Modified Power Wheels - My 1st Jeep mod (Yellow Jeep)

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My 1st Jeep mod (Yellow Jeep)

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cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA
406 Posts

Posted - 01/15/2009 : 21:47:20

Since picking up a PW Jeep Dune Squad (74570) for $40 from a Craigslist find, I've found this site while trying to figure out some details about my PW. I gotta tell ya, I've gotten so hooked to this site that I think I've just about read (& re-read) every post here. For more than a month, I've been sitting in sidelines gathering ideas from all of ya'll. I then decided to begin my project...

When I picked up the Dune Squad, it was pretty filthy and the sirens didn't work. I've since cleaned it up, removed most of the stickers, and after taking apart the siren unit & cleaned the contacts with sandpaper, everything appears to be working great!

Here is the Dune Squad before:

I didn't care for all of the blue trim and I just wasn't feeling the police stuff on a Jeep.
So here's the after:

I painted the trim using Krylon Fusion and used 2 coats of Krylon clear coat (matte).
I didn't bother painting the seats because I just imagined my kid (& passengers) sliding around all over the seat and I just didn't think the paint would hold up.
I'm hoping to source a black version of the seat or somehow fabricate seat covers for it.

Here are more before & after pics:

I was thinking about covering the holes on the hood left by the lights/sirens by mounting one of those PW shovels (as found on the Jeep Fire Rescues)

I picked up the little fire extinguisher squirt gun off of eBay for $5...
Now if I can only find a toy or mini-version of the red "Hi-Lift" jack...

Next to come:
18V
head lights
tail lights
overhead lights
horn

PowerWheels - Jeep Wrangler (74440) - Red Wrangler - unibody Jeep w/ 18V, #4 gearbox retrofit
PowerWheels - Dune Squad (74570) - Yellow Jeep - metal-framed Jeep w/ 18V, LED lights, #7 gearboxes, brake pedal
PowerWheels - Wrangler 98 (78490) - Army Jeep - unibody Jeep w/ 12V, OD painted, brake pedal, rubber tires
PowerWheels - Grey/Pace Exclusive (86270) - metal-framed Jeep - currently stock
Peg Perego - Gaucho Grande (HP252) - 70's-style Toyota Landcruiser FJ40 - 18V, LED lighting, brake pedal, front & rear traction-aids
PowerWheels - X-Treme Machine (74790) - painted, 18V w/ 24V NOS, 19T #7 gearbox, brake pedal, front traction-aids
PowerWheels - Hot Wheels Rally Kart (xxxxx) - 18V in process
PowerWheels - Hot Wheels Rally Kart (xxxxx) - currently stock

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 00:53:12

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/15/2009 : 22:17:24

18 Volt conversion...

I was a little intimidated because the Dune Squad was the 2x6V, 4 wire deal and required cutting. But the diagrams from SWHENRIK helped a lot and it wasn't difficult at all.
(see: http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2236)

I ordered three 6V 12ah Gruber batteries from eBay and was surprised at how quickly I got 'em. Some of the reads in the forums complained of their slow shipping, so I wasn't expecting them so quickly. I was also amazed that all 3 batteries were able to fit in where only 2 PowerWheel batteries could.

Here's a picture of how the two 6V PW batteries fit:
(excuse the wiring mess... that's getting cleaned up)

Now, here's the three 6V Grubers in the same compartment:

Here's video of the Jeep with three PW batteries (didn't last very long):

Here's the vid with 3 Grubers:

Also, as per forum topic http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=695,
I picked up the Schumacher 600a from Walmart for charging.
I've also wired pigtails so that I could charge all three Grubers (in parallel) at the same time.
I've also got another set of pigtails for hooking up to the PW batteries as well. The 600a charger is great...
the only thing I don't like about it is that when you first power it on, it defaults to 12V... so you gotta remember to switch it to 6V.

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 00:55:35

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/15/2009 : 23:10:03

HEADLIGHTS...

