LED Light bar to replace OEM reverse lights?

[Cole]

Short of the long, I bought a diffuser (RIP STX dreams) that will require me to cut the black part off the bumper, and I need a solution for reverse lights.

So far, I've come up with only one decent idea, which is getting a small (5-10") light bar and wiring it up to the OEM lights. Has anyone else done this? Google hasn't produced very solid results for me. The one thread that looked promising had the OP erased. Bummer, why do people do that?

I know I could go with the DD Tail as Turn module, but I used to have it and it just wasn't my cup of tea. Obviously, it wouldn't be hard to wire up one or maybe even two light bars. Just trying to get an idea to see if anyone else has gone through the same, and gone the direction I'm thinking. Worst case, I get the DD module again, simply because it's a quick fix while I work out light bar stuff.

[Vracer111]

Originally was going to go with a light bar install but when I found out about the tail-as-turn went that way and wouldn't have it any other way...oem clean install with properly bright light output from the XP-80 bulbs. I had already bought the LED cluster from KC Hilites though along with the special connector/wiring...6" white LED oval cluster. If you would be interested in it I'd give it to you for $30 shipped.

[austin_ellas]

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures anymore, but I had the same deal going on. I mounted a small light bar using the screw holes holding on the heat shield above the exhaust. Buy a 12Vdc light and just tap the OEM wires. There should be lots of space to mount it depending on your exhaust and diffuser setup.

Another thing I've seen people do is put some mesh in the open space and pop a light in there.

[swarb]

An idea I had was to use switch back bulbs in the current turn signal location. Turn signal would function as normal amber, but when in reverse, it would be white. Not sure if switchbacks are designed to run both on at the same time or if that wiring configuration is good or not.

[Ashikabi]

If you get 12v dc LEDs should tap right into reverse wires. There is another thread where someone put LEDs on their front bumper, hidden in the diamond pattern as a custom light bar I'm sure they can help with wiring if you can't figure this one out

[Cole]

Originally Posted by Vracer111

Originally was going to go with a light bar install but when I found out about the tail-as-turn went that way and wouldn't have it any other way...oem clean install with properly bright light output from the XP-80 bulbs. I had already bought the LED cluster from KC Hilites though along with the special connector/wiring...6" white LED oval cluster. If you would be interested in it I'd give it to you for $30 shipped.

[IMG]https://vracer111.smugmug.com/Cars/Still-shots/FRS/Appearance-items/i-N6kL8fd/0/O/DD-reverse_night.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]https://vracer111.smugmug.com/Cars/Still-shots/FRS/Appearance-items/i-zcBKjtB/0/O/5315-6.jpg[IMG]

As mentioned in the OP, not fond of the Tail-As-Turn. Doesn't look quite right to me when the signals are one.

Originally Posted by austin_ellas

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures anymore, but I had the same deal going on. I mounted a small light bar using the screw holes holding on the heat shield above the exhaust. Buy a 12Vdc light and just tap the OEM wires. There should be lots of space to mount it depending on your exhaust and diffuser setup.

Another thing I've seen people do is put some mesh in the open space and pop a light in there.

This is something I'll probably end up doing. Just need to get the cover off and figure out a decent mounting location.

Originally Posted by swarb

An idea I had was to use switch back bulbs in the current turn signal location. Turn signal would function as normal amber, but when in reverse, it would be white. Not sure if switchbacks are designed to run both on at the same time or if that wiring configuration is good or not.

Not sure that would work. I think just doing the light bar may be the best option for me here, minimal mess, and it's not a big deal to wire everything back up to stock.

Originally Posted by Ashikabi

If you get 12v dc LEDs should tap right into reverse wires. There is another thread where someone put LEDs on their front bumper, hidden in the diamond pattern as a custom light bar I'm sure they can help with wiring if you can't figure this one out

Yep, this is pretty much what I will be doing. I ordered a light bar and it should be as simple as cutting the OEM reverse light connector off, and then wiring it directly to the light bar.

Only real challenge now will be mounting it such that I'm happy with it.