Underbody lighting kit... again.

[TechHeavy]

Ok guys,
I know I'll probably catch some flak about this mod seeming "rice-tastic", but I put up some pics so I can hear what you all think.
All I did was substitute the white lights that came with the factory underbody security lighting kit with some that I thought looked nicer, (or ricer... if you will... lol).
Anyway, the kit still works just like Donny's and other factory kits, (meaning the lights come on when you unlock doors with the key-fob, and dim automatically when the interior lights dim as well.... yes, the lights are tied into the interior lights power source).
I used Streetglow neon blue, (gold series) which have a lifetime road guarantee. 4 total, one for the front, back, and 2 sides.
I also added a toggle switch, (mounted near the parking brake) that I can use to turn on manually if I want the teen-aged girls to look at me, (or rather, my car). :D This is what you see in the pics, (hence no interior lights).
The first pic is with a camera flash, the others are with no flash.

What do you think?

[Paul T. Casey]

I'll join in to get slammed with you, I like it.

[TechHeavy]

I'll join in to get slammed with you, I like it.
Thanks Paul! :)

[BillyGman]

Dave, that's not exactly my cup of tea, but I'm not going to slam you for that. It's your car bud. For what it's worth, if I, uhmmm, had to choose between what you have now, and that original security lighting thang, then I'd choose what you have.:D ....thanks for the pics.

[dwasson]

It looks like the Civic's nasty big brother.

[TechHeavy]

Dave, that's not exactly my cup of tea, but I'm not going to slam you for that. It's your car bud. For what it's worth, if I, uhmmm, had to choose between what you have now, and that original security lighting thang, then I'd choose what you have.:D ....thanks for the pics.
LOL! You cracked me up Billy. I didn't expect you to make any comments on this post because you've already expressed to me your thoughts on this sort of "bling", but thanks for the nice comment. Hey, at least you didn't call me the "G" word! :eek:

Hey, Billy, you're a single guy. Don't you want your car to say to young girls, "Look at me, look at me!" when you unlock the doors??? :rock: :D

[TechHeavy]

It looks like the Civic's nasty big brother.
Oh NO! Dan, don't do it! Oh man.... I'm going to go sit in the corner now....:(
(Besides, I know you'll want to check it out on April 16th!) :D

[BillyGman]

. Hey, at least you didn't call me the "G" word! :eek: LOL!!! Don't temp me to do that Dave. :baaa:

Hey, Billy, you're a single guy. Don't you want your car to say to young girls, "Look at me, look at me!" when you unlock the doors??? :rock: :DWell, then, maybe I should just go ahead and get a grill that looks like those "Lite-brite" games that were around when we were kids, and get the lighted brake and gas pedals too. If the lady in question has to be impressed with my car for her attention to be won, then she's no great catch. ;)

Anyway, as much as I don't even want to say this, uhmm, you did pick a cool color (boy that hurt to say that!).

[TechHeavy]

Well, then, maybe I should just go ahead and get a grill that looks like those "Lite-brite" games that were around when we were kids, and get the lighted brake and gas pedals too. If the lady in question has to be impressed with my car for her attention to be won, then she's no great catch. ;)
I know Billy. I think you have the "right" philosophy on this subject from our brief discussion on this earlier, (without having to had learn the hard way as I did). I'm just ribbing you is all... We're going to have fun at MVIII. I can't wait! :D :banana2: :banana:

[BillyGman]

I know Billy. I think you have the "right" philosophy on this subject from our brief discussion on this earlier, (without having to had learn the hard way as I did). I'm just ribbing you is all... We're going to have fun at MVIII. I can't wait! :D :banana2: :banana:You mean that I'll actually have to be seen standing next to you and your Marauder with those blue lights on???

[TechHeavy]

:bump: BTW, I've learned that the wiring for this mod, (minus the lights) can be done for under $20. The factory manual, (and wiring manual) can be had online. You don't have to have the factory kit, (which is good since they are no longer available... anywhere) but you must provide your own lights. PM me for details if interested.

[TechHeavy]

You mean that I'll actually have to be seen standing next to you and your Marauder with those blue lights on???
No Billy. Not at all. They stay off most of the time, (but now I know how to get rid of you quick!). :D

[BillyGman]

No Billy. Not at all. They stay off most of the time, (but now I know how to get rid of you quick!). :DLOL...........

[TechHeavy]

:bump:

Ok guys, coming home from work... I'd like your opinions.... (Not onions, Dan). What do you all think?

