xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
For some time I have been measuring and remeasuring the opening on the ARB for my 4Runner(Tacoma ARB bumper). I happened across a product we use for highway safety made by Whelen Engineering company. It is a TIR6 (6 LED) signal warning light. The newer models have programmable flash patterns which can be set to steady for the turn signal application.
I happened across a used set that were steady burn only. I researched some more to find I would also need to add a set of resistors in line to the NEW turn signal as the LED's don't draw enough power and thus they flash extremely fast. I don't know if all or some ARB's bumper have the same openings for the turn signals but I imagine they would.
I started by grinding the lower lip of the turn signal opening a total of about 1/8" or so. I then bent the tabs that hold the screw expansion tabs and bent them back with an adjustable wrench. I then test fitted time and time again until it was just right and I could push the TIR6's in place with a rubber mallet. I installed the resistors in line then attached and crimped my heat shrink electrical butt connectors and easy 2wire plug. I quickly painted the exposed metal with satin black paint and let it set. I then rubber hammered in place the TIR6's and bend the tabs back to hold them in the event of rough road or obstacle collision.
I think the overall visibility is 200% or better and with that the safety rating goes way up. The old lamp housings fill with water and then rust leaving the reflector portion covered in rust film and the bulb to do its thing w/o the aid of a reflector. The though of whether this mod is legal or not crossed my mind but as I see more and more LED's present in cars, and note the extremely high lumen output I think this is within operating standard of what it's purpose is as a turn signal.
Aaron
I happened across a used set that were steady burn only. I researched some more to find I would also need to add a set of resistors in line to the NEW turn signal as the LED's don't draw enough power and thus they flash extremely fast. I don't know if all or some ARB's bumper have the same openings for the turn signals but I imagine they would.
I started by grinding the lower lip of the turn signal opening a total of about 1/8" or so. I then bent the tabs that hold the screw expansion tabs and bent them back with an adjustable wrench. I then test fitted time and time again until it was just right and I could push the TIR6's in place with a rubber mallet. I installed the resistors in line then attached and crimped my heat shrink electrical butt connectors and easy 2wire plug. I quickly painted the exposed metal with satin black paint and let it set. I then rubber hammered in place the TIR6's and bend the tabs back to hold them in the event of rough road or obstacle collision.
I think the overall visibility is 200% or better and with that the safety rating goes way up. The old lamp housings fill with water and then rust leaving the reflector portion covered in rust film and the bulb to do its thing w/o the aid of a reflector. The though of whether this mod is legal or not crossed my mind but as I see more and more LED's present in cars, and note the extremely high lumen output I think this is within operating standard of what it's purpose is as a turn signal.
Aaron
