mirror reflectors changed to turn signals
01-02-2011, 11:42 AM
#221
Senior Member
ok thanks. Love this mod btw! Cant wait to get it done.
01-12-2011, 12:46 AM
#222
Senior Member
Well I got the turn signals hooked up and working and got the wires and diodes and resistors installed in the door and just need to figure out how to get the power wire from the door to the cab and tie into the running lights. Only broke one mirror! Which was the second one I did and the passenger side so hopefully its the cheaper one of the two, haha! Not sure how I managed to break it when it was the second one I did!
02-05-2011, 08:53 PM
#225
Member
Turn Signal conversion for mirror reflector
It's been talked about several places on here, but I haven't been able to find a technical article. So with a great deal of credit to "tbraquet" 
and "delirious" 
from F150online forum, here we go.
First, assemble your items:
The method I used was to start by removing the reflectors, you'll want to use a small jeweler's screwdriver with a flathead and begin at the edge of the reflector farthest away from the truck, as shown below, and slowly work the tab out. Be patient and take your time here, the colder it is the more likely they'll crack.
Next you'll want to take the reflectors to your shop and get started on your LEDs. Since I only had a 24" strip available as a purchase option, I had to trim mine down considerably. A Nine LED strip is the most complete fit for the area below the reflectors. For my setup that meant I had to cut mine in half. The Alpena LEDs are clearly marked with a scissors image which shows you where to cut.
Once you've trimmed them down to 9 LEDs you have your template for cutting out the backing on the reflector. Lay the LED on the back of the reflector and trace the outline as shown below. Be sure to remember you'll be feeding your wires through the hole for the outermost tab, so be sure to draw your template accordingly. Also, remember to leave enough room on the innermost side of the reflector so that you can give that tab enough room to comfortably seat.
Next, take your cutting tool, I used a Dremmel, and cut out the center piece. You'll want to take your time with the Dremmel, keep your speed low and don't be too quick... you'll end up cutting into the reflector. Ask me how I know...
Once you've made your cuts, you'll want to remove the center piece, I used the screwdriver from my pocketknife. Run your finger over the edges to remove the shavings and help to make the surface more smooth.
Next, you'll want to head back out to the truck and get ready for your dry run. Start be exposing the wires to feed current to your lights by removing the "puddle light" cover. Proceed with caution here! I did this job in 20 degree weather and ended up breaking this piece on the second side I attempted. The first side, the one where I took my time, went fine. Insert your jeweler's flathead screwdriver into the outermost tab and apply gentle pressure to remove the piece, it falls out easily.
Before we begin to feed our wires through trim the innermost side of the outer hole. Trim the hole! I did not do this with the first side and I regretted it, I had to make a much more aggressive trim to the reflector backing. Just use your best judgement here, I trimmed based on a dry run. It doesn't take much to make it work, just a few swipes with a sharp knife.
Now, begin to feed your wires through the outermost hole and fish them back to the hole you just exposed.
Now you need to complete your mockup. Begin by cleaning the mirror housing where your LED strip will attach with isopropyl alcohol. BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE BACKING TO THE 3M TAPE use your freshly trimmed reflector to mock up the sweet spot for placing the reflective strip. Mock up twice, apply once. If its cold outside, hedge your bets and apply heat to your newly applied strip with a hairdryer, or heat gun.
and "delirious" from F150online forum, here we go.First, assemble your items:
- Alpena Flexible LED (white or amber) Light Strip - I used the 24" version from Auto Zone for $19.99.
- Clear RTV Silicone Sealant
- 18-22 Guage "Squeeze Connectors" aka wire splicers (Pack of 7 is $1.99 at Radio Shack)
- Needlenose Pliers
- Jeweler's flathead screwdriver
- Isopropyl Alcohol & Cotton Pads or *****
- Scissors
- Sharp knife, capable of cutting cutting plastic
- Dremmel with a cutting wheel (or knife above)
- Beer of choice
The method I used was to start by removing the reflectors, you'll want to use a small jeweler's screwdriver with a flathead and begin at the edge of the reflector farthest away from the truck, as shown below, and slowly work the tab out. Be patient and take your time here, the colder it is the more likely they'll crack.
Next you'll want to take the reflectors to your shop and get started on your LEDs. Since I only had a 24" strip available as a purchase option, I had to trim mine down considerably. A Nine LED strip is the most complete fit for the area below the reflectors. For my setup that meant I had to cut mine in half. The Alpena LEDs are clearly marked with a scissors image which shows you where to cut.
Once you've trimmed them down to 9 LEDs you have your template for cutting out the backing on the reflector. Lay the LED on the back of the reflector and trace the outline as shown below. Be sure to remember you'll be feeding your wires through the hole for the outermost tab, so be sure to draw your template accordingly. Also, remember to leave enough room on the innermost side of the reflector so that you can give that tab enough room to comfortably seat.
Next, take your cutting tool, I used a Dremmel, and cut out the center piece. You'll want to take your time with the Dremmel, keep your speed low and don't be too quick... you'll end up cutting into the reflector. Ask me how I know...
Once you've made your cuts, you'll want to remove the center piece, I used the screwdriver from my pocketknife. Run your finger over the edges to remove the shavings and help to make the surface more smooth.
Next, you'll want to head back out to the truck and get ready for your dry run. Start be exposing the wires to feed current to your lights by removing the "puddle light" cover. Proceed with caution here! I did this job in 20 degree weather and ended up breaking this piece on the second side I attempted. The first side, the one where I took my time, went fine. Insert your jeweler's flathead screwdriver into the outermost tab and apply gentle pressure to remove the piece, it falls out easily.