[wchain]

I like it! :up:

[BruteForce]

I like it too. I was thinking maybe blacklight bulbs for mine. :cool:

[TechHeavy]

I like it too. I was thinking maybe blacklight bulbs for mine. :cool:
Sweet. I was hoping you'd have a comment. Now you know why I was so eager for a factory kit... only to find out it wasn't necessary at all. :hmmm: Hmmmm.... ok, thanks BruteForce. If anybody else is wondering what I'm talking about, (and would like this mod) then PM me. It doesn't matter that the factory kits are no longer available... you don't need it. No offense to vendors or dealers here, but, (IMO) the factory kit was outrageously overpriced. PM me for details. :)

[TechHeavy]

:bump:

Anybody else? :D

[ncmm]

Nice looking on your Marauder, was wondering what it would look like on a Silver car. :)

[BigMerc]

you got to watch out though some states forbid showing red or blue lights from your vehicle. if thats purple....nevermind

[TechHeavy]

I like it! :up:
Thanks wchain! It's not hard to do, and cheaper than you may think! PM me if you'd like details. :D

[TechHeavy]

Nice looking on your Marauder, was wondering what it would look like on a Silver car. :)
I think blue looks just as good with silver, but that's up to you with the many colors available...

I'm just excited that we can do this without the "factory" kit. :beer:

[Dark_Knight7096]

you got to watch out though some states forbid showing red or blue lights from your vehicle. if thats purple....nevermind
I like it. I personally was thinking of doing this myself and was going to go for the red lights, as i like the whole red and black sinister type look, i am probably gonna go for the LED kit though as they are a tad more durable and they can be turned on with different patterns and whatnot.

Check your local laws as stated above. In NJ you are prohibited from having any FORWARD FACING red or blue lights from a vehicle. Since the lights are pointing down they are legal but depending on your local laws it may not be.

[TechHeavy]

you got to watch out though some states forbid showing red or blue lights from your vehicle. if thats purple....nevermind
That's right! You have to follow your city/state laws... but then, that's why this mod is so lawful. The underbody lights dim as your interior lights dim. When you start moving in your car, (which is when you'll get in trouble with underbody lights... "can't be moving"... at least in Michigan) the lights have already turned off. Unless you add an extra switch, (like me) to turn on the lights whenever, then you'll never get in trouble, (in any state so far as I know...).

BTW, it's blue from underneath my car.

[Petrograde]

I like the blue!! That would go well with my whole 'black & Ford blue' motiff

[TechHeavy]

I like it. I personally was thinking of doing this myself and was going to go for the red lights, as i like the whole red and black sinister type look, i am probably gonna go for the LED kit though as they are a tad more durable and they can be turned on with different patterns and whatnot.
I thought about the LEDs as well, (and they do have lots of different lighting patterns, ect...). However, for me I just wanted the underbody to light up as with the factory kit, (or maybe just in manual mode when hanging with BillyGman at the Waffle House parking lot).

Either way, this mod is a "marketable" mod, (IMO) for MMs since it's cheap and readily available.

[stevengerard]

I'm like Billy, I hate bling, period! But I like this, not sure I'd do it to my car but you certainly have me thinking about it. Especially for 30 bucks and some lights.

My Suburban has the white puddle lights and they actually do help in snow/rain.

[Donny Carlson]

you got to watch out though some states forbid showing red or blue lights from your vehicle. if thats purple....nevermind
That's what I was thinking. Alabama forbids blue lights on civvie vehicles, and allows only white, amber, or red on the back, white or amber on the front.

Also, some states forbid underbody light to illuminate while the car is in motion. I know there's nothing about this in the post, but that's why the Ford kit only comes on when the transmission is in park and you use the keyfob, doorpad, or open the door from inside.

It does, however, look extremely good. You will get a lot of attention from them.

[Sactown]

I like it! PM sent.

[dwasson]

My Suburban has the white puddle lights and they actually do help in snow/rain.

What does it help?

[stevengerard]

What does it help?

it helps me from getting my purty soft feet from getting dirty. I guess that's the point, helps you see what you are stepping in or near when you are near the car. It has helped me find items I have dropped at night as I pull my keys from my pocket. I didn't chose the option it came with the heated mirrors and the safety package.

[DEFYANT]

I like it. Blue under a silver car sounds nice....with red LEDs over the chrome tailpipes to makem glow red... You got the creative juices flowing now bud, thanks!!

[dwasson]

it helps me from getting my purty soft feet from getting dirty. I guess that's the point, helps you see what you are stepping in or near when you are near the car. It has helped me find items I have dropped at night as I pull my keys from my pocket. I didn't chose the option it came with the heated mirrors and the safety package.

OK, never thought of that.

[Marauder]

:bump:

Anybody else? :D

I like it. :D

I personally would have gone with red...but that's me

Just curious but your car came with underbody lights from factory on dealer installed?

