LED lights and DIY Mudflaps
 

I was thinking of doing a few things to my car over winter break. First, I want to install LED lights in my cup holds and in the back seats. Second, I want to make some DIY mudflaps from Ikea cutting boards and third, I want to paint my tail lights red (search NASIOC if you dont know what I mean).

My idea for the LEDs was to splice into my footwell lighting kit and run wires to the cupholders where I'll drill into the holder to install the lights. I also plan on making a condom like cover for the lights so they're not too bright. What I'm asking for here is advice on my plan and some help splicing into the wires. I've done some research but I'm still not entirely clear how to find how many volts I can get from the lighting kit and be able to run the desired number of LEDS. I'm also not sure how to splice into a wire. Again, I've done some research, but I still dont feel all that confident about doing it. Also, is this plan possible or is there a better way?

For the mudflaps and painting, I've pretty much got that under control. Does anyone want me to get some cutting boards for them?

I'm kinda interested in the mud flaps. You have a link? Why Ikea? Does Walbogs not have crappy enough cutting boards?

And to get diodes to work, you just need the right step down resistors. Often the trick is to use a pot that is close and play with it until you find what you like. And you only need condoms to defuse the light, not to control brightness if you find the right resistance.

Your real question is if you want them to dim with the dash lighting or if you want them full bright whenever? That determines the circuit you use.

Dean if you remember seeing my mudflaps, those are the ikea cutting boards. They're just cheap and pretty strong. Mine have held up pretty good. I have a couple sets of them. Just different colors. but It's well worth the time it takes to make they look perfect. :D

Here is the link to the Nasioc thread.

I usually keep my dash lighting at full brightness so I guess that it doesn't really matter either way.

If I were to tap into my 12v head unit illumination circuit, would that make the leds dim with the dash?

Say I wanted to use a total of 4 red LEDs, how would I determine the right brightness/resistor for it, just to buy a few and try them? Also, in this case, should I set up a mock circuit using batteries and test using that?

Subarus use a variable ground for dimming the lights. So the ILL circuit is always +12V, but the ground has a variable resistor on it to dim the lights. So, you can tap the +12V ILL circuit and use your own ground for fixed lighting that only comes on with the head lights, or tap both the ILL +12V and the ILL Ground if you want them to dim w/ the dimmer knob.

To determine the proper LEDs, you need to know the specs of the LEDs you're going to use. LED in serial are additive, so if you're using 4 LEDs on 12V, you'll need them each to be 3V LEDs. (Here's a short tutorial: http://www.theledlight.com/ledcircuits.html) You want to make sure you don't put too many volts across an LED because you'll destroy its lifespan in a hurry (if not destroy it immediately).

If you need help learning to splice wires and solder, I can probably give you a hand. It's not hard to learn, and it's a really useful skill to have when it comes to screwing around w/ auto wiring.

Hey let me know when your going to make the mudflaps and I'll help if you want to help me make some for my car

I might go to Ikea tomorrow if there is no snow on Sierra. Let me know if you want me to pick it up. How many? and What color?

Scott, thanks, I'll definitely take you up on that when I get some free time after finals.

Zpeed, I need 2 packs (or 4 total) of black. I dont know if Szucchet want's the same.

They are out. Look like that are old 2009 and they are not carry that any more.

Noooooooooooooo. Oh well, I guess I'll find something at walmart. All I need is a stiff but slightly flexible, durable material. Any suggestions?

Trip Plastic might have some plastic sheet?

S2000 track guy used bathroom molding. Not pretty but it do the job protect the paint.

Just get one big semi-rig mudflap and cut it into 4 pieces?

I bought these years ago and never got around to installing them.

10727 - Highland Splash Guard: Passenger Car; with No Logo (Plain); Rounded Contours $3.99 pair

Here's what they look like on a Subaru.

http://www.wrxfanatics.com/uploads/m...1208873854.jpg

http://www.wrxfanatics.com/uploads/m...1208873864.jpg

http://www.wrxfanatics.com/uploads/m...1208873872.jpg

I don't think the link is right.

Woops, try this:

http://kragen.com/productdetail.aspx...rtNumber=10727

I bought these and then decided I really didn't like the look of mud flaps on my car. They are yours if you want them.

:lol: And to think I almost PM'd you to hold them for me. Damn I seriously gotta stop clicking on your links. LMAO

You realize that on most boards, disguised links are a bannable offense, right? Not exactly the best forum etiquette, especially for a joke as played out as a rick roll, especially in a tech thread. :rolleyes:

Um... yeeeah, I can see it would be a "bannable" offense if it was a link to porn or 2G1C but, it wasn't. The joke is very old yet, you continue to fall for it.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...chill_pill.gif

I thought it was funny, I haven't been Rickrolled for a while.

those cheap-o mudflaps, did you put them on yet? Do you know if I need to make the holes in the mudflaps myself?

Who is this directed to? I haven't installed mine. I think you just screw them into the fenders with provided wood screws?

sorry, it was directed towards you, Cody. So the mudflaps already have holes in them?