Lighting Center Tail Light Assembly

[caffeinetripp]

Before I get a lot of 'use the search function', which I have, but haven't come up with anything for the 1G, just for the 2G.
I haven't yet removed the lens assembly from the backing plate of the center tail light, so I'm not sure if the red lens is clear through and through or if it really is just red plastic. As this mod has been done on the 2G center tail light assembly, I'm curious if anyone has attempted, and completed, doing it to a 1G's assembly.
Something I've been thinking about doing. I know that it's quite labor intensive and has a good chunk of change needed to accomplish it.
From what I've read the best way to do it is to use LEDs rather than the standard halogen bulbs as they can light the entire area rather than two spots, which doesn't look all that great in comparison to the entire assembly being lit. Any ideas on how to accomplish this or if it's even possible for the 1G center tail light assembly?

 

[1992 Eagle Talon TSi]

Well I have two center lenses for my talon, one painted black and the other stock. When I had them apart the backing was coated in like a goldish colored paint, and underneath that it was red tinted plastic. Though I haven't bothered to put any lights behind it. I am sure it's doable, but there was a bracket that the lense attached to and I know there wasn't a lot of room, but that doesn't mean you can't build an led board(s) and mount them. Of course this was on a 1gb talon, not sure how the other models and years are set up.

Wish I could help you a bit more with the actual mounting of the LEDs.

 

[DammitCoby]

Caffeinetripp have you ran across any extra tail light assemblies to do this mod on. If so let us know how it goes.

 

[ALynch]

I'd like to know as well. It'd be something different to set the car apart from every other 1ga around here.

 

[Bud92gsx]

The center is really easy to led mod..You just secure the led strips to the back, put the cover back on, have it all wired up and your good to go..

Check my photos..It's not finished yet,but It will give you a good idea of how it could look.

If you have any question feel free to pm me.I should respond in a few hours.

 

[caffeinetripp]

I've got an Eclipse center section take apart already. Should have let it heat up a little more to get the 'glue' to separate as two of the tabs broke, but it won't be that big of a deal to get it sealed from the elements again.
The inside of the lens part has silver paint on the back of it, which will be easily removed with some spray on paint remover made for plastic. Should do the trick quite well, especially at 11.50 a can.

I was thinking the same thing for the LED strips; mount them on the backing plate. But, the LEDs will need some sort of resistance so they're running the same brightness as the standard bulbs. And I'm not all about running a ton of wire to increase the resistance to the LEDs. Maybe a resistor block will be in need to get them to run the proper lumens.

 

[Awdspyderman]

You should try contacting a member on here by the name of BLURREDTALON, he is doing this mod but on a 2g talon. He can point you in the right direction with the LED's and circuit boards, He is really helpful.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I've got an Eclipse center section take apart already. Should have let it heat up a little more to get the 'glue' to separate as two of the tabs broke, but it won't be that big of a deal to get it sealed from the elements again.
The inside of the lens part has silver paint on the back of it, which will be easily removed with some spray on paint remover made for plastic. Should do the trick quite well, especially at 11.50 a can.

I was thinking the same thing for the LED strips; mount them on the backing plate. But, the LEDs will need some sort of resistance so they're running the same brightness as the standard bulbs. And I'm not all about running a ton of wire to increase the resistance to the LEDs. Maybe a resistor block will be in need to get them to run the proper lumens.

Your putting too much effort into it..I only used the strips/rolls of leds, no resistor straight ran off 12 volts..They work flawlessly..

You should try contacting a member on here by the name of BLURREDTALON, he is doing this mod but on a 2g talon. He can point you in the right direction with the LED's and circuit boards, He is really helpful.

LEds and cuircuit boards..Yeah blurred will tell you yourself my way is soo much cheaper but again cheaper quality..Blurreds way is pricey, but in the end looks very nice..

Pm blurred he'll tell ya all aboot it..

 

[Blurred Talon]

My ears are burning.....

My way isn't really more pricey the way I look at it. I enjoy making things myself so the extra out lay for things like a laser printer, laminator, DIY UV exposure box, etc is sort of moot because I'll use them over and over again.

All my knowledge is of the 2G but I can only assume the 1G is similar. The lens is a lens, it's painted with a silver paint on the inside though. This needs to be removed, I choose to soda blast it because it wouldn't harm the lens. Do not sure chemical strippers, most of them will eat plastic.

After that I started looking at how to light it. My way is the same as azdave's but with a Talon center section.
You must make the housing deeper to get proper light distribution, there is no way around this.
Also I find LED strips don't put off enough light, you are left with pin points and being able to see the individual LEDs. I feel with our tails light this just looks wrong, I want a nice solid block of light. If our tails were clear (clear red and yellow lens) then I would be ok with this.

Anyhow, that's my .02 cents, I'll try to help in anyway I can.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I like your boards myself..But you cant deny the cheap ass effect,.

I think for what I have into my whole tail light setup,IT's worth it..But I may get a second set of tails so i can mess around with different configurations..Like the new led tails on the darts..I love those..

 

[caffeinetripp]

My ears are burning.....

My way isn't really more pricey the way I look at it. I enjoy making things myself so the extra out lay for things like a laser printer, laminator, DIY UV exposure box, etc is sort of moot because I'll use them over and over again.

All my knowledge is of the 2G but I can only assume the 1G is similar. The lens is a lens, it's painted with a silver paint on the inside though. This needs to be removed, I choose to soda blast it because it wouldn't harm the lens. Do not sure chemical strippers, most of them will eat plastic.

After that I started looking at how to light it. My way is the same as azdave's but with a Talon center section.
You must make the housing deeper to get proper light distribution, there is no way around this.
Also I find LED strips don't put off enough light, you are left with pin points and being able to see the individual LEDs. I feel with our tails light this just looks wrong, I want a nice solid block of light. If our tails were clear (clear red and yellow lens) then I would be ok with this.

Anyhow, that's my .02 cents, I'll try to help in anyway I can.

I might do the modification a couple of ways. Try the LED strips first to make sure that they are set back far enough, or do it the 'expensive' way. We'll see.
Definitely give you a PM if I've got any questions about anything. Thanks for the info.

 

[Blurred Talon]

I like your boards myself..But you cant deny the cheap ass effect,.

But I can deny it because it looks like ass.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I like it..Not done refining it tho..But its better than stock is all i care..