Rear Reflector to LED Taillight Conversion / Upgrade

Shaman · Oct 12, 2022

I know there are a couple other threads on this, but wanted to help contribute:

Quick video showing reflector cutout and LED Fitting.

Reflector Cutout Fitting
LED and Controller Test
Confirm, then order second set of LEDs

There was a logical cut out area. I cut it, measured, and ordered 1 set of LEDs. Now that the fit is confirmed, I'll order the second set, get the T-splitter delivered, and record and list all the parts.

- Parts List: Primary Parts List Laid Out

Sorry if some of the links go dead across the years this post will be up.
Some amounts were more than required, but always good to have extra left-overs laying around.
You can go cheaper on some things, like wire strippers, I just listed what I already owned or bought.

Ordered front to back, assumes soldering/Crimps when not SAE.

IP68 Cable Splitter (Power/Ground Take-Off): IP68 Waterproof Cable Connector Waterproof Junction Box 2 or 3 Pin Cables
SAE Fuse (in-line): 30A In-Line Fuse Holder 16 Gauge Wiring Harness
LED Controller (Solder Jumper Wires to splitter): Low-profile Inline Controller Dimmer Switch for LED Strip Light, Bare Wire
SAE Line (Primary Run - Power to Rear - 5Meters): 14AWG SAE Connector Extension Cable
SAE Splitter (Primary to SAE Pigtail): SAE Power Connector Cable Y Splitter 1 to 2 SAE Extension Cable
SAE Pigtail (Splitter to LEDs): 2Pack SAE Extension Cable SAE Quick Connector Disconnect Plug
LEDs: Fitted to the easiest reflector cut out (x4, 2 per side): T10 T13 12SMD 3528 RED LED INTERIOR DOME/MAP LIGHT BULB/PANEL
X570 Reflector: I used mounted reflectors: LH Rear Reflector / RH Rear Reflector

General Supplied used where needed

Split Loom - 1/4: 25ft – 1/4 inch Split Wire Loom Tubing Wire Conduit
Dielectric Grease: Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 3 oz. Tube
Wire Stripper: Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter, Self Adjusting
Connection Option 1 - Soldering Kit (Sample): Soldering Iron Kit - Soldering Iron 60 W Adjustable Temperature, etc etc
Connection Option 2 - Crimp Kit (Sample): 60pcs 10A 15A 24A Fully Insulated Wire Connector Kit
Shrink Tube Kit: 560PCS Heat Shrink Tube Kit with Box(5 colors/12 Sizes)

- Installation: Installation - A Few Pointers

Just light pointers here in this video

The T-Adapter worked awesomely well. Way clean
My Split Loom could have been one size easier just to make it easier to slide on.
Wires from LEDs are thin. But if they break or chaf through I can remove the hatch and replace.
Will get rubber grommets for the pass through hole if the wires wear.
I had a LOT of SAE Primary Run from an old trickle charger, going to get another IP68 in line joiner
and then cut the run way way down.

Night/Day Test: Garage Light/Dark Test

Controller allows for different flash patterns. I like slow pulse
Looks really good in person

Primary Parts List Video is up.... Primary Parts List Laid Out
Just waiting on my second set of LEDs to arrive so I can solder into the SAE Pigtail, silicon the back of the reflectors, and then can do the install.
Hopefully the LEDs come tomorrow or Sunday so I can have it all done on Sunday.

LED POC Test Video