[modular46]

I like it too. I was thinking maybe blacklight bulbs for mine. :cool:


I concur, black for me please!

[TechHeavy]

I like it. :D

I personally would have gone with red...but that's me

Just curious but your car came with underbody lights from factory on dealer installed?I installed myself just last weekend. I ordered a "factory" kit, (you remember when we were all talking about the kit a while back and all the dealerships in the country sold out of them?) but during the install I realized that I didn't need the kit after all, but only needed to know the wiring involved.

Anyway, due to the response I've gotten from this thread, I've decided to put together a small wiring kit for all those interested at a very reasonable price. Probably just $40, (which includes shipping). The kit would have all the necessary wiring, and easy to follow instructions. You just supply the lights. But this is still in the works, so let me know if you're interested. In fact, please vote on the new thread if you'd like to see this kit made available.... The kit will have no special parts.... nothing you can't pick up on your own, but would simply save some running around here and there to get the parts. I'll still post/email the instructions and pics, but if you are serious about this mod then a ready-made kit with instructions will make it easy. So, you guys who have emailed and PMed me, let me know if I should pursue this. Here's a link to the survey thread: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=17341

[Marauderman]

I voted for the kit--I like it--(sure some are suprised at this) but in my situation --my MM is keeper --so future enhancements are wonderful--plus I have seen a few installs and they are nice--it's a wonderful add-on to have --for alot of reasons----not sure of the color for me yet--I suppose thats an option a user can have at their own descretion.....It's a go item for sure ---let me know --keep me on your side list so to keep me updated--
Thanks..Tom

[TechHeavy]

Hi guys,

I was just informed that another complete wiring kit is in the works from Shakes_26. Although I have my kits ready, (minus the lights) Shakes informed me that he has been working a complete kit, (including the factory lights) and should be ready to ship within the next week or two.
At this point I must refer all who are interested to Shakes_26 since he has been working this longer, and with as-good-as, or better than OEM parts. I wasn't aware of Shakes endeavor and am thrilled that he has made this mod available to us as a group.
Therefore, please refer inquiries regarding this underbody lighting mod to Shakes_26. I'll still email and PM the instructions I used for MY mod to those who asked for them, but kits should be obtained from Shakes.

Thanks.

[TechHeavy]

Ok guys... those of you who were interested. Here are pics of my wiring harness for neon lights for the underbody kit, (and yes, they are different than the factory "puddle" lights).
I didn't mean to step on Shakes_26 toes with my threads... I honestly forgot he was working this project. He is working a, "as good or better-than OEM factory kit including lights".
However, for those of you who are interested in wiring your own neon kits, (as demonstrated in my pics) then this harness is all you need.
Please contact Shakes first, (I'm not sure where he stands on the neon kits) and then contact me if further instruction is required.
Remember, I'd just like to help others here as I have been helped in the past. I make enough money at work and don't need to make any from my friends. I saw that there is some interest in this mod, and I'm here to help any way I can.
However, having said all that, if you want to BUY a kit, contact Shakes first. If he would rather not get involved in whatever aspect of your lighting kit, (for whatever reason) then PM me.
Ok, guys, have fun with it! :)

[Mike Poore]

We're going to have fun at MVIII. I can't wait! :D :banana2: :banana:Hey Dave, I'll cruise with you, ..down Woodward ......and proud to. :D

[TechHeavy]

Hey Dave, I'll cruise with you, ..down Woodward ......and proud to. :D
:D Yeah! Looking forward to it! I have a feeling it will be one to remember. :beer:
Thanks Mike. :)

[Mike Poore]

:D Yeah! Looking forward to it! I have a feeling it will be one to remember. :beer:
Thanks Mike. :)Dave, I've been dreaming about the Woodward Ave cruise since the 60's, and now I get the chance to do it with a bunch of the best guys in the world. It's the deram of a lifetime, come true, and the first one's on me.
:beer:

Not to mention all the *smooches* I'm gonna get for my 65th birthday celebration. :lovies2:

:bunny2: Um, Mary's first in line

[woaface]

I didn't know the Marauder had "security lighting"

[TechHeavy]

I didn't know the Marauder had "security lighting"
It was an option that was available to some, I guess, though it wasn't to me. However, the factory kit is for Fords, (although it works great with the MM) and is not listed for Marauders in the instruction manual. Just giving info on the WTFs....).
However, the "kit" still works with the MM and is worth having IMO. I get compliments every night, (just locking/unlocking the doors).

Anyway, James, contact Shakes_26 for details on his OEM lighting kit. It's a reasonable price and you'll love the results. :)