packrat1
11-15-2008, 10:50 PM
Here is a cool modification I came up with while trying to solve a problem.
My problem was what to do with the signal lights once I go to a tube bumper. I wanted to keep them from getting rock rash, and did not want it to look like an afterthought (even though is really was.)
Turns out (pun intended:) ) that there is a square recess just behind the filler panel under the H/L of the 03 taco (proabaly for 01-04's).
So, if you have 20 bucks and 2 hours, NAPA sells these LED trailer clearance lights in orange and red (remember to also get some pigtails and 2-way weather proof connectors), and if you grind away enough plastic, carefully locate and cut out a hole in the panel:saw: , then silicone your modified light in place from the back of the panel, solder on a weatherproof two way connector.... you can then reinstall the panel with a very stealth and clean looking signal light.
Be warned that your electrical system with think that there is a burned out bulb and this will cause your signals to flash at twice the speed of normal. You can then go the extra mile and solder in a resistor to get stock flashing speed, or leave it fast as a "collateral modification" - I left mine to blink fast.
Anyway, this mod was too cool to keep for myself - I'd love to see it done more, AND see where your imagination can take it to as well.:)
see pics at http://photobucket.com/packrat_evolution
listed as LED signal mod 1, 2, &3
My problem was what to do with the signal lights once I go to a tube bumper. I wanted to keep them from getting rock rash, and did not want it to look like an afterthought (even though is really was.)
Turns out (pun intended:) ) that there is a square recess just behind the filler panel under the H/L of the 03 taco (proabaly for 01-04's).
So, if you have 20 bucks and 2 hours, NAPA sells these LED trailer clearance lights in orange and red (remember to also get some pigtails and 2-way weather proof connectors), and if you grind away enough plastic, carefully locate and cut out a hole in the panel:saw: , then silicone your modified light in place from the back of the panel, solder on a weatherproof two way connector.... you can then reinstall the panel with a very stealth and clean looking signal light.
Be warned that your electrical system with think that there is a burned out bulb and this will cause your signals to flash at twice the speed of normal. You can then go the extra mile and solder in a resistor to get stock flashing speed, or leave it fast as a "collateral modification" - I left mine to blink fast.
Anyway, this mod was too cool to keep for myself - I'd love to see it done more, AND see where your imagination can take it to as well.:)
see pics at http://photobucket.com/packrat_evolution
listed as LED signal mod 1, 2, &3