Dutchie101

Heya all.
Im undertaking replacement of most the the OEM lighting in the LS, replacing with SMD/LED where possible. Just a quick post to show you the results of the 7000k Racing Dash SMD upgrade of the LS430 plate lights.
The replacements are for the whole lights, not just the bulbs.


Install was pretty straight forward.

Remove the trunk light, the two covers that go over the inner lights (reverse lights) remove pull handle, and trunk trim with removal tool for easy removal. Undo the electric trunk button, key and other 10mm nuts in the way. Gently squeeze the center plastic claw clip. Remove the trunk garnish, unclip the license plate lights plug in, test the new SMD lights, once all ok, clip back in and re-install everything. Easy and neat job.

Results:




Lights are not as blue in real life. Nice, crisp white.

Ps. There are a few copy versions of the Dash Racing SMD replacements. Be sure to get the genuine product.

Oh, and i replaced the OEM lights in the trunk with SMD panels while i was there.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

Those are extremely bright. They put my LEDs to shame haha. Where did you order them, I may pursue this mod as well.

Also, I noticed only your top lights are on in your pictures... how did you do that?

Dutchie101

R-Dash genuine supplier on ebay
US45 + 20 postage. Very prompt service.
or
R-Dash themselves

These lights cross over with other models as well.
They also have inbuilt heat sinks, which would help with very long life for the unit.

SMD panels in the trunk are the generic 12 or 15 X 5050 3chip with T10 connector.
Like this one, there are heaps out there on ebay
12x5050 3chip SMD Panel

fergo308

That looks brilliant (no pun intended). I think that's something I'll have to do to my own car.
Thanks for the pics and ebay link!


Justin...

brio_ls

I got mine from here few months ago and all i have to say is - they are great. A bit too bright so i may put some tint overlays on them. Not sure yet.

Jabberwock

IMO it may be a little too bright for license plate but I would love to have that amount of light for the trunk.

Looks like my next mod is a new trunk light. Anyone have a link to the trunk light part or supplier?

Milan

iTrader: (5)

I had a 12" cold cathode that put ot about as much light on my previous car. Had it for a little over a year and I got pulled over for it once by my town's cop that was notorious for being an a-hole. I was going to remove it but he got fired lol. Just something to keep in mind. I wouldn't mind having those in the trunk as I had 2 12" cathodes in my old car and miss the brightness.

Dutchie101

Jabberwock,
link is there in post #3 for the trunk SMDs,
Similar ones here, just check the panel size in the description and measure the inside of your trunk light. The ones i purchsed ( i had them here for a few years now, cant remember the selller) fit height wise perfectly, like 1-2mm smaller each side so they could sit on the edge just under the lens.
* I just found another one, im sure they are 33mm X 44mm, but please check first. (1.25"X1.75")

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/15-SM...item3a624bf657

These ones look about right, maybe a tad smaller than mine but should be fine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/led-1...item2a0d426e62

Like i said, there are heaps out there, just have a look around at the sizes.

Milan

iTrader: (5)

Won't the ones in the trunk melt the housing since they don't have heatsinks like the license plate units?

Dutchie101

No, i wouldnt think so. While they do get warm, i dont think ive ever had the trunk open for more than 30 sec to a minute. You could always make up a heat sink for the back of them easy enough.
You would have to run them for quite some time to do damage to the housing, if any.
I suspect the OEM T10 would get hotter than the SMD panel.
Like i said, if you worried go to a local electronics store and get a heat sink to suit, or bend up a suitable piece of aluminium sheet to do the job. Pretty easy to do.

VNN326

iTrader: (21)

Luxurymods has really great leds as well! might be a little cheaper in price. just throwing it out there since thats what i have

Dutchie101

Sorry i missed your question.
Not sure to be honest. Its just the parker lights on. I know the rear fog lights can also be turned on, but i think they are the inner lower lights, normal brakes being the outer lower. Ill check it out tonight.

I would also high recommend "warden_jp2002" on ebay. Highest quality LED or SMD i have come across in years of searching.

jjashaa

iTrader: (2)

thats really bright.. looks great!

Milan

iTrader: (5)

I ordered some SMD trunk lights and just received them in the mail today. I bought the ones that have 15 SMDs (3x5 rows) but I believe that I could have easily fit the 24 chip ones (4x6). The light output is much improved over the stock lights but they are too blue (cool) for my taste. Will post pic when it's not raining here.

airtime

Hey Dutchie, on another note, what brand hitch did you install on your car? Any day time shot without the hitch ball so I can see how "hidden" is it? Not looking to tow but to install a bike rack once in a while.