LED License plate light
03-01-2011, 10:13 PM
#1
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LED License plate light A while back I got the idea to make my own LED license plate light. I didn't really care for the stocker, but it worked, so it stayed. The bulb finally went out (factory bulb lasted 11 years, not bad) so I finished up the bracket to hold the LED strip and assembled and wired it all up. I didn't want too much light so I stuck with 9 LEDs on a waterproof strip. The bracket is aluminum that I cut to fit so it could recess in the gap above the license plate. I didn't get any pics of the bracket off the car, but it is pretty self-explanatory. It uses the stock mounting location and screws/tabs. If anyone would like more detailed pics I will probably take it apart sometime to replace the zip tie and wire with smaller zip ties and I could do it then. Pics didn't come out great, but you get the idea. The light is not blue at all as shown in the pics, but I could not get any of the white balance settings to make it look right. OK, pics:
03-01-2011, 10:17 PM
#2
Looks good! Can't tell if its just how the camera took it but I'd angle the leds down a bit more it makes the top look super bright and reflect. Might just be the camera though!
I just put 2 small led strips I was going to just tape them on each side but seeing your bracket I may go the same route..
I just put 2 small led strips I was going to just tape them on each side but seeing your bracket I may go the same route..
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03-02-2011, 08:23 AM
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Looks good! Can't tell if its just how the camera took it but I'd angle the leds down a bit more it makes the top look super bright and reflect. Might just be the camera though!
I just put 2 small led strips I was going to just tape them on each side but seeing your bracket I may go the same route..
I just put 2 small led strips I was going to just tape them on each side but seeing your bracket I may go the same route..
I was thinking of making a run of brackets if there was any interest....
03-02-2011, 10:05 AM
#10
Looks good man, just did mine too. I used 3M double sided tape and just stuck it at the top of the bumper.
I never understand all the people that are like, "Ooooh I don't want my plate to be visible!" Are you pulling off bank heists in your car or something?
I never understand all the people that are like, "Ooooh I don't want my plate to be visible!" Are you pulling off bank heists in your car or something?
03-02-2011, 12:13 PM
#12
Looks clean. I like the custom bracket that you made for it!
I just used a downward-facing 194 SMD LED from eBay. hitmanWS6 used a SuperBrightLEDs 360* gauge cluster LED that he had left over. Much easier his way, and you don't have to wait 2 weeks for shipping from Hong Kong (lol).
I just used a downward-facing 194 SMD LED from eBay. hitmanWS6 used a SuperBrightLEDs 360* gauge cluster LED that he had left over. Much easier his way, and you don't have to wait 2 weeks for shipping from Hong Kong (lol).
03-02-2011, 12:22 PM
#13
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I street race somewhat often in the Summer and could give two ****'s about people seeing my plate. I too have a bright *** LED plate light. I don't get the people either with the "I don't want my plate visable". It's not like a cop even needs the plate to prove it was you in your car. So that leaves other drivers and if you are street racing through traffic then you are a fucktard.
03-02-2011, 01:34 PM
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looks great man ! I was about to swap out for a single LED bulb today , but i thought Its not worth it since it wouldnt be bright enough , but you've just given me the idea for my next (mod) 
03-02-2011, 05:25 PM
#16
OP that looks pretty good man, much better than the ugly yellow stock bulbs.
I just bought a SMD wedge style and put it in the factory housing. The bulb was too big so I used a a dremel tool to open the end up and allow the bulb to stick out some.
I just bought a SMD wedge style and put it in the factory housing. The bulb was too big so I used a a dremel tool to open the end up and allow the bulb to stick out some.
03-02-2011, 10:36 PM
#17
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Thanks for the compliments. I never thought of just sticking the LEDs up there, or using an LED replacement bulb... might have made this more complicated than needed with the bracket, but I'll keep it, since everything is nice and tucked away.
03-04-2011, 11:40 AM
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true , I'll rephrase that , Its not bright enough for my liking ? I guess the main problem is the local shop where I buy my led's from doesnt have the best quality leds lol , and I cant be bothered to get anything from ebay and wait ..
