I have been considering adding some footwell lights for a while now, so in the absence of any proper modding funds I decided to get the project done and dusted.
Having looked at the options I decided on led strip lights preferably with adhesive backing to make life a little easier. I thought I saw the perfect answer when I saw a thread on civinfo site; however some issues etc. put me off.
So I decided to make my own kit and managed to obtain some flexible led strips with a sticky backing. These can be cut in 3 led sections as desired which makes them very flexible for different applications.
I decided to use 18 leds as I wanted a decent effect and figured I can always trim them down if it’s too much. Or I could install a dimmer at a later stage if I want to.
Trip down to maplins provided the wires and heat shrink tubing. I had seen a lot of reviews online where people had done lights etc.… using scotch locks and other ***orted crimps. I’ve never been a massive fan and wanted this to be a proper solder heat shrunk job.
Here are the tools I used:-
Soldering Iron, Solder, Wire cutter/stripper, heat shrink tubing, mini torch lighter, insulating tape, various cable ties, ½” pvc pipe and of course the leds strips / wires.
First job was to solder the wires to the led strips a bit fiddly but not too hard. Then I worked out where I was to get the power from and decided on the glove box lighting wire. This was chosen as it comes on when the lights are turned on and has nice length of wire available to strip and solder. I had to remove small wire retaining clip to gain access but was pleased I had picked this location as it can all be hidden nice under the dashboard lip.
I then routed the wires back down behind the heater box, these where then stripped and the first set of leds lights where soldered on to the power wires. I mounted the led strips on the plastic panel under the glove box as in the pic.
I tried to then thread the wires behind the centre console and failed. So I then used a ½” PVC pipe which I routed through and was then able to just thread the wires through with no hassle. The second set of leds where then simply soldered on to the ends of the wires. Then it was time to ensure all the cabling was nicely routed and tied in place.
I used the plastic panel under the steering column to mount the leds as shown in the pics.
What really gave me pleasure was doing all the soldering and seeing the heat shrink in place really gave me a sense of a more professional install. To be fair I feel more confident it’s soldered and not simply scotch locked or crimped in place.
I’m not sure it’s not a little bright for my liking, but will live with it for a while. If it’s too bright I will reduce the number of leds or fit a dimmer. Here are some pics of the result sorry the footwells are a bit dirty :blush:
Having looked at the options I decided on led strip lights preferably with adhesive backing to make life a little easier. I thought I saw the perfect answer when I saw a thread on civinfo site; however some issues etc. put me off.
So I decided to make my own kit and managed to obtain some flexible led strips with a sticky backing. These can be cut in 3 led sections as desired which makes them very flexible for different applications.
I decided to use 18 leds as I wanted a decent effect and figured I can always trim them down if it’s too much. Or I could install a dimmer at a later stage if I want to.
Trip down to maplins provided the wires and heat shrink tubing. I had seen a lot of reviews online where people had done lights etc.… using scotch locks and other ***orted crimps. I’ve never been a massive fan and wanted this to be a proper solder heat shrunk job.
Here are the tools I used:-
Soldering Iron, Solder, Wire cutter/stripper, heat shrink tubing, mini torch lighter, insulating tape, various cable ties, ½” pvc pipe and of course the leds strips / wires.
First job was to solder the wires to the led strips a bit fiddly but not too hard. Then I worked out where I was to get the power from and decided on the glove box lighting wire. This was chosen as it comes on when the lights are turned on and has nice length of wire available to strip and solder. I had to remove small wire retaining clip to gain access but was pleased I had picked this location as it can all be hidden nice under the dashboard lip.
I then routed the wires back down behind the heater box, these where then stripped and the first set of leds lights where soldered on to the power wires. I mounted the led strips on the plastic panel under the glove box as in the pic.
I tried to then thread the wires behind the centre console and failed. So I then used a ½” PVC pipe which I routed through and was then able to just thread the wires through with no hassle. The second set of leds where then simply soldered on to the ends of the wires. Then it was time to ensure all the cabling was nicely routed and tied in place.
I used the plastic panel under the steering column to mount the leds as shown in the pics.
What really gave me pleasure was doing all the soldering and seeing the heat shrink in place really gave me a sense of a more professional install. To be fair I feel more confident it’s soldered and not simply scotch locked or crimped in place.
I’m not sure it’s not a little bright for my liking, but will live with it for a while. If it’s too bright I will reduce the number of leds or fit a dimmer. Here are some pics of the result sorry the footwells are a bit dirty :blush:
...will do it soon...but nice one