I purchased the 20-pack pre-wired 5mm Super Bright White LEDs from luckzdl2008 on eBay for about $7.00 (free shipping).

Here are the specs:
- 20 pieces
- prewired with 470-Ohm resistor
- 5mm LEDs
- Narrow Viewing Angle: 20~25 Deg
- 20cm cables
- 9-14V

Here's a picture of the bundle:

However, as I was waiting for them to arrive from China (2 weeks),
I found this $6 jewel from Harbor Frieght (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95799)

It's a 12V LED mini spotlight. Here are the specs:
� 17 long-lasting LED lamps for bright illumination
� Magnetic base clamps to any ferrous surface
� Three lamp modes: constant light, rapid flash, interval flash
� 12V cigarette lighter plug with retractable 6 ft. 9" cord
� Overall dimensions: 2-13/16" L x 2-1/2"

I found this reflector & LED assembly to be an almost perfect fit for the Jeep's headlights.
However, the flashlight had various modes.
I only needed the �constant-on� mode, so some resoldering had to be done to bypass the transistor.
So I bought two and began ripping them apart.

I used a 2-1/2" hole saw on my drill to cut out the holes:

The reflectors were screwed into the grill from behind:

Here's the front view:

Not shown here, but I had to "black-out" the rear of the circuit board by covering it with electrical tape
as the light also shines through from behind, creating an annoying glow under the hood.

Here's the finished product:
(I even painted Jonas' blue helmet yellow to match)

Here are the lights in action:

Here's the switch. It's the LED rocker switch beneath the red one (for the overhead lights).
I got it at Radio Shack: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3097457
It fit perfectly in the recessed part where the peeling sticker used to be.

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 01:00:19

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/15/2009 : 23:53:41

TAILLIGHTS...

Originally, I was going to purchase automotive LED lights used for trailers to replace the rear light assembly on the Jeep.
If memory serves me right, they were $8 each... x2 that's $16 just for rear lights!
I just didn't think that the red plastic in the Jeep's tail light assembly would actually allow any light to come thu it.
However, I saw KUBE1's post (http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=728&SearchTerms=horn)
where he did just that and I thought I'd give it a try using some of the LEDs I bought originally for the headlights but didn't use.
And it actually looked pretty good!

Here's the details of this mod:

First I drilled two holes just big enough to "wedge" the 5mm LEDs into...

Then, holes were drilled into the body for the wires & LEDs to pass thru.

Not shown, but I later came back and wrapped the "exposed" rear portions of the LEDs with electrical tape
as light was showing thru from behind the housing, causing the trunk of the Jeep to glow...

Here's the wiring (looking from underneath):

Here they are in action:
(Note: taillights are wired to same switch as the headlights)

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 01:03:52

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 00:26:16

OVERHEAD/ROLLBAR LIGHTS...

I had 16 LEDs left over, so I figured I'd add lighting to the rollbars.
I drilled a hole just big enough to run cabling thru in the hole where the rollbar goes into.
Then, I drilled a hole at the top of the roll bar and fished a line from the top to the left side of the rollbar.
I used quick-connects just in case I ever need to remove the rollbar in the future.
I also wrapped the wire at the top of the rollbar with electrical tape to prevent chaffing due to the sharp edges from the metal hole I drilled.

Here's the hole I drilled in the body:

Then after removing the plastic grill, I began peeling off the yellow KC stickers from the rollbar lights,
I unscrewed the front panel and afixed aluminum foil to it (via spray adhesive) to act as a reflector.
Then I drilled 8 holes into each of the plates.
After "wedging" the LEDs into the holes, I wired each of the LEDs to each other in parallel then crammed them all back into the housing.
I completed the wiring to the red Radio Shack switch button (see dash pictures from previous thread).

Sorry, I wished I had taken more pictures of the actual wiring...

Here are more pics:

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 01:06:42

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 02:31:13

HORN...

My next project is to install a horn.

I've got two delima's...

