White Cold Cathode License Plate How-TO!!!! 3G Garage #G-070

pimpin-tl · 10-08-2006, 1:25 PM

Guys, here is the new HOW-TO if you would like to replace those yellow bulbs on your license plate with a cold cathode bulbs. This is a very cheap mod. The bulbs only cost $7.29 from the link on the how-to. I did this so others would not be scared to do this mod. I notice not to many have done it and its really simple and its worth it. Look at the pictures!

I didn't have a stock car to show a picture of to compare, but just by the light on the bumper and ground I think you guys can figure out how bright it is and white!

I would also like to thank Kracker for the idea and his help last night to finish up this project. I will soon replace the interior floorboard lights with this type of lighting and the trunk light.

http://www.acuraclubsa.com/DIY/catho...odeTLhowto.htm

Enjoy guys! Hope it was worth the trouble making this page for all you! I am sure this willl work on the RL and other Acura models.

Here is a picture of what they look like below. See the link above for more pics.

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MELIT · 10-08-2006, 2:21 PM

when did you do the mod? any problems with flickering? the LED replacements have this problem...didn't know if the cathodes did too....

SilverStoneTTL · 10-08-2006, 2:34 PM

Looks good. I already have 2 LEDs that I got off some guy who made them for the 350Z forums which look pretty white but this looks nicer. So you bought two of the $7 tubes?

The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still...

Nice job. I may do this soon.

pimpin-tl · 10-08-2006, 2:43 PM

I just did it last night. Kracker has had it for a few months with no problems. LED's do have the problem. The Cathodes do not.

pimpin-tl · 10-08-2006, 2:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverStoneTTL

Looks good. I already have 2 LEDs that I got off some guy who made them for the 350Z forums which look pretty white but this looks nicer. So you bought two of the $7 tubes?

The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still...

Nice job. I may do this soon.

They come as a package of two. One Inverter, two bulbs.

The bulbs have there own protective cover they are sealed in. Thick plastic. The plastic that I installed from the package is to help keep it sealed from water.

EnvisionTL · 10-08-2006, 3:23 PM

Thanks for the How-To link pimpin-tl. I picked up my cathode set on ebay last week just havent had time to put it in. I am going to try to put it in today

.

lembowski · 10-08-2006, 4:39 PM

Question does this runn above the liscense plate ? I'm getting my backup camera that goes there, so I'm not sure if both with fit. Can you take a picture up there?

pimpin-tl · 10-08-2006, 7:08 PM

Yes. It runs inside the actual trunk lid and will not interfere with the rear camera. Kracker has the rear camera and these.

You can see where its mounted by the pics.

Touge · 10-08-2006, 7:57 PM

what flicker problems with the leds are you guys refering to ?

SilverStoneTTL · 10-08-2006, 8:26 PM

How long do these lights last? If they last a while, I may just do this next week. At $8.00, its cheap.

dezzzmond · 10-08-2006, 8:28 PM

Oh wow, thats bright. I have LEDs on mine and so far its not bad.

pimpin-tl · 10-08-2006, 8:45 PM

Not really sure how long they will last, but they should last much longer than a normal bulb. And for $8 bucks at that site or ebay 3 bucks + shipping, yea its pretty cheap. The pictures don't do it justice. In person they would blow away LEDs in brightness and color.

SilverStoneTTL · 10-08-2006, 9:59 PM

Yikes, shipping costs more than the lights on that site. Anyone who bought these off eBay have a seller they can recommend?

SilverStoneTTL · 10-08-2006, 10:06 PM

Cancel that last bit. The seller all_city has the same lights judging by the fact that it shows the same packaging as the site pimpin had a link to. Came out to 9.90 shipped.

KatyTL · 10-08-2006, 10:57 PM

Pimpin when you coming to Houston to do mine?

pimpin-tl · 10-08-2006, 11:18 PM

Hehe.

I thought you were coming here we can show you around town.

KatyTL · 10-08-2006, 11:31 PM

That sounds good to. I need to come that way and hang on the river walk.

I so miss it there. Last time I was there (Dec. 2005) there was a totally drunk Santa on one of the tall building we were by. Anyway yes I do need to come that way. You think the TL can make it there?

bluenoise · 10-09-2006, 12:44 AM

I'm so glad you did this! I've seen other cars (Lexus, perhaps?) that obviously use CC bulbs and I have a couple of tiny battery-operated CC reading lights that I thought I might tweak to work for this. Now that I see your post, I'm going with your setup.

Thanks!

pimpin-tl · 10-09-2006, 2:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatyTL

That sounds good to. I need to come that way and hang on the river walk.

I so miss it there. Last time I was there (Dec. 2005) there was a totally drunk Santa on one of the tall building we were by. Anyway yes I do need to come that way. You think the TL can make it there?

