License plate light

[Snafu]

My idea is abit weird but I was thinking about taking a piece of either Plexiglass or something similar and embedding an LED light into it to illuminate the entire thing for a license plate light, it sounds odd but bear with me for a moment. Im kind of thinking off those little light things that have something engraved that reflects light and illuminates the engraved image. I'm not sure how this would work exactly but I figured I'd see if you guys thought it was crazy

 

[srteach]

Easily doable. Make the calculations based on 14VDC. You can match the truck paint scheme by choosing colored LEDs.

The big thing to remember is that plexi is easily scratched, and will get foggy / hazy very quickly. Make the lights removable so you can replace the plexi in the future, or plan to build a new one. The brighter the LED, the better the result will be.

Plan on 4 or more LED bulbs, they aren't as bright as incandescent. LED bulbs are usually highly directional, so shoot the bulb into the edge of the plexi. It may give a spotlight type beam, but even that will look cool with crossing beams.

 

[Snafu]

Easily doable. Make the calculations based on 14VDC. You can match the truck paint scheme by choosing colored LEDs.

The big thing to remember is that plexi is easily scratched, and will get foggy / hazy very quickly. Make the lights removable so you can replace the plexi in the future, or plan to build a new one. The brighter the LED, the better the result will be.

Plan on 4 or more LED bulbs, they aren't as bright as incandescent. LED bulbs are usually highly directional, so shoot the bulb into the edge of the plexi. It may give a spotlight type beam, but even that will look cool with crossing beams.

Thanks for the input, any idea on what other material to use other than plexiglass, that won't fog? I was using it as an example

 

[powerranger262]

I like the idea, but modding stock lights, especially the license plate light is just asking for trouble from the smokies.

 

[doyouquaxu]

how are you going to have that light up your license plate? unless you etch your license plate numbers into the plexi, it seems like a waste of time.

 

[02RangerXLT]

I like the idea, but modding stock lights, especially the license plate light is just asking for trouble from the smokies.

Not necessarily... as long as your plate is lit up and can be clearly seen then there shouldn't be much of a problem.

 

[shane96ranger]

LED's are very directional in their light output, and don't broadcast broad like a light bulb. You're going to have them aimed pretty precise (and possibly need multiples) to get it to work/look right IMHO. Sounds like a cool idea though. Post pics if you decide to do it.

EDIT: I didn't notice srteach had already mentioned this. Sorry for rehashing. But still, post pics if you do it!

 

[02RangerXLT]

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&category=BARS&Page2Disp=/specs/WLF-xW30SMD.htm

Maybe check out one of the 12" bars here? I think Licence plates are about 12". You might have to waterproof them yourself, but besides that...

 

[Snafu]

Well thanks for the input everyone. shane96ranger don't worry about it any input is helpful. I don't know exactly how I envisioned it this is kinda how I was thinking http://www.instructables.com/image/F16NS6RFC2BTRZY/DIY-LED-Plexiglass-Heart.jpg of course minus the heart and make it blue, but I realize that won't illuminate the plate enough I think I might just have to glue some LEDs to the top of my plate frame or something as of now I am missing one light set up (light bulb and casing) and the other doesn't seem to cut it for me. As for the wiring, I though about splicing into the stock wiring and just butt connecting the LEDs to it being that it runs off a switch it wouldn't constantly be on. This is all coming from a kid who butt connects the wiring for his stereo to get it working XD. I haven't looked at the wiring yet so I don't know if that would work but it's an idea for now

 

[4.0B2]

i think this is an awesome idea.. but would take some planning to make it work right.. i'm trying to find a cool way to light up my tag when i make a new rear bumper...

 

[Snafu]

Now that I thought about it, I guess i was thinking like the fiber optic where the light lights the whole line up, its more of a dream but whatever. I'm more concerned about a tune up i need to do and some rust removal

 

[exbass94]

I like the idea, but modding stock lights, especially the license plate light is just asking for trouble from the smokies.

Not necessarily... as long as your plate is lit up and can be clearly seen then there shouldn't be much of a problem.

The lights for your license plate must be WHITE. ANY other color is illegal. As long as you use white lights, I don't see this mod as being much of a problem.

 

[02RangerXLT]

The lights for your license plate must be WHITE. ANY other color is illegal. As long as you use white lights, I don't see this mod as being much of a problem.

I fully agree, however my response was just in relation to modding the stock lights... no-one says you have to have lights in the stock spot, if your license plate is able to be seen then there really shouldnt be a problem. More than likely, a big LED bar will light the plate up better than the stock 194 bulbs.