For some, an automobile is a mode of transportation and nothing more. As long as their vehicle can get them from point A to point B, has relatively comfortable seats and a holder for a coffee mug, it serves all of its purposes. Of course there are other drivers for which an automobile is something more -- an extension of their personality, an object of their fixation, a tableaux for making a statement. In the world of auto accessories, there are few that scream "look at me" louder than the underbody light kit. If you count cruising among your hobbies and relish the stares of pedestrians and fellow-motorists, then a neon kit may be for you. These lights, which mount to the body around the perimeter of the vehicle's undercarriage, come in kits that contain the elements you'll need for installation. The actual installation is fairly straightforward, but since it requires drilling into the body of the vehicle and substantial electrical work, it's best reserved for more experienced do-it-yourselfers. If this project seems too advanced for you, rest assured that there are a growing number of custom shops that perform this type of installation. If you do decide to take on the installation yourself, be certain to purchase a kit that is compatible with your vehicle, and read and follow the instructions that come with the kit. In our example, we installed the kit on a 1999 Chevy Camaro. Materials: Electric drill with bits and screw-gun attachment
Grease pencil
Center punch
Electrical wire-strippers
Soldering gun and solder
Heat gun
Silicon sealant Important : Before beginning any project that involves electrical wiring, disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable. It's also a good idea to have your owner's or service manual handy for information about the specifics of the electrical system on your vehicle. Important: For any project that involves drilling into the body of the vehicle, first check the locations to be certain you won't pierce or damage any crucial parts such as brake lines, electrical lines, etc. - With the vehicle raised up on a lift, test-fit the lights in the locations where they will be mounted in accordance with the kit diagrams and instructions (figure A). For most, you'll want to mount the light tube so that it's centered along the length of the vehicle.
- The light tubes mount with small metal brackets that attach to the undercarriage. With the brackets installed on the tube (figure B), lift the assembly into place and mark the locations where you'll drill the holes.
- Once you've marked the locations, center-punch them to ensure a good start for your drill bit.
- Carefully drill the holes that will accommodate the mounting brackets (figure C). As with any project that involves drilling into metal body-parts on the vehicle, apply a small amount of silicon sealer to the holes prior to installing the screws. This will help guard the exposed metal against rust.
- To mount the light assembly, start the screws in the brackets then, holding the bracket in place, insert and tighten the screws into the drilled holes (figure D). It's best to tighten the screws just enough to hold the bracket in it's mounting position, then go back and individually tighten each one until it seats firmly. For this step, you may use either a screwdriver attachment for your cordless drill or a regular screwdriver.
- Once you've mounted the first light assembly (figure E), proceed to the other elements and install them in the same manner.
- With all of the neon elements in place, you can now move on to wiring the elements together. First, strip back the end of each wire about 1/4-inch (figure F).
- Slip a length of shrink-wrap tubing (provided in the kit) over one end of each set of wires (figure G).
- Solder the exposed portions of the connecting wires together using solder and a soldering gun (figure H).
- Add a dab of silicon sealer to the soldered connection.
- Slide the section of shrink-wrap tubing over the connection (figure I), then use a heat-gun to shrink the tubing to form a watertight seal.
- Locate a spot in the engine compartment where you can mount the transformer. The preferred location will be somewhere near the battery, and you'll need to drill mounting holes for attaching the transformer. Once you've selected a location, and made certain that there is nothing beneath the drilling locations that will be damaged by drilling, mount the transformer according to the instructions in the kit (figure J).
- With the transformer mounted, connect it to the lighting circuit according to the manufacturer's instructions. In our case, the connections were made in the same manner as those in which we connected the lighting elements -- using solder, silicon sealant and shrink-wrap tubing.
- The on-off switch should be mounted in a convenient location on the dash. Wiring for the switch can be run through a grommet in the firewall, into the passenger compartment where it can be connected to the switch terminals beneath the dash. Complete any additional wiring according to the kit instructions.
Note: Some cities have specific ordinances pertaining to the use of light kits such as the one shown in this demonstration. Check your local ordinances, or check with a light-kit dealer in your area, before installing one.
RESOURCES :
Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International
Some vehicles provided by Beaty Chevrolet
Beaty Chevrolet
9615 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-693-7712
Web site: beatychevrolet.com
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