Dx3

iTrader: (13)

I have a question. It may sound dumb but from how it looks the lights are mounted on the moonroof right? So if you have it closed are all the lights on inside the car?

Sorry if this is a moron question.

Jonny

96sc3

iTrader: (1)

very nice idea... would a lowered car not be able to see the lights on the roof?
you guys should try to put the led's on the inside of the top roof in the rear...

CleanSC

Yes they are in the moon roof. If the roof is closed the sunshade blocks anything that would enter the cabin. As it stands now, I have a "rain switch" that switches the stock brake light back on when the moonroof is closed.

The lights can be seen from a very wide range with most of the improvement on the higher side to give better warning to the idiots on cell phones in SUVs. Since my car is as low as the Teins will go I chose the highest place on the car. Also, being that the light is as forward as possible, it moves the warning area further up so people directly next to me or changing lanes around me know when I am braking.

I had looked into the upper rear window as a location but that doesn't works as a) that entire area is curved, b) the flashback from the rear window lit up the entire cabin and c) the glare made looking out the rear window impossible.

96sc3

iTrader: (1)

oic, i forgot about glare.... but still nice nonetheless... it was a great idea , does these leds draw more power?

CleanSC

They draw fractions less than the stock 2-bulb center stop light. LED's draw less power than incandescents photon per photon. LED's make light, incandecents make heat. So much heat that light is given off as a by product. Naturally this makes LED's much more efficient.

teke52

Nice indeed CleanSC!!!!!!! How about a little bit on how you mounted and wired them up and what you used to do it? I really would love to hear all about this install.

CleanSC

Run wires to the moonroof tray spliced from the HMSL in the rear deck. Fabricate wire retract system to allow full slide/tilt function of moonroof with extending harness. Hide all wiring in moonroof trim panels for 100% invisible install. Wire in switch to kill stock HMSL when the moonroof is open. Lastly attach the led strip to the moonroof rear lip and paint up the area for an OEM look.

Total cost was $12. I had this setup in my Celica as well.

teke52

$12...gotta love it!!!!!!! You said attach the LED strip...so you got them already together in a strip then? Where can you go to get LEDs in a strip like that? And what did you use to attach it...glue, silicone, etc...maybe they come backed with gum already??? Thanks for your other details. I definitely think it looks great!!!

CleanSC

Yes they came in a strip. Your best bet to find one is a Cadillac junkyard. Attachment in this case was best done by 3M double sided tape. My Celica install allowed for screws.

You could also try the very led strips for sale in this thread.

teke52

CleanSC...what year Celi did you have? I have a 1991 Celica GT Convertible...silver blue with dark blue cloth top...my girlie drives it now that I have the SC...lol. It's got almost 170K on it...we've put 70 on it ourselves. It was this reliability (I haven't had to do much to it outside of ordinary maintenance and replacement of old 100K+ parts...timing belt and tensioners, LCA's, Struts and a power steering pump)...it's funny same stuff as common SC issues.

I wonder how many Ex-Toyota owners have converted to Lex...lol

I'd say lots!!! IMHO

chitwnsazn

iTrader: (3)

this may be a stupid question but u think u might get pulled over for impersonating police siren's since they are on top of the roof??

L. L. S.

SWEET! i found out in bulk they are 15 each instead of $20

CleanSC

I've had a red '89 GT Convertible, an '88 All-Trac turbo (awd), and most recently a '90 GT-S Widebody.

The Vert:




The All-Trac turbo. Fully built engine with T04E-46. Ultimate sleeper. Looked like a fridge. Surprised many a V-Tec.



The GT-S: Built 2.2 NA motor, competition sound, custom silver leather interior. All mods, all cars, all DIY.




No because they do not flash, they face rearward, they are only red, and they come on with the brakes. Besides, many cars have OEM HMSL's on the roof level. Almost all SUV's, and even some cars like Toyota Celicas.

CleanSC

As promised LED 97+ Tails:



As usual, click for full res.