1. Choosing a horn...
JASNCAB mentioned in this thread (http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4669) about the use of a 12V piezo siren.
DEZINER75 also mentioned using a piezo horn in this thread (http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=296&SearchTerms=horn,button)
I was looking at a few Piezos at Radio Shack... However, I don't know which one to choose and/or how they'll sound without having to first purchase one then hooking them up and trying them out.

Does anyone know where I can get audio samples?

I know I can purchase real auto horns, but I'm worried that the auto-types would be too loud... plus I gotta run a relay.

2. Horn button...
I know I can just get a momentary switch from Radio Shack, but I can't seem to find the right size. I'm trying to find something that'll fit in the steering wheel center cap.
So far, I'm trying to debate between what SENNEHENN did in his thread: http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4669
and what KUBE1 did in his thread: http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=728&SearchTerms=horn

I saw the horn button SENNEHENN used at my local auto parts store and it's almost $10. So I'm tending to lean more towards KUBE1's method as it's free... but I may have to hit him up for more details of his "Gatorade-cap-for-a-button" mod.

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 06:14:21

Very cool, excellent work!

36V Peg Perego Apache - Project: Super Power Police Jeep, 18V Metal Frame Jeep - Project: Sarge
Dragon/Craftsman Pickup Hybrid (WIP), 18V John Deere Off Road 4x4 (Gaucho, SOLD!)
12V Lil Jeep, 18V Turbo Sun Jammer Jeep, 12V Super 6 F150 Blue Thunder,
18V Lightning McQueen & 12V Lightning McQueen w/Duratrax Motors (Sold)
18V Green & Blue Ninja Quads w/19T's, 18V Dora Quad with 21T's
12V Harley Bat Bike w/Duratrax Motors, 12V Pink Harley (Future Trike)
Future Builds: 12V Xtreme Machine, 12V PW Fire Truck, 6V Wild Thing Super 6 & Mach 5
RIP: 12V Super 6 Suzuki Quad w/Seperate Brake pedal (Decommissioned/Parted)

wheres
Journeyman Modder

Cary
NC
USA

475 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 06:32:33

Wow man, that's a helluva a first mod! can't wait to see what you do once you're "really" hooked... lol

"where's muh tools..."

92.05 KB

metal frame sahara @ 18V
metal frame safari @ 18V
maroon firebird metal frame wrangler @ 12V (2 pedal)
Baby Baja beetle @12V
Peg Perego Quad w/Gaucho motors and tires @12V
Custom 6WD ARGO/ROVER/TANK
Pink Harley
Black Harley Drag Trike
Extreme Machine - 21Ts 12V

2fast
Journeyman Modder

Covina
California
USA

316 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 10:14:27

looks sweet ,

I used a car horn for my kids jeep, I placed it in the front underneath the car so it wouldn't get too loud and for a horn button i used this http://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/5888/10002/-1 it fit just right
Insert Image:

the only bad thing is that the grant logo peel of after so much use

hope this helps

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going

Super Power Jeep Hurricane
Spider Man Mustang
4X4 Escalade
36v Razor Dirt Quad
Minimoto Maxii
36v Minimoto ATV

Travvy
Journeyman Modder

Tillsonburg
Ontario
Canada
281 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 10:25:23

very fine work... and nice pick up on the lights!!

Those little motors can do that?

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 10:32:17

quote:
Originally posted by wheres

Wow man, that's a helluva a first mod! can't wait to see what you do once you're "really" hooked... lol

Yah, I think I'm hooked and need help. I'm actually about to make a 1.5 hour drive out to pickup an old PW Jeep for 10 bucks this morning. I'm not telling the wife that I drove out that far to pick it up, though. I already get crazy looks from her as it is... I just keep telling her I'm doing it for Jonas (our 4 yr. old)!

