LED light strip install
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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LED light strip install
So I really like the ambient lighting Ford has started to put in their new vehicles. I want something similar so I was thinking of installing 2 led strips in the cab- one under the steering column and the other under the glove box. That way it will be a nice touch to have by your feet. However, I don't know where I'd run power to since I haven't seen this done on an older vehicle or truck. I'd like to install a switch to shut them off when not wanted. I was a 90 F150 with a manual transmission. Here is the product for reference Ultra Thin LED Strips
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
If you're installing a switch for manual shut off, you've pretty much got your choice for power source. You could run a power wire direct from the battery if you wanted.
I wouldn't recommend tapping into an ignition wire for obvious reasons, but I think the cigarette lighter or radio power isn't unreasonable. I recommend making sure to install fusible links between the lights and whichever wire you do tap into though.
I wouldn't recommend tapping into an ignition wire for obvious reasons, but I think the cigarette lighter or radio power isn't unreasonable. I recommend making sure to install fusible links between the lights and whichever wire you do tap into though.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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If you're installing a switch for manual shut off, you've pretty much got your choice for power source. You could run a power wire direct from the battery if you wanted.
I wouldn't recommend tapping into an ignition wire for obvious reasons, but I think the cigarette lighter or radio power isn't unreasonable. I recommend making sure to install fusible links between the lights and whichever wire you do tap into though.
I wouldn't recommend tapping into an ignition wire for obvious reasons, but I think the cigarette lighter or radio power isn't unreasonable. I recommend making sure to install fusible links between the lights and whichever wire you do tap into though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 0
From: VA
I'd tap into the fuse panel to power the LEDs. I put some blue LEDs in my '88 recently and used a relay that's switched by my stock fog/driving light switch (also have other light's hooked to the relay).
Here's what I did if you're interested:
These are the 12" LED strips I bought at Autozone for $15, they sell many different colors (white, yellow, blue, green, red, etc...):
Here's what I did if you're interested:
These are the 12" LED strips I bought at Autozone for $15, they sell many different colors (white, yellow, blue, green, red, etc...):
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 439
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I'd tap into the fuse panel to power the LEDs. I put some blue LEDs in my '88 recently and used a relay that's switched by my stock fog/driving light switch (also have other light's hooked to the relay).
Here's what I did if you're interested:
These are the 12" LED strips I bought at Autozone for $15, they sell many different colors (white, yellow, blue, green, red, etc...):
Here's what I did if you're interested:
These are the 12" LED strips I bought at Autozone for $15, they sell many different colors (white, yellow, blue, green, red, etc...):
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 0
From: VA
I actually have a separate fused power wire running to the relay I'm using because I also have grille lights on the circuit and I'm planning on adding cab roof lights. There relay is switched on and off by my stock headlamp switch, but not powered off of the headlight circuit. For you, wiring directly into the headlight circuit will work just fine because the LEDs hardly draw any power.
Post pictures of what you do!
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Red would be a good color. Your iris is less likely to close in response to red light than compared to other colors. This helps preserve your night vision while driving.
That is why astronomers use red flashlights.
Astronomy Red Flashlights | Orion Telescopes: Shop
That is why astronomers use red flashlights.
Astronomy Red Flashlights | Orion Telescopes: Shop
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
Red would be a good color. Your iris is less likely to close in response to red light than compared to other colors. This helps preserve your night vision while driving.
That is why astronomers use red flashlights.
Astronomy Red Flashlights | Orion Telescopes: Shop
That is why astronomers use red flashlights.
Astronomy Red Flashlights | Orion Telescopes: Shop
Good thinking. I'm a backpacker and all my headlamps I buy have an option to use red light. Much less harsh for an LED. I'll do that
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
I like using these:
I don't care for the crimp connector, so I just snip it off and solder, then use heatshrink. AutoZone has them, they work good and keep your wiring neat and properly protected. Make sure to use a GOOD quality fuse, like Cooper brand. The cheap no-name ones have been known to not blow when needed.
I don't care for the crimp connector, so I just snip it off and solder, then use heatshrink. AutoZone has them, they work good and keep your wiring neat and properly protected. Make sure to use a GOOD quality fuse, like Cooper brand. The cheap no-name ones have been known to not blow when needed.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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Likes: 1
Yup, that should work!
I actually have a separate fused power wire running to the relay I'm using because I also have grille lights on the circuit and I'm planning on adding cab roof lights. There relay is switched on and off by my stock headlamp switch, but not powered off of the headlight circuit. For you, wiring directly into the headlight circuit will work just fine because the LEDs hardly draw any power.
Post pictures of what you do!
I actually have a separate fused power wire running to the relay I'm using because I also have grille lights on the circuit and I'm planning on adding cab roof lights. There relay is switched on and off by my stock headlamp switch, but not powered off of the headlight circuit. For you, wiring directly into the headlight circuit will work just fine because the LEDs hardly draw any power.
Post pictures of what you do!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
UPDATE: Having trouble
So this is my first auto wiring job. Wrapped the 2 negative ends together and the 2 positive ends together after stripping the coating off as you would for household wiring. I grounded the negative and ran the positive into the fusebox. I want to have it share the fuse for the exterior lights. Problem is, only 2 of the strips lights up despite them being on 1 current. It also is lit all the time, even with the truck off- I wanted to have it only on when I turn the headlights on. How could I fix this?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 121
From: Oregon
So this is my first auto wiring job. Wrapped the 2 negative ends together and the 2 positive ends together after stripping the coating off as you would for household wiring. I grounded the negative and ran the positive into the fusebox. I want to have it share the fuse for the exterior lights. Problem is, only 2 of the strips lights up despite them being on 1 current. It also is lit all the time, even with the truck off- I wanted to have it only on when I turn the headlights on. How could I fix this?