Inexpensive, Worthwhile Mods
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 324
From: Arizona
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NV0V8C...t_details&th=1
Requires a 1 7/8" hole saw to cut the hole in the bumper, but I used a 2", as that's what was available. It's a bit counterintuitive to gnaw a hole in a perfectly good bumper...
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Requires a 1 7/8" hole saw to cut the hole in the bumper, but I used a 2", as that's what was available. It's a bit counterintuitive to gnaw a hole in a perfectly good bumper...
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Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 94
Likes: 29
From: West Virginia
I want to not only install the GP LED mod, I'd like to also install a two minute manual timer so I can turn the timer and the plugs will heat for up to two minutes on the coldest days.
I'm having a hard time finding a timer I find suitable.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 324
From: Arizona
Some time ago I bought the upgraded Stancor GPR, set it down in my shop and now can't find it. It'll turn up in July...
I want to not only install the GP LED mod, I'd like to also install a two minute manual timer so I can turn the timer and the plugs will heat for up to two minutes on the coldest days.
I'm having a hard time finding a timer I find suitable.
I want to not only install the GP LED mod, I'd like to also install a two minute manual timer so I can turn the timer and the plugs will heat for up to two minutes on the coldest days.
I'm having a hard time finding a timer I find suitable.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 94
Likes: 29
From: West Virginia
I just like the control aspect of it, but it's not needed. The LED and upgraded GPR are better spent efforts, I believe.
Now to find that Stancor...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 324
From: Arizona
Just out of curiosity I just checked. It is 53F in my garage, the truck has not been started for over 2 weeks and the glow plugs energized for one minute and 11 seconds with key on, engine off.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 258
Likes: 72
From: Kennesaw, Georgia
I’m a strange one who doesn’t understand the desire to put bright LEDs in the gauge cluster. I run mine very dim to keep visibility down the road good. I just don’t like things shining in my eyes. Lots of folks love this mod though. 
I LOVE this idea! I’ve always had a hard time thinking of drilling out my stock bumper. This is a nice hidden way to add the mod. Thing is I rarely use the block heater so I’ll just keep this in mind.
I do not have an on board charger but recently purchased the small NOCO Genius1 which I rotate between stored items in the winter. I really like the charger and will share the link below. Now I’m wondering if I could do a similar mount behind the grill for the small 2 prong 12v adapter from the charger. Then no need to pop the hood and use the clamps. Most of the other things I charge already have the 12v quick connect but I’ve never added one to the truck yet. Hmmmm.
NOCO GENIUS1, 1-Amp Automatic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W46BX31...p_mob_ap_share
I’ve also been considering the phone charge port with battery display. I’ve hesitated because our 12v ports are always powered on which would require me to remember to turn off the meter when shutting down. Yeah, I’ve even thought about rewiring or adding a relay from a keyed circuit. I may just get the push in version which is easier for me to notice and remove when stopping. How do you fellas remember to turn yours off?
I LOVE this idea! I’ve always had a hard time thinking of drilling out my stock bumper. This is a nice hidden way to add the mod. Thing is I rarely use the block heater so I’ll just keep this in mind.
I do not have an on board charger but recently purchased the small NOCO Genius1 which I rotate between stored items in the winter. I really like the charger and will share the link below. Now I’m wondering if I could do a similar mount behind the grill for the small 2 prong 12v adapter from the charger. Then no need to pop the hood and use the clamps. Most of the other things I charge already have the 12v quick connect but I’ve never added one to the truck yet. Hmmmm.
NOCO GENIUS1, 1-Amp Automatic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W46BX31...p_mob_ap_share
I’ve also been considering the phone charge port with battery display. I’ve hesitated because our 12v ports are always powered on which would require me to remember to turn off the meter when shutting down. Yeah, I’ve even thought about rewiring or adding a relay from a keyed circuit. I may just get the push in version which is easier for me to notice and remove when stopping. How do you fellas remember to turn yours off?
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 258
Likes: 72
From: Kennesaw, Georgia
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NV0V8C...t_details&th=1
Requires a 1 7/8" hole saw to cut the hole in the bumper, but I used a 2", as that's what was available. It's a bit counterintuitive to gnaw a hole in a perfectly good bumper...