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 10:36:43

quote:
Originally posted by 2fast

looks sweet ,

I used a car horn for my kids jeep, I placed it in the front underneath the car so it wouldn't get too loud and for a horn button i used this http://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/5888/10002/-1 it fit just right
Insert Image:

the only bad thing is that the grant logo peel of after so much use

hope this helps

Wow! That's slick! It looks a bit big for the DuneSquad's Jeep steering wheel cap, though. But I'm gonna start looking around for smaller sizes. I always thought those were just "caps"... is wiring it up pretty simple?

drew510
Senior Modder

Portland
OR

1079 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 11:17:54

Wow, those headlights look like they were made for the Jeep. NICE FIND!! And great work BTW! I need me a Jeep! - Maybe if I got around to finishing/selling the F150s, then the "boss" would let me - or just sneek it into the PW shed without her seeing. ;-)

Finished Projects:
F150 4x4 Off Road turned Oregon State Beavers - http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19323
TRU Bigfoot turned Oregon Ducks: http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14563
Jeep Wrangler (78490) http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11606
Ford F150 (C3493) US MARINES - http://www.modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7264

2fast
Journeyman Modder

Covina
California
USA

316 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 11:22:50

wiring is very simple i just wired through a relay i dint get the horn online i got it at a local Auto-zone but they don't sell them anymore.

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going

Super Power Jeep Hurricane
Spider Man Mustang
4X4 Escalade
36v Razor Dirt Quad
Minimoto Maxii
36v Minimoto ATV

sdubb
Senior Modder

1661 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 11:28:17

that picture has me confused. how was that wired together. I see the 2 negative terminals are together. Can you explain I am really lost.

49.56�KB

Also I watched the video. You say you have it 18 Volts but I never saw the tires spinning like crazy but maybe there were just in low.

You have done some great work.

"Time to take a ride on the information superhighway."

Edited by - sdubb on 01/16/2009 11:34:41

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 17:11:01

quote:
Originally posted by sdubb

that picture has me confused. how was that wired together. I see the 2 negative terminals are together. Can you explain I am really lost.

Also I watched the video. You say you have it 18 Volts but I never saw the tires spinning like crazy but maybe there were just in low.

You have done some great work.

Thanks.
If you look really close, it's actually hooked up negative to positive.
I guess the way the wires cross over each other makes it look otherwise.

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 01:07:37

sdubb
Senior Modder

1661 Posts

Posted - 01/16/2009 : 18:23:41

I see! Thanks. What about the spinning tires at 18V?

"Time to take a ride on the information superhighway."

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 01/17/2009 : 13:44:01

With regard to painting the seat, I found that the Krylon Fusion I used to paint my Lil Jeep has help up well to the repeated climbing in and out of that my daughter and nephew give it. It hasn't chipped or shown any signs of wear yet. It might be worth giving a try if you aren't able to find a black seat. So far the only paint that has come off mine has been the result of a collision with a tree.

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/19/2009 : 01:21:10

quote:
Originally posted by sdubb

I see! Thanks. What about the spinning tires at 18V?

Here's an "offroading" video from over the weekend at the in-laws. There's some wheel-spinning, but not like it does in the garage or on our street... plus he's got a passenger most of the time during the shoot. There's also some clips of some night-driving, as well.

I'll try to get a video of him "spinning-out" on our street soon.

Man, do the batteries drain so much faster when not on pavement!

Edited by - cfanto on 01/25/2009 01:08:36

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/19/2009 : 01:29:52

quote:
Originally posted by gseric69

With regard to painting the seat, I found that the Krylon Fusion I used to paint my Lil Jeep has help up well to the repeated climbing in and out of that my daughter and nephew give it. It hasn't chipped or shown any signs of wear yet. It might be worth giving a try if you aren't able to find a black seat. So far the only paint that has come off mine has been the result of a collision with a tree.

Hey thanks for the info! I will go out and buy the Krylon's for the seat and try it out.

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 01/19/2009 : 05:56:03

Very cool video, the lights look really good at night.

