ambient lighting in RTS??

[HeavyD]

I recently purchased my RTS and i would like to install ambient lighting in the interior of it. Has anyone done this? Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.

[VoicesInMyHead]

Welcome! Congrat's on the new Ridge!

You don't really specify what kind of lighting you are looking for... Check out this thread.

Hit the search feature to try and locate info if your looking for some other kind of lighting.

[HeavyD]

Thanks for the link. The ambient light in the overhead console is what I was talking about, but I also want to add some lighting to the inside of the center console and the front and back of the center console(too dark to find anything at Night).

[VoicesInMyHead]

I agree! If I ever get motivated, I would like to at least add the center console lighting like ChrisM in that same thread.

It's tough being lazy! LOL!

[brandont]

The overhead unit is a bit complicated. The harness is different, and the unit itself (which includes homelink) is considered a control part. To order one, you need a VIN# of a matching interior color truck. Then of course, you'll need to add power. I ran an always on power to a small low-light LED that I drilled a small hole in the flange of the upper console. It does the job for about $10 instead of $300 or so.

[HeavyD]

Sounds great, could you post some pictures of the light and maybe info about what led to buy? Also, you said the light is always on. Did you tap the power from the light console or did you run wires to somewhere else. Thanks for your time. I plan on taking pictures and maybe doing a "how to" when I figure out what i'm going to do.

[brandont]

There really isn't anything to take a picture of. It's a small hole (3-4mm) on the front lip of the roof console. The light pattern and brightness is going to vary depending on exactly how you make yours. Basically, once you get your LED and some kind of holder to mount it, you are going to take the console down and drill a hole through the flange as close to the main body as you can.

I used a blue LED, but there are red, green, and white also - all with different mCD (brightness). I advise getting several and do some mockups to see how bright you really want it. Don't forget the resistor either. Do a google search for LED resistor if you are lost.

Last - I did NOT do this, but I may soon. The light from an LED tends to be focused like a spotlight. You should be able to fill the hole with clear silicone to diffuse the light more. I have done this in other projects, just not this one.

[ace5000]

What wattage did you guys use for an always on LED ambient lights?

[happyjoey]

How about a drink holder that fits in a airconditioner vent. the LED changes color, red blue green and yellow. plugs into lighter with on off switch. Instaltion in 2.3 minutes, mostly getting it out of the package. made in china, $6.47 shipping 9.99. I highly recomend this incredable device, as i own one.