Mirror reflectors turned into turn signals how to w/pics
#241
#242
#243
#245
#246
Your LED has two wires. The signal has two wires. Splice the wires together so they match the colors mentioned in the OP. Done. It's so simple.
#248
Add me to the list of done-zo!
It was super easy, and I'm so glad I didn't have to remove my mirrors.
Drew, pop out the circle plugs on the bottom of the mirrors (about the size of a half dollar) by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot you'll see on one spot of the circumference of the plug.
Once the plug is removed, reach with your finger and you'll feel two small gauge wires which are connected to the back of the existing turn signal LED's (the ones that face the rear of the truck.
You'll have to tug at the wires a little bit. Not too much force, but don't be afraid to give a substantial tug.
You'll need some nimble fingers, but tap into the wires by using a "tap splice connector." These are available at auto parts stores, hardware stores, and home improvement stores. They're color coded to match wire gauge ranges for which they're applicable. Get at least (4) of the RED ones, which are designed to accommodate 22-16 AWG wires.
One side of the connector is designed to clamp around the wire you want to tap into, you just lay the wire into the channel and the wire runs "through" the connector. The other side of the connector has an end stop. This is the side where you'll insert your new LED strip wire. Once the wires are aligned properly, crimp the metal "staple" looking part of the connector down with a pair of pliers. Then fold the plastic clip over the connector to ensure it stays closed and tight. The metal portion cuts through the insulation on the wires and creates electrical continuity between the two wires.
Use one connector to tie the red wire of your LED's to the green wire of the existing turn signal, and another connector for the black LED strip wire to the black wire of the existing turn signals.
AWESOME results and it only took me about 15 minutes from start to finish, including the time to dremel out the reflectors. FANTASTIC mod.
It was super easy, and I'm so glad I didn't have to remove my mirrors.
Drew, pop out the circle plugs on the bottom of the mirrors (about the size of a half dollar) by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot you'll see on one spot of the circumference of the plug.
Once the plug is removed, reach with your finger and you'll feel two small gauge wires which are connected to the back of the existing turn signal LED's (the ones that face the rear of the truck.
You'll have to tug at the wires a little bit. Not too much force, but don't be afraid to give a substantial tug.
You'll need some nimble fingers, but tap into the wires by using a "tap splice connector." These are available at auto parts stores, hardware stores, and home improvement stores. They're color coded to match wire gauge ranges for which they're applicable. Get at least (4) of the RED ones, which are designed to accommodate 22-16 AWG wires.
One side of the connector is designed to clamp around the wire you want to tap into, you just lay the wire into the channel and the wire runs "through" the connector. The other side of the connector has an end stop. This is the side where you'll insert your new LED strip wire. Once the wires are aligned properly, crimp the metal "staple" looking part of the connector down with a pair of pliers. Then fold the plastic clip over the connector to ensure it stays closed and tight. The metal portion cuts through the insulation on the wires and creates electrical continuity between the two wires.
Use one connector to tie the red wire of your LED's to the green wire of the existing turn signal, and another connector for the black LED strip wire to the black wire of the existing turn signals.
AWESOME results and it only took me about 15 minutes from start to finish, including the time to dremel out the reflectors. FANTASTIC mod.
Last edited by spydyrwyr; 03-15-2011 at 09:00 AM. Reason: pictures
#251
How did you pop off the cap the covers the puddle light hole? I'm not seeing how thats possible without damaging it.
#252
Dude, I posted that like 3 posts up.
Pop out the circle plugs on the bottom of the mirrors (about the size of a half dollar) by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot you'll see on one spot of the circumference of the plug.
There's only one spot around the circumference where the gap is wider. Pry the screwdriver so that the tip/blade moves toward the center point of the plug.
It's a v-shaped plastic tab with a lip that engages in the mirror body. The profile looks kinda like:
\T
By prying that "V" inward (more acute angle), you allow the top tab to clear it's mating surface, thus the plug can be removed easily. It should not take much force at all to remove the plug once the tab is properly cleared.
Pop out the circle plugs on the bottom of the mirrors (about the size of a half dollar) by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot you'll see on one spot of the circumference of the plug.
There's only one spot around the circumference where the gap is wider. Pry the screwdriver so that the tip/blade moves toward the center point of the plug.
It's a v-shaped plastic tab with a lip that engages in the mirror body. The profile looks kinda like:
\T
By prying that "V" inward (more acute angle), you allow the top tab to clear it's mating surface, thus the plug can be removed easily. It should not take much force at all to remove the plug once the tab is properly cleared.
Last edited by spydyrwyr; 03-15-2011 at 04:37 PM. Reason: .
#253
#254
Dude, I posted that like 3 posts up.
Pop out the circle plugs on the bottom of the mirrors (about the size of a half dollar) by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot you'll see on one spot of the circumference of the plug.
There's only one spot around the circumference where the gap is wider. Pry the screwdriver so that the tip/blade moves toward the center point of the plug.
It's a v-shaped plastic tab with a lip that engages in the mirror body. The profile looks kinda like:
\T
By prying that "V" inward (more acute angle), you allow the top tab to clear it's mating surface, thus the plug can be removed easily. It should not take much force at all to remove the plug once the tab is properly cleared.
Pop out the circle plugs on the bottom of the mirrors (about the size of a half dollar) by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot you'll see on one spot of the circumference of the plug.
There's only one spot around the circumference where the gap is wider. Pry the screwdriver so that the tip/blade moves toward the center point of the plug.
It's a v-shaped plastic tab with a lip that engages in the mirror body. The profile looks kinda like:
\T
By prying that "V" inward (more acute angle), you allow the top tab to clear it's mating surface, thus the plug can be removed easily. It should not take much force at all to remove the plug once the tab is properly cleared.
Cheers.
#255
Got 'er DUN!
I've been waiting for months to get back home from Afghanistan to do this mod...been back 5 days and knocked it out in 1.5 hrs! Had to take the mirror off for the driver's side but managed to pull out enough slack through the puddle lamp hole for the passenger mirror. Threw on some HD heads lights with turn/side marker LEDs and a set of red LED tails, LED'd the interior minus the visors (got the wrong type), LED'd the third brake light, added an extra gasket, and changed out the door speakers with Infinity's. Now for the puddle light LED mod and install the Gryphon CTS.
Ahhh it's good to be back to the good 'ole USA!
Nasty
Ahhh it's good to be back to the good 'ole USA!
Nasty