Oh I am sure it will be fine. I can give it a phone call and sweet talk it before the trip.

rockyfeller · 10-09-2006, 3:08 AM

I thought of this mod a while back as I got the idea from some BMW dudes doin it online (Not TLs though, this is a 1st). I was hesitant to do it because of a discussion some guys were talking about as to how long they will last.

Some were saying that cold cathode tubes won't last long particularly in cold weather. The tubes operate best at room temperature supposedly and aren't suited for automotive applications. Some other guys insisted that the technology has proven just fine when used on angel-eyes so why not as with this mod. I know some of you will say "so what they're only $8 tubes". Well that's not my concern either. I agree they are dirt cheap which is a great thing. I just don't want to disassemble my trunk lid everytime I have a problem.

For those who can't wait and just want to jump on this mod I can understand. I just want to hold out maybe till next year to see if reliability holds up with time. There's no doubt these look better than anything else out there. I don't think LEDs can compare, even though they will do for me; hopefully temporarily. Good job pimpin-TL!

CaliChris517 · 10-09-2006, 4:28 AM

Anyone know if this would work for the 99-02 tl? i think I minght give it a try.

aznbo187 · 10-09-2006, 4:30 AM

Hehe, I've had these for a while. For local purchases, these can be found at Fry's, or any electronic stores that carry the neon tubes people put in computer cases.

My inverter actually recently went out. Lasted about 4 months. Not bad, and much more of an improvement compared to the flickering LED's I've had to replace!

Nice write up!

Aznpersuasion · 10-09-2006, 5:37 AM

wow looks very clean
~Jason

jdb8805 · 10-09-2006, 9:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockyfeller

I just don't want to disassemble my trunk lid everytime I have a problem.

I agree. It is against the law to drive without lights on your plate in TX, so if the light goes out, then I can't drive at night until I find time to disassemble my trunk.

lembowski · 10-09-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pimpin-tl

Yes. It runs inside the actual trunk lid and will not interfere with the rear camera. Kracker has the rear camera and these.

You can see where its mounted by the pics.

Does it make it easier to see at night with the rear view camera? or is white light too bright? Did you do the photo shot with kracker? Since yours is so much brighter with the reflective tape I don't want the picture to look white washed.

pimpin-tl · 10-09-2006, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdb8805

I agree. It is against the law to drive without lights on your plate in TX, so if the light goes out, then I can't drive at night until I find time to disassemble my trunk.

There are two bulbs. If one goes out you still have a 2nd one that will run. So it will give you plenty of time to replace it. Now if the inverter goes, then they both stop working.

pimpin-tl · 10-09-2006, 1:02 PM

Good question about the RR. You might want to ask Kracker on that. He is on this forum. Since the light is behindthe camera I think it will help the camera not make it washed out.

Kracker · 10-09-2006, 1:15 PM

I didn't notice a big difference... They only time I even notice is backing up to a wall. But that may be my PIAA Backup lights.

here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2.

http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/

ITL · 10-09-2006, 1:24 PM

Kracker, do you have TWO valve stems for each tire? What's that all about?

lembowski · 10-09-2006, 1:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kracker

I didn't notice a big difference... They only time I even notice is backing up to a wall. But that may be my PIAA Backup lights.

here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2.

http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/

Thank you Kracker

What do you notice against the wall? Does it white out to the point you can't see very good when you are close to things? I have to parrell park at night very often and I don't want the camera to be affected.

Kracker · 10-09-2006, 1:28 PM

So it can air up twice as fast

Its for Nitrogen. One sucks the N, the other is the source.... FYI I got the rims and tires from Pimpin for a great deal..

I was looking over the FAQ... I dont see a big need to remove the license plate holders. (the black thing)...

I didnt, but hey. His came out better than mime did.

SilverStoneTTL · 10-09-2006, 2:24 PM

How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application.

Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.

gtg710w · 10-09-2006, 2:40 PM

THAT LOOKS NICE!!

how difficult is the installation? and wil it work on tsx as well?

IIIII · 10-09-2006, 2:52 PM

god dang it, im gonna order me a set.....looks too nice and such a simple mod.

**csmeance** · 10-09-2006, 3:24 PM

how long do these inverters last? if not long, i'd rather leave the yellow stock ones in there

aznbo187 · 10-09-2006, 3:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverStoneTTL

How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application.

Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.

I didnt put anything to cover the holes up, which may have caused them to wear out prematurely, but as long as you position the inverter at an easy access location it doesnt take more than 10 seconds to swap the inverters. Remember, you can extend the wires for the inverter to anywhere, it's simply a pos/neg wire.

pimpin-tl · 10-09-2006, 5:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmeance

how long do these inverters last? if not long, i'd rather leave the yellow stock ones in there

Per the site 30,000 hours is the life counter.