If you're going to be doing electrical work that require any significant amounts of disconnecting <--> reconnecting your negative battery terminals, I recommend quick disconnects.
Requires a 1 7/8" hole saw to cut the hole in the bumper, but I used a 2", as that's what was available. It's a bit counterintuitive to gnaw a hole in a perfectly good bumper...
If you're going to be doing electrical work that require any significant amounts of disconnecting <--> reconnecting your negative battery terminals, I recommend quick disconnects.
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Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 94
Likes: 29
From: West Virginia
Would you wait out that entire time before firing it?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 94
Likes: 29
From: West Virginia
But then no one looking at the front of the truck would readily see you've done this mod. Coolness points lost...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 324
From: Arizona
No, I do wait a bit longer than the WTS light but the only time I let the relay time out is when we visit colder climates where it gets below freezing, then I wait till the LED goes out. Not only does this warm up the cyls more but waiting for the glow plugs to de-energize also prevents the starter load and the GP load from both pulling on the batteries at the same time, which theoretically should give you a bit more cranking power.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 258
Likes: 72
From: Kennesaw, Georgia
sounds like the size of my garage too! I have a 3-(mini) car garage that only 1 of our 4 cars fits into. Even our pre ious Odyssey barely fit, never thought to measure that when we moved here in 08.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 258
Likes: 72
From: Kennesaw, Georgia
hahah, I forgot about those points, most of mine are hidden behind something already and no one knows until I reveal them.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 94
Likes: 29
From: West Virginia
WAY better than in my past, working not only out in the cold but in the parking lot of an apartment complex or on street parking; knowing I'm being observed and should I leave for even a *moment* "they" will come to take my stuff.
Here is quiet and relatively secure.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,861
Likes: 2,335
From: WV
Originally Posted by Tpayne621
Mine stays on all the time. Don't think the voltage display uses much power at all. If you drive the truck atleast once a month it will be fine.
Originally Posted by F350towing
Like you, I’m the same on the instrument lights LED bulbs. I don’t want something bright and shining in my face.
The charge port voltage meter is not offensive at night where I have it mounted but bright enough in the day to know you have left it on.
If your O.C.D. it will never get left on. If your A.D.D. it’s likely that something shiny to your left has caught your attention and it might get left on.
I measured draw over a week with nothing plugged into it. .09 volt, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it killing batteries in short order.
That was on a single 11 year old RV coach battery so I’m sure that healthy dual battery system would perform even better to the draw.
The charge port voltage meter is not offensive at night where I have it mounted but bright enough in the day to know you have left it on.
If your O.C.D. it will never get left on. If your A.D.D. it’s likely that something shiny to your left has caught your attention and it might get left on.
I measured draw over a week with nothing plugged into it. .09 volt, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it killing batteries in short order.
That was on a single 11 year old RV coach battery so I’m sure that healthy dual battery system would perform even better to the draw.
F350, Seems I might be OCD+ADD so it could go either way for me.
Originally Posted by Tomkat07
Some time ago I bought the upgraded Stancor GPR, set it down in my shop and now can't find it. It'll turn up in July...
I want to not only install the GP LED mod, …
I want to not only install the GP LED mod, …
I also had planned on doing the GPR LED and even bought some LEDs for the job. But after reading and thinking a bit more I decided that it wasn’t worth the hassle for me. My deciding factors for your consideration. 1- the LED can still light even with a partially working GPR. 2- a digital voltage display (like others have shown) would do a better job of showing glow plug operation. 3- the GPR can easily be crossed to make it operate on the chance it goes out unexpectedly.
Originally Posted by Tomkat07
That's a slick spot to put the socket, for sure. That area on my truck has been removed for the Zoodad mod.
But then no one looking at the front of the truck would readily see you've done this mod. Coolness points lost...
But then no one looking at the front of the truck would readily see you've done this mod. Coolness points lost...
For anyone considering the Zoodad mod, check out the hidden version before deciding where to drill. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16924907
And to be clear, no arguments here. You guys do you. Each person has a preference and the variety is what makes things great. Except for the Carolina squat and rubber band tires. I’ll argue about those...
