nick731

oh nvm i can kinda see the tape now..im blank on which types of adhesive to use.. im still running with duct tape lol

kmaximus

So with the el wire I did have it glued in and it was very clean no residue visible. I think the channel grove I cut into the bottom piece of the cup holder helped with that. Today with the tubing, I cut a deeper grove to account for the added size and the tubing sits perfectly in the channel. I wish my rear view camera lens was coated in this stuff, it would never get gunky, lol

As for the tape, I didn't it quick earlier and didn't really try and hide it. I may give that a go. I just can't believe this stuff is this resistant to adhesion.

nick731

yeah i think it looks/fits really well, you did a nice job cutting that groove.

kmaximus

Welp, the tape won this round....9 adhesives later and I was ready to have my console back in the truck. But the battle isn't over!

I looped the tape around the tube so it's a cleaner look than before. ZMAM22, I've added some pics of how I have the wiring ran between the cupholder area and the center console.

sharper4

Hmm - your 2.2 and my 2.2 look totally different. Yours looks thicker. I wonder if they sent me the wrong one.

Anyone know where to hard wire this bad boy? There's a plug right inside that goes to the console. If you turn the lights on and then unplug it, the lights on the shifter go out. So, one of those wires must be light-controlled power. Anybody know which one?

nick731

i got my power from the light switch. the violet with grey stripe wire. it accomplished what you are after, but that sounds like a good solution too.

kmaximus

Hey Sharper4, can you upload a picture of your wire? And, who's wire are you comparing it too?

the only close up picture I have currently is a comparison I took of the .9mm and the 2.2mm. the optical tubing I'm currently playing with is 3mm.


As far as hardwiring, I'm no help for that as I'm still just plugging into the console 12v. I do remember reading a lighting thread where someone tapped into a wire bundled next to the shiftier on this forum. I'll see if I can find it and provide a link.

sharper4

You took a wire all the way up into the dash and over to the light switch? The wire color is a good lead. Thanks.

If anyone as any certainty which wire near the console will work then I'd love the lead. I really want this hardwired.

B777Jocky

I have a couple of questions for you about how you wired your lights. Great idea, I too want them to work in this manner.
You mention the Violet/Grey wire from headlight switch. 2013 truck? This wire bundle has a warning in my truck about not splicing into those wires... does your say the same? When I disconnect the connector, it sets off an aural tone alert???
Did you use a relay and a different power source when you hooked up your lights?

kmaximus

an update for those wanting it to turn on as the trucks lights do. the led in the shifter seems to be a good choice. I found this thread detailing that type of install:

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/lariat-...ht-mod-178103/

that's from the 04-08 thread and states that the blue and black wires were used to tap into.


meanwhile, I'm still working on adhering the optical tube and I think I've been over thinking it. as I've been perfecting the groove channel for the tube it seems that once I get the goove deep enough it should be able to hold the tubing in place until the chrome trim and cup holder can be sandwiched together. maybe even just a small about of clear silicone will be enough in the groove to spot hold the tubing. More to follow on that idea.