Kracker · 10-09-2006, 9:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lembowski

Thank you Kracker

What do you notice against the wall? Does it white out to the point you can't see very good when you are close to things? I have to parrell park at night very often and I don't want the camera to be affected.

The backup lights make more light then the license plate lights... My camera is angled so that once any item like a wall or column is at the bottom of my screen I have three feet until I hit it. I honestly dont notice it... I also dont trust my camera...

Kracker · 10-09-2006, 9:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverStoneTTL

How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application.

Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.

In the second picture you can clearly see where I did a crappy job. http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/IMG_1548.jpg

I used superglue gel. I then stuck a paper towel and used that to hold it in place.

As far as inverter life... I just checked my order, and I bought it 7/14. So its been in about 3 and half months. We will see if it breaks. I slam the trunk I don't even pretend to be nice. Haven't noticed a problem yet. But the LEDs I had flickered after only a few months and didn't look as cool.

EnvisionTL · 10-10-2006, 12:28 AM

I finished the mod in a few hours yesterday and I am very happy with the outcome. Now I can stop saying "I want those friggin Lexus license plate lights!!!"

10-08-2006, 2:21 PM	#2
MELIT Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 30 Posts: 16	when did you do the mod? any problems with flickering? the LED replacements have this problem...didn't know if the cathodes did too....

10-08-2006, 2:34 PM	#3
SilverStoneTTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vassar College/Rockland, NY Age: 23 Posts: 392	Looks good. I already have 2 LEDs that I got off some guy who made them for the 350Z forums which look pretty white but this looks nicer. So you bought two of the $7 tubes? The part that worries me is the use of the plastic from the packaging serving as the only protection for the lights. They're probably safe but still... Nice job. I may do this soon.

10-08-2006, 2:43 PM	#4
pimpin-tl Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alamo City Age: 35 Posts: 2,478	I just did it last night. Kracker has had it for a few months with no problems. LED's do have the problem. The Cathodes do not.

10-08-2006, 3:23 PM	#6
EnvisionTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Union City, CA Age: 26 Posts: 434	Thanks for the How-To link pimpin-tl. I picked up my cathode set on ebay last week just havent had time to put it in. I am going to try to put it in today .

10-08-2006, 4:39 PM	#7
lembowski Trucki!! Trader Rating: (1) Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SoCal Age: 27 Posts: 4,532	Question does this runn above the liscense plate ? I'm getting my backup camera that goes there, so I'm not sure if both with fit. Can you take a picture up there?

10-08-2006, 7:08 PM	#8
pimpin-tl Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alamo City Age: 35 Posts: 2,478	Yes. It runs inside the actual trunk lid and will not interfere with the rear camera. Kracker has the rear camera and these. You can see where its mounted by the pics.

10-08-2006, 7:57 PM	#9
Touge Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NYC \| Chofu-shi Posts: 886	what flicker problems with the leds are you guys refering to ?

10-08-2006, 8:26 PM	#10
SilverStoneTTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vassar College/Rockland, NY Age: 23 Posts: 392	How long do these lights last? If they last a while, I may just do this next week. At $8.00, its cheap.

10-08-2006, 8:28 PM	#11
dezzzmond Bring It Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chantilly/South Riding, VA Age: 27 Posts: 540	Oh wow, thats bright. I have LEDs on mine and so far its not bad.

10-08-2006, 8:45 PM	#12
pimpin-tl Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alamo City Age: 35 Posts: 2,478	Not really sure how long they will last, but they should last much longer than a normal bulb. And for $8 bucks at that site or ebay 3 bucks + shipping, yea its pretty cheap. The pictures don't do it justice. In person they would blow away LEDs in brightness and color.

10-08-2006, 9:59 PM	#13
SilverStoneTTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vassar College/Rockland, NY Age: 23 Posts: 392	Yikes, shipping costs more than the lights on that site. Anyone who bought these off eBay have a seller they can recommend?

10-08-2006, 10:06 PM	#14
SilverStoneTTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vassar College/Rockland, NY Age: 23 Posts: 392	Cancel that last bit. The seller all_city has the same lights judging by the fact that it shows the same packaging as the site pimpin had a link to. Came out to 9.90 shipped.

10-08-2006, 10:57 PM	#15
KatyTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Katy, TX Age: 24 Posts: 181	Pimpin when you coming to Houston to do mine?

10-08-2006, 11:18 PM	#16
pimpin-tl Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alamo City Age: 35 Posts: 2,478	Hehe. I thought you were coming here we can show you around town.

10-08-2006, 11:31 PM	#17
KatyTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Katy, TX Age: 24 Posts: 181	That sounds good to. I need to come that way and hang on the river walk. I so miss it there. Last time I was there (Dec. 2005) there was a totally drunk Santa on one of the tall building we were by. Anyway yes I do need to come that way. You think the TL can make it there?

