Sneak peak... Finished product:
![Image]()
... So I was once again at a point where my Offroad Only brand (second set) of LiteDOT LED pucks was failing... both of them. More on those here:http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/interior-exterior-visual-tech/137206-new-new-rocktek-tail-lights-new-style-pucks.html
Aslo original Rocktek light thread:http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/4x4-off-road-tech/65548-unbelievably-cool-rocktek-rear-lights.html
Anyways...
I had been noticing paint failure on the housings for some time. I have never liked that they are glossy black diamond (painted for JimD), so it was time to pull them and refinish.
Notice the paint failure at the inside corners:
![Image]()
![Image]()
More cracking on top edge:
![Image]()
So I did some searching and found a new offering of almost the exact same puck. Max-Bilt Trail Tail LED pucks. So instead of getting a third set of now known very shoddy lights I purchased these. They did cost a bit less than the ones that suck (aka LiteDot.)
![Image]()
I was happy to find the Trail Tails had many more LED lights!
![Image]()
Condition of metal housings and paint. I had at one time thought these were aluminum, but they are just metal... proven by the copious amounts of rust.
![Image]()
The rears were in great shape. Shh... Don't tell JimD.:laugh
![Image]()
So on to it...
![Image]()
![Image]()
I initially sprayed them a satin black... but could not get the finish and dust conditions perfect to my liking. So I read the forum looking for something... and found some great threads on Duplicolor Bed Armor. I just sanded my day old paint job a bit and sprayed the liner over it in multiple coats. I used the stippling advice with a paintbrush to take care of any splatter drops. Very easy and I like the outcome.
A mock up once I had the trim and gaskets made.
![Image]()
![Image]()
Then I wired up a nice harness on each. Now they plug right in to T-taps. These lights required a diode (per instructions) wired in line on each light to function properly. Without this diode the tail lights would not illuminate when the truck was off. I didn't have these diodes in my other pucks wiring so I did try wiring it both ways... so the diodes are separate in-line plugs which could be easily replaced if needed.
Harness:
![Image]()
On the truck:
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Tail Light:
![Image]()
![Image]()
I don't have a shot of the Brake or Turn Signals. The pattern is the same as the Tail Lights, but Bright like the Reverse lights below.
Reverse:
![Image]()
![Image]()
So that was my last weeks project. What to do this week????:grin
... So I was once again at a point where my Offroad Only brand (second set) of LiteDOT LED pucks was failing... both of them. More on those here:http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/interior-exterior-visual-tech/137206-new-new-rocktek-tail-lights-new-style-pucks.html
Aslo original Rocktek light thread:http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/4x4-off-road-tech/65548-unbelievably-cool-rocktek-rear-lights.html
Anyways...
I had been noticing paint failure on the housings for some time. I have never liked that they are glossy black diamond (painted for JimD), so it was time to pull them and refinish.
Notice the paint failure at the inside corners:
More cracking on top edge:
So I did some searching and found a new offering of almost the exact same puck. Max-Bilt Trail Tail LED pucks. So instead of getting a third set of now known very shoddy lights I purchased these. They did cost a bit less than the ones that suck (aka LiteDot.)
I was happy to find the Trail Tails had many more LED lights!
Condition of metal housings and paint. I had at one time thought these were aluminum, but they are just metal... proven by the copious amounts of rust.
The rears were in great shape. Shh... Don't tell JimD.:laugh
So on to it...
I initially sprayed them a satin black... but could not get the finish and dust conditions perfect to my liking. So I read the forum looking for something... and found some great threads on Duplicolor Bed Armor. I just sanded my day old paint job a bit and sprayed the liner over it in multiple coats. I used the stippling advice with a paintbrush to take care of any splatter drops. Very easy and I like the outcome.
A mock up once I had the trim and gaskets made.
Then I wired up a nice harness on each. Now they plug right in to T-taps. These lights required a diode (per instructions) wired in line on each light to function properly. Without this diode the tail lights would not illuminate when the truck was off. I didn't have these diodes in my other pucks wiring so I did try wiring it both ways... so the diodes are separate in-line plugs which could be easily replaced if needed.
Harness:
On the truck:
Tail Light:
I don't have a shot of the Brake or Turn Signals. The pattern is the same as the Tail Lights, but Bright like the Reverse lights below.
Reverse:
So that was my last weeks project. What to do this week????:grin
