit inside. The hole in the 2 pieces allows for the light to pass through then tighten the mounting nut to compress the 2 together like a "running light sandwich"

 

I have the grill lights as well. I got a bracket with a hole in the middle, put the lights and wiring through and use a nut to hold it in place

 

More pics up.

 

Update ; 3D print file was designed by my son. Light blocks are printed, have amber LED’s and wiring to complete project. Hope to get it completed next weekend, will take photos and post here.

 

Would you be willing to send me the file?

 

pics added post #2

 

Good work. I have those same bolt lights from them and was looking to do something similar. What did you use for the plastic backing?

 

I have a 19 Limited, lots of different grill configurations, design is set up for this grill only. I might have another upgrade to my block that I might consider doing. Let’s get it figured out first, and then take it from their.
I’m not sure if he will send file, we did this on another project, and the guy we sent it too started selling parts off our work on eBay....
My son is a Aerospace engineer, with lots of student loans to pay for his talents. He said maybe we should sell these ; time will tell.

 

Thoughts on tapping DRL fuse?

 

Or posi-tap to your corner light.

 

Purple wire on headlight is DRL. I tapped that so they run when headlight Stalk is clicked to parking lights or headlights. Easy Peezy