ESI/Custom Dynamics - LED light installation tips?

[Rando]

I have purchased most of the LED's and plan on installing them this week. Does anyone have any tips or tricks on installing these items? For example, is it easier to remove the tires instead of removing the fenders when installing the mudflap turn signals and brightsides? Tips on installing the HMT brake light? Thanks!

 

[cjackg]

The one thing you want to be sure and do is to bring together the connections for any lights on the front into a single point and install quick disconnects on them for future use. Otherwise it is a real mess if you ever have to remove the Frunk!

 

[NancysToy]

For the mudflap lights, removing the fenders is better. I tried the tires, and it was a hassle for me.

On the HMT, be sure and clean the lid area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol or prepsol before application. If a pice of masking tape sticks well, the area is clean enough. If not, clean again. Be very, very careful with the adhesion promoter, it can damage visible paint, and will collect dirt at the very least. I recommend masking the surrounding area carefully before you start. You only get one chance to stick the HMT in place. It is certain to make you nervous. With the 3M VHB tape on two adjacent surfaces, it can't be slid into place, it has to be carefully tipped in or approached on an angle so both surfaces make contact at once.

Glad to see you getting the HMT and mudflap lights. The Spyder lights aren't very visible when pulling the RT-622. The HMT and flap lights are a great improvement.

 

[Lamonster]

I did mine with the fenders on and I've done it both ways now and for me it was better to leave the fenders on. I did take the front two bolts loose to pass the wires through.

Click on pic for more pics

 

[SpyderFun]

BEFORE you remove the protective film to the adhesive, do a dry fit to make sure you know where you need to place the light assy. And double check to make sure all of the old adhesive is removed and the surface is clean.

Enjoy the "Bright New Look" when you are done....

 

[NancysToy]

Actually, I got to thinking about it and the last time I removed both the tires and the fenders. That went well.

 

[SpyderDen]

I did mine with the fenders on and I've done it both ways now and for me it was better to leave the fenders on. I did take the front two bolts loose to pass the wires through.

:agree: Lamont. I've done it both ways too. Actually the first time I took off wheels and fenders. 2nd time just wheels and went much quicker. :thumbup:

 

[gypsy_100]

HMT

Two things that I can recall from doing the HMT. First, when using their "tool" to fish the wires through, I found it necessary to tape the end of the tool where the wires are held to make it more streamlined so it would easily pass thru the narrow spaces. With just the wires bent over, it was too bulky and got caught.

Second, I found it easier to just go ahead and remove the factory tailight assembly to get at the connection you need. Especially true if you're doing the ESI tailight option and need to make the extra connections in addition to the brakelight. Getting in the tight space and making the connection foolproof just wasn't do-able for my hands. A few bolts and the tailight assembly came off giving you all kinds of good access to the connector you need. And you can then make sure the wires are all properly routed and held where you want them to prevent future problems. A little extra work saved a lot of frustration and made the job easier.

Great light -- should be standard from the factory!

 

[Lamonster]

:agree:

 

[gypsy_100]

HMT

Great photos Lamonster. Exactly what I was trying to say. Next time I'll remember to photo-document my work.

 

[Lamonster]

Great photos Lamonster. Exactly what I was trying to say. Next time I'll remember to photo-document my work.

Tell you what, you do the typing and I'll do the photos

 

[gypsy_100]

Deal!