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Since my '09 DD doesn't have DRLs, I decided to remedy that omission and install some custom DRLs.
My first step was to find some lights that would work. My overall goal is to keep the vehicle looking as stock as possible. I don't like all the doo-dads and thing-a-ma-bobs and doohickeis sticking out of, or hanging off of, a vehicle. I prefer to 'hide' them in an inconspicuous spot yet still maintain function. It took a lot of measuring, head-scratching and innernets scrounging to find a 'perfect' solution. I found it a SuperBrightLEDs (again, this is not an ad for them.. I just like their products and service).
I ordered it in 6500K as all my LED conversions have been in the 6000-6500K range.
Once I got the lights in, it was time to start chopping up the roll and making them fit where I wanted them to. There's a narrow strip below my headlamp assembly, and just above the bumper. I felt this would be a very covert location and still keep the legacy look of the vehicle. Problem is, it's curved, and I really wanted to have DRLs that not only aimed forward, but to the side as well. I mean, if DRLs are to get the attention of other drivers in front of me, why not get the attention of drivers on either side of me... as in approaching an intersection?
I took out a piece of cardboard, traced out the shape of the body, and sat down at my workbench. It wasn't long before I figure out how to manipulate the LED strip the 'wrong' way to it would curve the direction I needed it to.
Once the strips were altered sufficiently to void the warranty, it was time to get them wired up. Since I install LEDs like this on a regular basis on and in all types of cabinets, soldering was easy peasy.
After a quick function check, it's into the weather shield they go. This was the worst part of the process.... the wrap can't be bent and stay where it's at. It wants to remain straight. So it was a struggle to push the LEDs in and maintain some sort of curvature. But in they went. Once in, another function test. (I do this as SOP so I don't get to the end of the project only to find out there was a failure early on).
Since both ends are open to the elements, I seal them up with some clear silicon caulking.
When that has cured, it's time to head out into the driveway. Carefully peeling back the adhesive cover, I take plenty of time to get them in place.
When both are installed, it's on to getting power to the pigtails I installed.
Some solder and heat shrink, a bit of split loom, and work is done on the front end of the truck. After bringing both pigtails together behind the grill, I run wiring back into the cab and pick up power from the SJB. I chose a circuit that's on with the key in run, but off at accessory. This way the LEDs will come on when the engine is running, but not if the key is pulled back to ACCY.
So far, so good!
Once all the wiring is run and connected, it's time to key up the ignition and stand back.
They don't look like much with the evening sun blasting right into the front of the truck, but the photo just doesn't do them justice. Now to wait until after sunset to really see what they look like.
05-14-2022