And yes riding off road does wear the batteries down much quicker. I think I loose a good 15-20 minutes of ride time when my daughter rides on the grass, which is most of the time around here.

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/24/2009 : 11:18:29

Alright, I finally finished cleaning up the wiring mess.

Here's how the engine compartment looked like before:

Here it is now:

You can't really tell in the picture, but there are a couple of 2A mini-ATC fuses beneath the silver "auto-resetting" fuses. I didn't have "full-sized" ATC fuses at the time. And the "auto-resetting" fuses were taken from old PW batteries.

Edited by - cfanto on 03/03/2009 19:05:06

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 01/24/2009 : 11:25:02

quote:
Originally posted by gseric69

With regard to painting the seat, I found that the Krylon Fusion I used to paint my Lil Jeep has help up well to the repeated climbing in and out of that my daughter and nephew give it. It hasn't chipped or shown any signs of wear yet. It might be worth giving a try if you aren't able to find a black seat. So far the only paint that has come off mine has been the result of a collision with a tree.

Well, I finally got around to painting the seats...
Thanks GSERIC69

Here's the before:

Now, here they are in black:

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 01/24/2009 : 15:40:53

Looks really good. Excellent job on the wiring. That's going to be close to the paint scheme I'm going with on my Sun Jammer, hopefully it will look as good as yours.

KrazyJuice
Expert Modder

Toronto
Ontario
Canada

617 Posts

Posted - 01/24/2009 : 17:38:03

Great job.. I too am planning the same color scheme with a little twist. I was planning to paint the fenders or possibly the fender trim black.

Gaucho Grande - Cailan's Transfomers
Gaucho High Torque
Lambo - From Hot Wheels to Princess
6V Get-Set-Go-Kart

sdubb
Senior Modder

1661 Posts

Posted - 01/24/2009 : 18:22:05

krazy kinda like this .....

90.78 KB

"Time to take a ride on the information superhighway."

oaksap
Journeyman Modder

oakland
ca
USA

157 Posts

Posted - 01/24/2009 : 19:31:46

really nice mod, i especially like the attention to detail on the wiring. if the fusion paint should start to wear, grab yourself some 3m '90' spray adhesive and some fabric. spray some adhesive on the seat and then just lay the fabric down. the glue is pretty forgiving so you can play with the material a bit to get it just the way you want before the glue sets up.

"She's not a crash test dummy, she's our daughter."

KrazyJuice
Expert Modder

Toronto
Ontario
Canada

617 Posts

Posted - 01/25/2009 : 20:43:38

sdubb.. exactly what I was thinking. I also took the time to read your thread on it... Great Job!!!

cfanto... awesome job on the wiring... very neat and should be easy to debug if somethings buggers up.

Gaucho Grande - Cailan's Transfomers
Gaucho High Torque
Lambo - From Hot Wheels to Princess
6V Get-Set-Go-Kart

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 02/16/2009 : 00:05:51

Just for the heck of it, I decided to swap out the #4 gearboxes (w/ 700-series motors & 11T pinions) with #7's (w/ 550 motors & 19T pinions) from a donor Jeep.

Wow! For starters, it definitely is a lot quieter! I've always associated the noises being natural for the Jeep. But now with the #7's, I realize it was the gearboxes all along.
Another thing I noticed was that it was a bit faster... even when "offroading" it appears to struggle less.
Also, I noticed that run-time was much higher.

See video:

Note: with the gearboxes removed, I noticed that when turning the #7's by hand, they were much easier to turn than the #4's, which I had to torque really hard just to get 'em to spin. The higher rotational resistance probably didn't help much with speed or runtime... that's my guess.

Edited by - cfanto on 02/16/2009 00:09:43

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 02/16/2009 : 06:13:11

Very cool, and yes the 19T will make them faster since 19T were designed to use with 11.5" wheels and the 11T were designed for 13" wheels.

Interesting what you said about the resistance factor with regard to the older gearboxes. I noticed too that mine seem to take more effort to turn as well. I'm hoping that a complete tear down and cleaning will help with that.

