I got bored and had too much free time and too many led's, so I put led strips in the reflectors of my taillights. This is simple to do and can be done in an evening.





You do NOT need to bake these headlights to get them apart. The adhesive that holds them together does not soften well and the plastic will warp before you get them apart. it will be easier to cut the glue and undo the plastic clips.

To get behind the reflector, you need to cut the black plastic edge that is behind the reflector as shown above.

side note: I used a 5050 rgbw led strip. these led's aren't bright enough to be noticeable during the day. They are also ground controlled so you will need to use transistors or relays to make them flash and stay on with the running lights.

Next, you will need to measure and cut the led strip to size, then solder wires to the strip. I recommend soldering the rgb contacts to one wire and the white to another wire if you want to have flashing turn signals. The rgb lights will look red through the reflector while the white ones will look amber. Test the led after its been soldered and make sure it fits. trim the taillights as necessary.

When everything is cut and working, mix up some clear epoxy and epoxy the led strip into place




After the epoxy dries, then its ready to install!
there are 3 wires going to the tail light
Brown- running light
striped wire- turn signal/brake light
black- ground

to have turn/brake lights, you will have to put a relay or transistor between the color you want as a turn signal , the turn signal wire, and a ground.





Heres the finished product!

 

That blue ScotchLok is the absolute WORST way to splice into a wire. You should remove it ASAP, repair the wire while splicing the new one in. A crimp butt connector is easy & reliable if done right:

(phone app link)


But a soldered pierce splice looks cleaner:

(phone app link)

 

I’ve used them for years without problems on low voltage applications. I agree soldering would be better but I don’t have acces to electricity outside 🤷‍♂️

 

 

Lol those do no good if I can’t plug them into anything bud. You made your point for those who want to do something like what I did.

 

I glanced at the soldering iron while I was at work and didn’t see that it was butane powered. That would be suitable for me.

If it appeases you I know it’s not the best way to do it but it’s also not a meant to be permanent. If it was going to be permanent and perfect one would solder a connector of some sort to facilitate removal. For the time being it’ll do though.

do with this information what you will bored people of f150 forum.

 

ScotchLoks aren't good for temporary, either. They cut the wire strands as they go in, and again as they come out. That's why they're so bad that I point them out every time I see them - so people know NEVER to use them for any reason.

 

Stranded wire can wick solder up the wire and cause it to become brittle away from the connection. When this happens eventually it will break in that spot from fatigue. Choose wisely my friends ! 😝