kevinbo03
Rollin' OEM style
Re: DIY Cathode Lighting: License Plate, Dome Lamp, Trunk lighting... **56k=certain d
Just added some nighttime pictures.
That's a good point, Hadn't thought about that! A solution could be letting the stock bulb light up, but still pulling power from the stock wires for the cathodes. This way, if the cathodes burn out, the stock lamp will still be there. Also, I don't think you would be able to see that the stock bulb was on if the cathodes are on. Just checked them out now that it's nighttime, they are pretty bright.
I decided to go with cathodes since I have used them before and thought it would be a fun afternoon project. For the trunk, I think the cathodes would have a definite advantage, since the 12" ones will throw allot more light then any single bulb that firs in the housing could. For the dome light, I'd have to say it throws about as much light as the 20 led lamp I had before. I may put 2 more 4" cathodes in, bringing the total dome cost to $11 but hopefully making it even brighter.
I would like to add that they do not burn out very often. It's actually quite rare. However, if they are receiving odd or improper voltages, that is when they start to have issues. As long as your car has a battery in good health, and all of the lights don't dim when starting, you shouldn't have any problems for years, if not the lifetime of the car. The reason I've seen a few burned ones is because I would frequently use 10v or 11v power supplies for lamps, since they were considerably cheaper then 12v ones. I also had 4 ballasts burn out all at once when the power supply in my PC died one day.
I also plan to try to find a way to alter the map lights, though cathodes will definitely not work there because of size and the lack of direction. Trunk lamp will be getting done soon though, likely next week. Should be very nice for showing off subs.
Thank you for all the comments and compliments, If anyone does this, please share your results! I would be eager to see anyone's results.
Just added some nighttime pictures.
That's a good point, Hadn't thought about that! A solution could be letting the stock bulb light up, but still pulling power from the stock wires for the cathodes. This way, if the cathodes burn out, the stock lamp will still be there. Also, I don't think you would be able to see that the stock bulb was on if the cathodes are on. Just checked them out now that it's nighttime, they are pretty bright.
I decided to go with cathodes since I have used them before and thought it would be a fun afternoon project. For the trunk, I think the cathodes would have a definite advantage, since the 12" ones will throw allot more light then any single bulb that firs in the housing could. For the dome light, I'd have to say it throws about as much light as the 20 led lamp I had before. I may put 2 more 4" cathodes in, bringing the total dome cost to $11 but hopefully making it even brighter.
I would like to add that they do not burn out very often. It's actually quite rare. However, if they are receiving odd or improper voltages, that is when they start to have issues. As long as your car has a battery in good health, and all of the lights don't dim when starting, you shouldn't have any problems for years, if not the lifetime of the car. The reason I've seen a few burned ones is because I would frequently use 10v or 11v power supplies for lamps, since they were considerably cheaper then 12v ones. I also had 4 ballasts burn out all at once when the power supply in my PC died one day.
I also plan to try to find a way to alter the map lights, though cathodes will definitely not work there because of size and the lack of direction. Trunk lamp will be getting done soon though, likely next week. Should be very nice for showing off subs.
Thank you for all the comments and compliments, If anyone does this, please share your results! I would be eager to see anyone's results.
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my two 12" CCFL's above my license plate, soooo bright 
