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DIY LCI tail-light retrofit (cheaper method)

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Old 08-18-2009, 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by bruce_miranda' post='980618' date='Aug 18 2009, 10:12 PM
Great idea.

But don't want to sound negative or anything but this method will not avoid the Strobing on the Turn lights which does NOT only happen at Start-up but also happens once every 5 mins or so. So while you are driving your Turn lights are still Strobing which is not good.
Also those bulbs turned backwards spell like an accident waiting to happen. The amount of heat those bulbs will generate is not good when turned inwards. You are far better replacing those bulbs with some resistors and connecting them to the body of the car to dissipate the heat.
Also the 5 LED rods are Strobing all the time when you do not have the Brake on - don't believe me look at them through your camera.

But this is definately a lot cheaper than those darn cables.
Thanks for your comments

About the turn lights once strobing after 5 mins which is better to alert the behind driver to kiss my ass. J/L

Bulbs are install on the backward and under original socket and still have spacing between inner cover. Therefore, should safety enough to stand for.

The 5 led rod under light on around 3.6V and under brake on around 12V. Therefore will brighter while press brake and brake bulb also on but can't observe only.

All above issues considered before apply MOD. Thanks
Old 08-18-2009, 09:12 AM
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very nice
Old 08-18-2009, 11:19 AM
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Wow! $500 USD and it includes the lights?

Well, this is certainly an option... an alternative nonetheless
Old 08-18-2009, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by bruce_miranda' post='980618' date='Aug 18 2009, 09:12 AM
But this is definately a lot cheaper than those darn cables.
Hahaha.
Old 08-18-2009, 04:28 PM
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but when you push the brakes, your led rods are as bright as when a normal lci car has just the parking lights on.

does the inner brake bulb even turn on?? towards the inside?

the bulb idea is good though(if you dont want to use resistors), just not the way you have it setup.
Old 08-18-2009, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by mrfva' post='980950' date='Aug 19 2009, 03:19 AM
Wow! $500 USD and it includes the lights?

Well, this is certainly an option... an alternative nonetheless

Correct. $500 included all of them. haha
Old 08-18-2009, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by turboawd' post='981340' date='Aug 19 2009, 08:28 AM
but when you push the brakes, your led rods are as bright as when a normal lci car has just the parking lights on.

does the inner brake bulb even turn on?? towards the inside?

the bulb idea is good though(if you dont want to use resistors), just not the way you have it setup.
does the inner brake bulb even turn on?? towards the inside? The inner brake turn on at the same time
Old 08-18-2009, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by theXman' post='980628' date='Aug 18 2009, 10:19 PM
Great idea, Ricky. But I'd take Bruce's comment seriously as he knows the LCI taillight electronics like the back of his hand.
yes Bruce is the man when you what the car to look same as the LCI
for me I love the looks of the pipes glow more when braking
Old 08-18-2009, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by ricky1329' post='981450' date='Aug 18 2009, 09:01 PM
does the inner brake bulb even turn on?? towards the inside? The inner brake turn on at the same time
when you push your brakes, that is how normal cars are with just the parking lights. your lights are too dim. that inner bulb isnt even on with the parking lights. and the bulbs you reversed are the normal brake light bulbs.

you got the lights working, but they're definetly not working right, and would not recommend to others.
Old 08-18-2009, 06:09 PM
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Originally Posted by pinguhk' post='981454' date='Aug 18 2009, 09:05 PM
for me I love the looks of the pipes glow more when braking
you dont get it? when wired properly, the light bars are that bright with just the parking lights on. and the bulbs behind the bars are for braking only.


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