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bhrm
09-09-2008, 12:20 PM
Any ideas with improving trunk lighting?

My previous mod on my family car Jetta was one of those awesome neon tubes wired to the existing trunk light, as it ran on 12V power.

As most know, the dinky trunk light doesn't do much.

I'm thinking something compact, like LEDs.
06Touring3
09-09-2008, 12:32 PM
why not try the same method you used on your Jetta?
mdass52
09-09-2008, 06:20 PM
Any ideas with improving trunk lighting?

My previous mod on my family car Jetta was one of those awesome neon tubes wired to the existing trunk light, as it ran on 12V power.

As most know, the dinky trunk light doesn't do much.

I'm thinking something compact, like LEDs.

I got 2 blue neon tubes that beat on and off with the music and one solid blue tube. not very bright, but nice effect. lol
bhrm
09-09-2008, 08:39 PM
why not try the same method you used on your Jetta?

I'm thinking something more compact.

On the jetta i had it on the roof of the trunk and just recessed into the structure.

On the 3, since its a hatchback I'll need something compact and bright, and also let me use the hatch lots too because I move stuff alot. i like to move stuff.

Is the trunk light in our 3 on a 12V line?
Ogata
09-09-2008, 11:53 PM
I want to know also. I recall there was a thread on getting the whole interior bathed in LED lights.
bunchi
09-10-2008, 02:28 PM
I'm thinking something more compact.

On the jetta i had it on the roof of the trunk and just recessed into the structure.

On the 3, since its a hatchback I'll need something compact and bright, and also let me use the hatch lots too because I move stuff alot. i like to move stuff.

Is the trunk light in our 3 on a 12V line?

all the lights in our cars run on 12v. just different wattage. i put a LED bulb in my trunk, white. not bad :)
bunchi
09-10-2008, 02:32 PM
I want to know also. I recall there was a thread on getting the whole interior bathed in LED lights.

only thing with having LED interior bulb, more specifically the dome, it still emits a very faint light when the switch is on "door", even when all the doors are closed. but LED's consume so little power so i don't think it's an issue. and since I like the white light of the LED's better than the yellow light from stock bulbs, I didn't care! :chuckle the red blinking light from an alarm might consume more than that. it's very faint and you'll only see it when it's REALLY dark.
06Touring3
09-10-2008, 03:36 PM
only thing with having LED interior bulb, more specifically the dome, it still emits a very faint light when the switch is on "door", even when all the doors are closed. but LED's consume so little power so i don't think it's an issue. and since I like the white light of the LED's better than the yellow light from stock bulbs, I didn't care! :chuckle the red blinking light from an alarm might consume more than that. it's very faint and you'll only see it when it's REALLY dark.

BMW-esq ambient lighting!!!!
ICEBOX
09-10-2008, 10:21 PM
Ya I was wondering what I could do too.

I may just get one of those circular LED lights that you just push on/off. Kinda ghetto but if I need the light its there.
007
11-26-2008, 05:59 PM
I installed red led strips from Superbrightleds (7in rigid bars).
Basically removed the trunk's plastic sides, ran cables from the trunk light to both sides, straped the led bars within the plastic side enclosures (they have slots where light can glow through), et voila.

Don't see the bars, just see the red light glowing on the trunk mat.
Also replaced the stock bulb with a red buld (led).
dj_chinaman2097
11-26-2008, 08:52 PM
I installed red led strips from Superbrightleds (7in rigid bars).
Basically removed the trunk's plastic sides, ran cables from the trunk light to both sides, straped the led bars within the plastic side enclosures (they have slots where light can glow through), et voila.

Don't see the bars, just see the red light glowing on the trunk mat.
Also replaced the stock bulb with a red buld (led).

Pictures?!
queens49
11-27-2008, 10:39 AM
Ya I was wondering what I could do too.

I may just get one of those circular LED lights that you just push on/off. Kinda ghetto but if I need the light its there.

I'm using these on my hatch. I got the ones from Costco and they have a photosensor on it. I attached them to the underside of the cover, and they get triggered by the existing trunk light on the side. It's pretty cool. I've tested it by turning off the trunk light and the LED pucks go off. I turn the trunk light on, and the closest LED puck light goes on, and a second later the further one is triggered on. Lights up the trunk area very well.
007
11-28-2008, 02:23 PM
Give me some time.
Planning to complete my floor led setup this weekend (front footwell and under front seats to lit rear passenger floor).
Will post pics next week for evething.



Pictures?!
007
11-30-2008, 09:18 PM
Just finished the installation of leds in footwell areas and under seats to lit rear floor. Not too bright, just the way I like it.

I have pics of my installation and pics of my trunk with LED, but can't post pics. Just visit the OttawaMazda.ca site under interior to see them. I think you may have to be a member to see the pics.
007
11-30-2008, 09:38 PM
Pics:
www.ottawamazda.ca
Under Modifications, Cosmetic
Thread name is: Footwell LEDS
Ogata
12-10-2008, 07:38 AM
What is the trunk light for an 08 hatch? Is it a 197 bulb?
rajin929
12-10-2008, 12:30 PM
if you want bright - forget LED's for the trunk.

Look into cold cathode lighting, they come with a 12V transformer - you can mount one or two 10" tubes under the rear deck and they will be BRIGHT!!!
Ogata
12-10-2008, 07:10 PM
if you want bright - forget LED's for the trunk.

Look into cold cathode lighting, they come with a 12V transformer - you can mount one or two 10" tubes under the rear deck and they will be BRIGHT!!!

I would do that but I need the room so if someone can confirm with me as I'm being told its not a 194 for a hatch.

EDIT: N/M it looks like festoon to me as I saw no place to stick a 194 in as I just went out to check.
rajin929
12-10-2008, 08:03 PM
oops, misread and thought you had a sedan
007
12-10-2008, 08:42 PM
It is a festoon if I remember well.
I bought a 31mm with 9 red leds from Superbrightleds.

Also ran electrical cables from that bulb socket to feed 2 led bars (one on both sides).

Will post pics here once I reach the number of posts to reach the 50 post target?? Not sure what is that about??