Before we begin to feed our wires through trim the innermost side of the outer hole. Trim the hole! I did not do this with the first side and I regretted it, I had to make a much more aggressive trim to the reflector backing. Just use your best judgement here, I trimmed based on a dry run. It doesn't take much to make it work, just a few swipes with a sharp knife.
Now, begin to feed your wires through the outermost hole and fish them back to the hole you just exposed.
Now you need to complete your mockup. Begin by cleaning the mirror housing where your LED strip will attach with isopropyl alcohol. BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE BACKING TO THE 3M TAPE use your freshly trimmed reflector to mock up the sweet spot for placing the reflective strip. Mock up twice, apply once. If its cold outside, hedge your bets and apply heat to your newly applied strip with a hairdryer, or heat gun.
Last edited by Schmidbc; 02-05-2011 at 09:21 PM.
02-05-2011, 09:03 PM
#226
Member
Continued
Next you'll want to reach up and fish out the wires for the existing LED indicator on the aft side of the mirror assy.
Now, don't get anxious if you can't get the wires to descend too far below the housing, its not a problem. Use your wire splicers and connect black to black. Ensure you've pushed up the splicer connector all the way into the splicer housing to make the connection. Next do the same with Red and Green.
Now, test your setup! The easiest way to do this is to use your hazards, no need for a key that way.
If you want, use electrical tape to insulate the connectors before you push them back up into the mirror housing. Then reinstall the puddle light plastic plug.
I wanted to keep as much dirt and grime as possible from entering into the back of the newly exposed reflector so I applied a generous bead of clear RTV silicone sealant onto the plastic mirror reflector backing before reinstalling. Sorry for the poor picture quality, but you get the jist.
Once you've applied it, reinstall the reflector by starting with the tabs closest to the truck and doing the outward tab last.
Now, test again and admire your handy work. Drink beer and repeat on the opposite side!
So again, thanks to all the guys on the F150online forum for leading the way. If you're interested the OP in that forum has a great mod to add turn signals low to the bumper area too.
Now, don't get anxious if you can't get the wires to descend too far below the housing, its not a problem. Use your wire splicers and connect black to black. Ensure you've pushed up the splicer connector all the way into the splicer housing to make the connection. Next do the same with Red and Green.
Now, test your setup! The easiest way to do this is to use your hazards, no need for a key that way.
If you want, use electrical tape to insulate the connectors before you push them back up into the mirror housing. Then reinstall the puddle light plastic plug.
I wanted to keep as much dirt and grime as possible from entering into the back of the newly exposed reflector so I applied a generous bead of clear RTV silicone sealant onto the plastic mirror reflector backing before reinstalling. Sorry for the poor picture quality, but you get the jist.
Once you've applied it, reinstall the reflector by starting with the tabs closest to the truck and doing the outward tab last.
Now, test again and admire your handy work. Drink beer and repeat on the opposite side!
So again, thanks to all the guys on the F150online forum for leading the way. If you're interested the OP in that forum has a great mod to add turn signals low to the bumper area too.
Last edited by Schmidbc; 02-05-2011 at 09:19 PM.
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jreimers62 (04-16-2014)
02-05-2011, 11:22 PM
#228
Just finished
Its 10:30 pm, -2 C outside and I have just come in from finishing my Mirror Mod! I am very happy with the results. I decided to go with a section of 3 LEDs on the outer part of the reflector for the park lights and a section of 6 LEDs on the inner part for the signal lights.
Park lights with hazards.
Park Lights only. Love it!
I might have a few answers for some of you guys regarding the 150's that never came with the stock aft facing signal lights. There is no harness to tap in to on the inside of the mirror but there is a feed for the signal lights on the other side of the plug for the mirror. It is easy enough to find with a test lamp, with the plug disconnected and signal/hazard lights on with the interior door panel removed. That’s what I used for the signal light feed and used a common ground for my park/signal light with an eyelet under the mirror stud. For the park lamp feed I ran a single wire through the door into the cab and T'ed into the purple/white park lamp wire. The wire can be found in the thick bundle that runs through the firewall on the interior side of the harness by the parking brake mechanism. Doing it this way all my connections are on the interior away from the elements.
Hopes this helps for any one who is thinking about trying it out. If you have any questions give me a PM.
Have a Good One.
Park lights with hazards.
Park Lights only. Love it!
I might have a few answers for some of you guys regarding the 150's that never came with the stock aft facing signal lights. There is no harness to tap in to on the inside of the mirror but there is a feed for the signal lights on the other side of the plug for the mirror. It is easy enough to find with a test lamp, with the plug disconnected and signal/hazard lights on with the interior door panel removed. That’s what I used for the signal light feed and used a common ground for my park/signal light with an eyelet under the mirror stud. For the park lamp feed I ran a single wire through the door into the cab and T'ed into the purple/white park lamp wire. The wire can be found in the thick bundle that runs through the firewall on the interior side of the harness by the parking brake mechanism. Doing it this way all my connections are on the interior away from the elements.
Hopes this helps for any one who is thinking about trying it out. If you have any questions give me a PM.
Have a Good One.
Last edited by jklew; 02-06-2011 at 12:23 AM.
02-06-2011, 09:19 PM
#229
Did anyone else find that their reflectors had dirt on the inside ? There is a small slot on the bottom of the reflector that lets water in between the orange reflector and the white backing plate.
I'm thinking that after doing the cutout, the reflectors will need to be sealed with silicone or they will let dirt and water into the housing.
I'm thinking that after doing the cutout, the reflectors will need to be sealed with silicone or they will let dirt and water into the housing.
02-06-2011, 09:42 PM
#230
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Nova Scotia
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I'm fired up to do this mod. However my 09 xlt does not have the signals or reflectors. Does anyone have the part numbers for the reflectors and signals and a rough idea of the price.