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 02/16/2009 : 12:14:20

quote:
Originally posted by gseric69

Very cool, and yes the 19T will make them faster since 19T were designed to use with 11.5" wheels and the 11T were designed for 13" wheels.

Interesting what you said about the resistance factor with regard to the older gearboxes. I noticed too that mine seem to take more effort to turn as well. I'm hoping that a complete tear down and cleaning will help with that.

That's exactly what I thought, so I tore the #4 gearboxes apart and cleaned it up and redistributed the grease onto the shafts & pinion teeth. I think it helped a bit, but it still took a significant amount of force to turn by hand compared to the #7's

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2009 : 00:44:04

quote:
Originally posted by sdubb

I see! Thanks. What about the spinning tires at 18V?

Sorry for the delay, but here ya go...

The weird thing is it will only do donuts in one direction.
If Jonas tries the other direction, it just turns "normally" and won't spin out and do donuts.

Edited by - cfanto on 02/25/2009 10:57:02

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2009 : 07:17:51

Sweet. I like the cargo net added to the roll bar.

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2009 : 10:53:58

quote:
Originally posted by gseric69

Sweet. I like the cargo net added to the roll bar.

Thanks. That came from a recent FreeCycle find (an old metal-framed PW Grey Pacer jeep).

Also, I yanked the white hubcaps for a more rugged look. I had to cut down the axles and used Fastenal shaft collars ($.84 each).

Then, I swapped my repainted baja-style windshield with the "almost-faded" black one from the Pacer. I liked the dulled look better than the shiny black (I even used the Krylon Matte Black paint, but it still came out shiny).

Thanks to BONNERBB for the info about FreeCycle.org in his "Top 10 list for saving money on PWeelin..." thread. I would've never known about it!

gseric69
Moderator

Red Lion
PA
USA

6315 Posts

Posted - 02/28/2009 : 08:28:02

I really like the look of the wheels without the hub caps. I may have to borrow your idea for my metal framed jeep whenever I get around to it.

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 03/11/2009 : 00:16:25

OVERHEAD LIGHTING

Okay, so I had to take apart my overhead lighting tonight to do a swap-out. Last weekend, my kids managed to scrape the top of the overhead assembly, exposing the yellow color beneath my black paint job. Rather than repaint, I decided to swap out with the black ones from the (free) Grey Pacer. So during the swap, I decided to take detailed pics. So here they are:

Here, you can see the wires hanging out of the top tube of the rollbar thru a hole I drilled...

This is how the inside wiring looks like...
(Note the use of heat glue to tack the wires in place)

Here are the LEDs inside the housing...

Edited by - cfanto on 03/11/2009 00:18:08

tdonoghue
New Member

3 Posts

Posted - 03/30/2009 : 09:28:12

I also bought the LED flashlight from Harbor Freight a couple weeks back. What did you do to bypass the switch on the flashlight?

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 03/30/2009 : 09:45:26

quote:
Originally posted by tdonoghue

I also bought the LED flashlight from Harbor Freight a couple weeks back. What did you do to bypass the switch on the flashlight?

TDONOGHUE,
I'll post close-up pics tonite. Basically, I traced around the traces so see how they're all wired together. If I remember correctly, they're series-connected in groups of 3 LEDs and a resistor, then parallel'd together to other groups of 3 LEDs & resistor.

Then, using a soldering iron, I removed one of the leads that starts on first leg of the transistor and relocated and soldered it to the first resistor in the chain (which is the third leg of the transistor).

You can kinda see how I did it in this pic:
(the redirected lead is the top wire)

Here, you can see where one of the wires originated from in the center area:

I also desoldered and removed the little switch as it no longer served a purpose.

Edited by - cfanto on 04/16/2009 09:17:35

tdonoghue
New Member

3 Posts

Posted - 03/31/2009 : 06:45:58

Please review attachment.