10-09-2006, 12:44 AM	#18
bluenoise 2004 SSM/EB/5AT/Navi/RSB Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Age: 42 Posts: 1,270	I'm so glad you did this! I've seen other cars (Lexus, perhaps?) that obviously use CC bulbs and I have a couple of tiny battery-operated CC reading lights that I thought I might tweak to work for this. Now that I see your post, I'm going with your setup. Thanks!

10-09-2006, 3:08 AM	#20
rockyfeller King of NYC 2006 Acura TL Trader Rating: (5) Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT Age: 34 Posts: 2,774	I thought of this mod a while back as I got the idea from some BMW dudes doin it online (Not TLs though, this is a 1st). I was hesitant to do it because of a discussion some guys were talking about as to how long they will last. Some were saying that cold cathode tubes won't last long particularly in cold weather. The tubes operate best at room temperature supposedly and aren't suited for automotive applications. Some other guys insisted that the technology has proven just fine when used on angel-eyes so why not as with this mod. I know some of you will say "so what they're only $8 tubes". Well that's not my concern either. I agree they are dirt cheap which is a great thing. I just don't want to disassemble my trunk lid everytime I have a problem. For those who can't wait and just want to jump on this mod I can understand. I just want to hold out maybe till next year to see if reliability holds up with time. There's no doubt these look better than anything else out there. I don't think LEDs can compare, even though they will do for me; hopefully temporarily. Good job pimpin-TL!

10-09-2006, 4:28 AM	#21
CaliChris517 07 Civic Si Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA Age: 21 Posts: 918	Anyone know if this would work for the 99-02 tl? i think I minght give it a try.

10-09-2006, 4:30 AM	#22
aznbo187 Registered Member Trader Rating: (1) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: So Cal 818 Age: 23 Posts: 3,904	Hehe, I've had these for a while. For local purchases, these can be found at Fry's, or any electronic stores that carry the neon tubes people put in computer cases. My inverter actually recently went out. Lasted about 4 months. Not bad, and much more of an improvement compared to the flickering LED's I've had to replace! Nice write up!

10-09-2006, 5:37 AM	#23
Aznpersuasion Supercharged 2005 TL NBP Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Springs Age: 22 Posts: 914	wow looks very clean ~Jason

10-09-2006, 1:02 PM	#27
pimpin-tl Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alamo City Age: 35 Posts: 2,478	Good question about the RR. You might want to ask Kracker on that. He is on this forum. Since the light is behindthe camera I think it will help the camera not make it washed out.

10-09-2006, 1:15 PM	#28
Kracker 05 TL Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Antonio Age: 30 Posts: 573	I didn't notice a big difference... They only time I even notice is backing up to a wall. But that may be my PIAA Backup lights. here are some HUGE Pictures... Notice the first 2. http://people.cs.tamu.edu/mlw8723/CarPics/

10-09-2006, 1:24 PM	#29
ITL puts PCs in TLs 2004 Acura TL Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: ATL Age: 28 Posts: 1,461	Kracker, do you have TWO valve stems for each tire? What's that all about?

10-09-2006, 1:28 PM	#31
Kracker 05 TL Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Antonio Age: 30 Posts: 573	So it can air up twice as fast Its for Nitrogen. One sucks the N, the other is the source.... FYI I got the rims and tires from Pimpin for a great deal.. I was looking over the FAQ... I dont see a big need to remove the license plate holders. (the black thing)... I didnt, but hey. His came out better than mime did.

10-09-2006, 2:24 PM	#32
SilverStoneTTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vassar College/Rockland, NY Age: 23 Posts: 392	How long do the inverters last? AZNBO says his went after 4 Months. I really don't want to do this every few months if the inverter isn't suited for this type of application. Kracker, did you put anything to cover the holes in your set up? I can't tell from the pictures.

10-09-2006, 2:40 PM	#33
gtg710w 06 GBM AT TSX + 35% TINT Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: ATL,GA Age: 24 Posts: 841	THAT LOOKS NICE!! how difficult is the installation? and wil it work on tsx as well?

10-09-2006, 2:52 PM	#34
IIIII Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bentonville, Arkansas Posts: 206	god dang it, im gonna order me a set.....looks too nice and such a simple mod.

10-09-2006, 3:24 PM	#35
csmeance Moderator Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Daytona Beach FL Posts: 12,082	how long do these inverters last? if not long, i'd rather leave the yellow stock ones in there

10-10-2006, 12:28 AM	#40
EnvisionTL Registered User Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Union City, CA Age: 26 Posts: 434	I finished the mod in a few hours yesterday and I am very happy with the outcome. Now I can stop saying "I want those friggin Lexus license plate lights!!!"