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Bumper Light Retrofit 2, Page Updated February 1, 2008

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Project Completed in January 2007

Here I describe in detail the process I go through to retrofit LEDs into my lights. I am using my new bumper lights as an example. Here is a pic of the LEDs I use (these are white for this project)

Note: it is much easier and more professional looking if you use real circuit boards (take a hint and do it the right way).

I am not using these lights anymore, since my 2002 bumper doesn't take them.

I was going to fashion an array of LEDs that sat in the reflector, so I had to open up the light. Rather than take off the lens (like last time), I decided to cut it open with my Dremel tool. You can see the curved reflector in the back that will be covered with LEDs.

Next, I measured the opening to be 4 inches wide and 1 inch high. I got a cardboard cereal box and painted one side of it with chrome spray paint. I drew a 4x1 inch rectangle on the chrome side, and then marked where the LEDs will go. As you can see, there will be 3 rows of 11 LEDs.

Then to the LEDs. 1st, I poke the LED wires onto the cardboard to mark where the LED wires will go. You can see the 4 indentations from the 1 LED.

Then I take a safety pin and poke 4 holes through the cardboard where the indents are.

Then I can poke the LED through!

After repeating for all of the LEDs, it looks like this.

Then I loop the resistors around both of the LED's positive wires and then around both wires to ensure long lasting goodness. Looks like I used a Lucky Charms box lol. The ground wires work the same way, except that I use one long wire to wrap around all of the LEDs' ground wires.

Then I wire all of the resistors together, and then I wire a 1156 socket to a spot on the positive and negative wires, making sure that they do not touch anywhere (and short out). This picture is of the back of the completed LED product.

Then I use Epoxy to hold the LEDs in place.

Then I put the light back together and caulk where I cut the light to ensure a waterproof seal.

Here are pics of it installed on my car:

These are much brighter than any LED bulbs I have seen. They are even visible when the sun is shining on them (which is good for people who want to see my turn signal lol)

I am not using these on my car anymore.

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Don't forget that if you have any help, advice, comments, criticisms, or questions about my car and future mods, please sign my Guest book!

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Table of Contents

My Corolla Today
Page 1: Current Exterior
Page 2: Current Interior
Page 3: Current Engine
Page 4: Current Audio

Corolla Time Lines
Page 5: Phase Time Line
Page 6: Detailed Time Line

Other Stuff
Page 7: Photoshop
Page 8: Look at this page before you buy replacement LED bulbs
Page 9: Details on my current and future mods
Page 10: For Sale!

DIYs and Project Write-ups
Page 11: Bumper light LED retrofit 1
Page 12: Third Brake light LED retrofit
Page 13: Diablo Mirror LED replacement
Page 14: Taillight LED Retrofit 1
Page 15: High Beam DRL Mod
Page 16: Bumper Light LED Retrofit 2, PLUS detailed description of how I do LED mods
Page 17: Painting preparation (details on my fenders, grille, trunk, and Bondo)
Page 18: Side marker LED retrofit and installation
Page 19: HID fog lights and headlights
Page 20: Interior painting, modifications, and exterior trim painting
Page 21: Installing Halo/LED/Projector headlights
Page 22: Mirror cover LED replacement
Page 23: Installing a new stereo and speakers
Page 24: Body kit installation, front end conversion, and other body work for round 2
Page 25: Retrofitting LEDs into my third mirrors and front turn signals
Page 26: Putting interior LEDs behind the dash and in all the buttons and all over the interior
Page 27: LED tail light retrofit 2 and baking your lights in the oven to remove the lens