Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

I got this idea from another CL member. Don't remember his thread but here's mine...

The idea here is to provide a little extra lighting on the road directly behind your cool shiny wheels to help prevent you from curbing them when you back-up and parallel-park at night. Some will probably feel that this is a lot of work for very little results, but hey, has actual functionality ever stopped anyone before? Not me.

First thing you gotta do is take everything out of your trunk. Golf clubs, spare parts, ex-wife, etc. Next take out ALL the trunk compartment panels - including the one on the underside of the trunk lid. This is necessary to gain full access to your rear light cluster wiring and a spot to run new wires.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

You will need some LED spots and about 10' of 16 gauge (or similar) wires. Locate the wiring for your reverse lights and tap into them.

Here are the lights I used: http://www.ebay.com/itm/371141041399?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Now that your wiring is rigged up on both sides run the wires from the inner trunk lid down to the trunk area. Quick tip: when you run new wires for any automotive application always tie a knot to something solid when you start out; that way as you pull and tug on them during installation you won't pull the splice apart.

On the left side, I simply followed the path of some existing wire and used a few half-hitches on the way down into the trunk hinge arm. On the right, there was no wiring in place so I poked my new wires through a panel hole, secured with some tape, and then down to the trunk hinge arm.

Once you are happy with your wiring thus far make sure you raise and lower the trunk lid a few times, making sure you got enough slack and that your wires are not getting pulled apart or pinched.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Next you gotta figure out where you are going to poke your new wires through into the wheel wells. My 98 came with factory air so it was easy for me to use the rubber grommets that contained the (now disconnected) air lines. I ran them through on each side, tied another "anchor knot" then pulled the slack out from the fender area.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Now temporarily connect your LED lights to the new wiring and run a test before drilling holes and/or reattaching all the trunk pieces. Pay no attention to that ebay "spoiler"...it's was binned a long time ago.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Test complete, disconnect your wires, and figure out where you want to place the lights. My highly scientific method was to just measure back six inches from the leading edge of the bumper cover, picking a spot so the lights would face nearly straight down yet at a slight "outward" angle. Make sure you feel around under there first so you don't drill into anything important then make a drill mark. For the lights I got, I needed a 1/2" hole. Drill your holes and test fit.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

If you're ok with light placement, do your final connections and checks, put all that crap back together in the trunk and wait for the sun to go down.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

The final results: I like it. Function and style - though you will have to play with your mirror settings for this to have any real benefit. Now, if I can only find some LEDs to replace the stock reverse bulbs...

AHJ

Thanks for the idea and the pictures.

I am impressed whenever I see the lights come on the sides with the turn signal on some American cars.

I wonder if there's a similar mod (with lasers) to show you exactly where the far front corner is. When I put the car in the garage, I want it as far to the passenger's side as possible without hitting the bicycles etc lined up on the wall. How about a camera?

RugbyDad

Reverse sensors in the far side corners of the rear bumper. In addition, push the mirror selector to either the right or left mirror and when you reverse the mirrors tilt down automatically to help you see those errant bikes.

There are also those new oem sensors on the sides of cars that illuminate a small amber light in the mirror whenever there is something on the side of the car. Both expensive options, but both options.

You could also try finding a reverse camera with an extreme convex lens.

RugbyDad

So hiroshi, is puddle lights next?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the write-up...a useful illumination mod.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Ha ha. Funny you should mention that, RD. Last time I was in Japan in 2011 I came back with a set of LED puddle lights and couldn't wait to install them and be a cool guy. There were 8 lights total so I rigged up 4 per side and I thought it gave a good effect especially the lower you get your car. Unfortunately the cops didn't feel the same and those lights, out of all the mods I have done to this car, gave me some unwanted attention and I ended up taking them off. Naturally, CA has a ridiculous law against them.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

CA has no end of laws that are amusing. I'm constantly asked by friends in other states how can CA be liveable. High cost of homes, pretty saturated job market...etc. One of the most common is front plate and tint.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. As an update, I was in my local autozone last night for some random stuff and I found these LED replacements for the stock 7440 back-up lights. Problem is (there's always a problem) these are "universal fit" and no one told Lexus that. The base of the bulb is like 1mm too wide and won't go in the OEM housing. Gonna have to trim off one of the tabs to make it work. I tested them though and they are very bright. Just what I was looking for.