I pulled the flashlight apart and see the wire connections and see you removed the white lead wire and re-soldered to upper resistor in chain. Confused if it is soldered to the 1st connection 1 or 3) which ties to the transistor on other side or below this point.

37.83 KB

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 03/31/2009 : 08:48:25

quote:
Originally posted by tdonoghue
Please review attachment.
I pulled the flashlight apart and see the wire connections and see you removed the white lead wire and re-soldered to upper resistor in chain. Confused if it is soldered to the 1st connection 1 or 3) which ties to the transistor on other side or below this point.

TDONOGHUE,

Sorry man, some of my parts came in yesterday and so I eagerly began rewiring my Gaucho last night. I got so into that project that I totally forgot about this...

Without the part in front of me, I can't remember where I repositioned the lead. I'll have to look tonight and take pics for you. In fact, I'll set up a calendar reminder in Outlook so I'll get an alert on my phone tonight.

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 03/31/2009 : 16:46:58

TDONOGHUE,

Here's some close-up shots...
Basically, you solder the + wire to the last leg of the transistor, bypassing it all together.
(the wire used to be soldered to the "+" in the center of the board, which, if you were to trace
the trace, leads to the first leg of the transistor)

here's another angle:

Hope that helps!

Edited by - cfanto on 04/16/2009 09:20:35

tdonoghue
New Member

3 Posts

Posted - 03/31/2009 : 17:07:05

Great! Thanks for all the help!

I just bought a used red jeep for my oldest son that we are doing this mod on. I am going to do the 18v conversion next on my other son's older brown jeep.

My wife thinks I'm crazy!

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 04/02/2009 : 15:08:32

quote:
Originally posted by tdonoghue

Great! Thanks for all the help!

I just bought a used red jeep for my oldest son that we are doing this mod on. I am going to do the 18v conversion next on my other son's older brown jeep.

My wife thinks I'm crazy!

Awesome! Good luck and don't forget to post pics!

mcgiver
Expert Modder

California

672 Posts

Posted - 04/14/2009 : 10:24:56

I like the LED action. I think I'm gona have to copy you when I find a jeep

mcgiver
Expert Modder

California

672 Posts

Posted - 04/20/2009 : 09:20:04

quote:
Originally posted by cfanto

HEADLIGHTS...

I purchased the 20-pack pre-wired 5mm Super Bright White LEDs from luckzdl2008 on eBay for about $7.00 (free shipping).

Here are the specs:
- 20 pieces
- prewired with 470-Ohm resistor
- 5mm LEDs
- Narrow Viewing Angle: 20~25 Deg
- 20cm cables
- 9-14V

Here's a picture of the bundle:

However, as I was waiting for them to arrive from China (2 weeks),
I found this $6 jewel from Harbor Frieght (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95799)

It's a 12V LED mini spotlight. Here are the specs:
� 17 long-lasting LED lamps for bright illumination
� Magnetic base clamps to any ferrous surface
� Three lamp modes: constant light, rapid flash, interval flash
� 12V cigarette lighter plug with retractable 6 ft. 9" cord
� Overall dimensions: 2-13/16" L x 2-1/2"

I found this reflector & LED assembly to be an almost perfect fit for the Jeep's headlights.
However, the flashlight had various modes.
I only needed the �constant-on� mode, so some resoldering had to be done to bypass the transistor.
So I bought two and began ripping them apart.

I used a 2-1/2" hole saw on my drill to cut out the holes:

The reflectors were screwed into the grill from behind:

Here's the front view:

Not shown here, but I had to "black-out" the rear of the circuit board by covering it with electrical tape
as the light also shines through from behind, creating an annoying glow under the hood.

Here's the finished product:
(I even painted Jonas' blue helmet yellow to match)

Here are the lights in action:

Here's the switch. It's the LED rocker switch beneath the red one (for the overhead lights).
I got it at Radio Shack: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3097457
It fit perfectly in the recessed part where the peeling sticker used to be.

