Customization is the name of the game when it comes to modifying your mini-truck and making it stand out at the local cruise or at a big time show. Basically, a good rule of thumb is "Stock sucks." So, anything stock just won't do on your custom ride, including the taillights. Depending on where you live, you might want to take into account the DOT laws that apply to certain modifications, including messing with the factory lighting (if your anything like most mini-truckers, you probably don't worry too much about Johnny Law) before shaving your taillights and installing a set of LEDs.
Custom Classic in Howe, Texas, offers LEDs in many lengths and color combinations. For this install, we chose a set of 8-1/2-inchers that have white reverse lights built in. The crew at Street Issue Customs in Poulsbo, Washington, decided to use a first-generation Blazer as the guinea pig for the LED install. After the basic measuring, cutting, and wiring are taken care of, the hardest part was the bodywork involved in smoothing over the LEDs to give them that true "flush-mounted" appearance. Follow along with the crew at Street Issue Customs as it shows just how easy this do-it-yourself LED install really is.
1. Here's a look at the Custom...
1. Here's a look at the Custom Classic Flush-Mount LED Kits. Each kit comes complete with an acrylic lens, a diffuser lens, the built LED unit (built as long as 42 inches), and all necessary wiring for a fully functional taillight system. Materials not included for the install are two-part-clear marine-grade epoxy, clear silicone, four small flathead machine screws, lock washers, and nuts.
2. First off, decide on placement....
2. First off, decide on placement. We opted to put this set in the tailgate of a first-generation Chevy Blazer. Be sure that wherever you put them, you have ample room to access the light assembly from behind.
3. We measured in from the...
3. We measured in from the outside of the tailgate and marked our end point, then did the same from the top.
4. Next, mark where you'll...
4. Next, mark where you'll make your cut. The visible portion of the lens is 1/2 inch, so a piece of 1/2-inch masking tape cut to length works well and gives you a good idea of what the final product will look like.
5. With a cutoff wheel, slowly...
5. With a cutoff wheel, slowly cut out the marked portion of the tailgate. Be careful and take your time with this, as you don't want to have to fix any mistakes later on.
6. Once the hole has been...
6. Once the hole has been cut and you've test-fit the lens, you'll need to get the rear of the panel ready for installation of the bucket. First, prep the area for welding. If it's a tight space, such as in the Blazer, a rotary tool and flapper wheel work great for removing paint and undercoating. A section of the tailgate may also need to be cut out for better access to the LED mounting area.
7. Using the LED bucket as...
7. Using the LED bucket as a template, set the position of your light and mark the mounting spots for your screws. The screws will serve to mount the LED buckets in place, so in the event that a light does go out, you can remove the bucket and replace it.
8. Place the flathead screws...
8. Place the flathead screws on the marked spots and tack-weld them to the tailgate, making sure not to overdo it and warp anything.
9. After test-fitting the...
9. After test-fitting the bucket, it was time to set in the lens assembly. First, get out your two-part epoxy and mix it per the manufacturer's specifications.