I like them pre wired round led.

ottoblotto
Apprentice Modder

ga
USA

52 Posts

Posted - 12/19/2009 : 19:39:29

i just wanted to thank Cfanto for this write up. i started the process of modding the f150 today and i would not have been able to get those lights to work without your help. thank you so much. im sure you know the feeling of when your kids first saw the lights on their jeep, know that my son will have that thanks to you. i really appreciate it! i have finished the cutting and just screwed and hotglued the lights into the housing. they look stock! prepped the tail lights and am getting ready to run the cables tomorrow. i wish more manufacturers would go this route for the under $300 price range... again, thanks for the assist!!!

cfanto
Journeyman Modder

Tracy
CA
USA

406 Posts

Posted - 12/20/2009 : 00:01:30

quote:
Originally posted by ottoblotto

i just wanted to thank Cfanto for this write up. i started the process of modding the f150 today and i would not have been able to get those lights to work without your help. thank you so much. im sure you know the feeling of when your kids first saw the lights on their jeep, know that my son will have that thanks to you. i really appreciate it! i have finished the cutting and just screwed and hotglued the lights into the housing. they look stock! prepped the tail lights and am getting ready to run the cables tomorrow. i wish more manufacturers would go this route for the under $300 price range... again, thanks for the assist!!!

Glad to know you found it helpful. This site's an awesome resource with really cool folks that are ready to answer any questions or at least redirect you to a thread with the solution(s).

Make sure to post pics of your F150 project! I've always wanted to pickup one of the Monster Traction F150's but just can't find a used one at the right price, but when I do, I know I'll be researching the forums for ideas.

Divinar
Moderator

San Jose 95123
CA
USA

3057 Posts

Posted - 12/20/2009 : 09:37:33

quote:
Originally posted by cfanto

Glad to know you found it helpful. This site's an awesome resource with really cool folks that are ready to answer any questions or at least redirect you to a thread with the solution(s).

Make sure to post pics of your F150 project! I've always wanted to pickup one of the Monster Traction F150's but just can't find a used one at the right price, but when I do, I know I'll be researching the forums for ideas.

I've directed at least half a dozen folks to this thread

Escalade (Rubber tires, LED lights, Key switch, Remote Kill, wings. Wings?)
Lil Wrangler (2WD, 12v, Lights), Dora Jeep (Super-6 @ 12v, lights), Jeep Enforcer turned Aftershock (18v, WIP),
Grape Gaucho A151 (24v, scooter controller, WIP)
~~KFX Quad (Remote Kill)~~, ~~Crushmeister! (Silverado)~~, ~~Limited Edition Jeep (Stock)~~
~~Kawasaki Mojave 250 (Stock)~~, ~~PP Gator (Lights)~~, ~~Home Depot Loader~~, ~~Lightning McQueen (Stock)~~

ottoblotto
Apprentice Modder

ga
USA

52 Posts

Posted - 12/20/2009 : 16:20:28

quote:
Originally posted by Divinar
I've directed at least half a dozen folks to this thread

yup it was you who sent me here. a million thanks and ill def be putting pix of the finished product. :D

jparthum
Senior Modder

(77627) Nederland
Texas
USA

2272 Posts

Posted - 01/05/2010 : 02:01:38

I'd like to also thank you. You not only did a superb job on your first mod, but a superb job cataloging and providing details too!

I'm in the planning stages of my lighting project and this post has already been a huge help.

And, thanks for this post too...

http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8704

I'll be using your great info from it as well.

(pics link to threads)

Fast, Reliable, and Cheap... Pick any two.

Tin Man
Apprentice Modder

blaine
mn

52 Posts

Posted - 01/05/2010 : 08:03:41

Nice Jeep! Hadnt seen this one yet. Im also planning out my lighting and your write up will help for sure. This is a great website.

18v Grass 12 Fire Jeep
12v Lil Wrangler
12v Barbie Quad
"Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think what I have to say has more lasting value" Robert M Pirsig

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