DIY:Adding cold cathodes to the Oh S**t Handles 56k no way

RAIDERBEAST · 06-12-2006, 09:22 PM

How about some close-ups there jim from the pics you posted they look like surfs but not as good lighting, & did you use ccs. scoinetics when was tha last time you grabbed that handle. besides for off roading in a jeep. let me guess you have an auto and you like going fast around corners. weeeeeeee.

Supaglove · 06-12-2006, 10:06 PM

Not to step on anyones toes and to draw the fire away from Big Jim who just posted pictures of his version the reason Jim posted the pictures was to show you how this mod can be improved. And Raiderbeast if you seen the size of Big Jim you would understand why he needs to use the handles to get in and out of the scion.

If you seen Jims cathodes in person you would understand why they look better then placing them on the headliner, which isn't a bad idea either if you dont have the time or patients so props to SurfCity, It just makes the overall look alot cleaner and yes they are still as bright as balls.

Big_Jim · 06-12-2006, 10:55 PM

I didnt want to put them on the headliner, because i have a "soft" headliner (sunroof)

iI did this mod, cause i've never seen anyone else with it done, the reason there isnt as much light coming out of the handle, is because the CCFL is recessed into the handle itself. you can use the handle *with caution* my passenger side cracked the other day, from my buddy holding onto it for dear life while taking a turn.

crazy mad props to surf for writing up a how to on this one! alot of people asked me how to do these, and i said, without a sunroof, i dont know if its possible. My wires to the transformer are routed through the openings in the handle, and the transformers themselves are behind my headliner. I have a seperate transformer for each light as well. I know extending the leads WILL dim light output, so i didnt want to take that risk.

If anyone has any questions, post them up here, or pm me and i'll try to get back to you.

surfcitylocal · 06-12-2006, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Jim

I didnt want to put them on the headliner, because i have a "soft" headliner (sunroof)

iI did this mod, cause i've never seen anyone else with it done, the reason there isnt as much light coming out of the handle, is because the CCFL is recessed into the handle itself. you can use the handle *with caution* my passenger side cracked the other day, from my buddy holding onto it for dear life while taking a turn.

crazy mad props to surf for writing up a how to on this one! alot of people asked me how to do these, and i said, without a sunroof, i dont know if its possible. My wires to the transformer are routed through the openings in the handle, and the transformers themselves are behind my headliner. I have a seperate transformer for each light as well. I know extending the leads WILL dim light output, so i didnt want to take that risk.

If anyone has any questions, post them up here, or pm me and i'll try to get back to you.

That's one of the reasons I chose not to remove the cc from the tube and put it in the handle. I've had a few break on me doing other lighting mods and it's a beyotch to clean up that white glass. The dimming isn't a problem if you are using a 4 inch cc. The connection wire from the inverter to the bulb is the same length for the 12's or the 4's so if you extend on the 4's your output stays the same, to a point. I added about 5 extra inches to mine and the output didn't suffer at all. I'm sure you'll agree, they get a lot of ohhhs and ahhhs when it's a night meet or show.

MussBus · 06-14-2006, 06:33 PM

I just ordered my bulbs and they are a week out. I really hope none break on my because that would suck to have to wait another WEEK!

surfcitylocal · 06-14-2006, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MussBus

I just ordered my bulbs and they are a week out. I really hope none break on my because that would suck to have to wait another WEEK!

I've always had good luck when the bulbs have been shipped. Most places use enough popcorn that it's not a problem. I'll be looking forward to your shots after the mod is complete.

astroJR · 06-15-2006, 03:42 PM

great write up man, thanks im def going to do it!!

Skeeter · 06-16-2006, 07:38 PM

Big jim can you post some close up of how you put these in the handles?

aaronle06 · 06-23-2006, 09:42 PM

not to bust your balls man, but doesnt puting those 4'' CCs in there take away the use of the OSH? what if you need to use them to brace for impact

? nvm you probably have crucifixes and bibles installed into the headrests lol

surfcitylocal · 06-23-2006, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronle06

not to bust your balls man, but doesnt puting those 4'' CCs in there take away the use of the OSH? what if you need to use them to brace for impact

? nvm you probably have crucifixes and bibles installed into the headrests lol

I've gotta hand it too you if your reaction time is good enough to reach up there and grab the OSH before you "impact" something. I guess if I had enough time to think about grabbing the handle before impact I would spend the time braking or downshifting and avoiding the impact. I don't have any crosses or bibles in my car, nothing against the big guy, but I prefer to rely on the years that I've taught defensive driving for the Bell System and the skills that have kept me out of any accidents since I was 18. (that one was not my fault) Knock on wood for what good it will do, I don't use the damn handles.

As I'm sure you can tell, it's been a long friggin' week at work and you happen to be the first poster I've replied to. Thanks, I feel much better now.

Big_Kokujin · 06-26-2006, 03:22 PM

Taz...I bow to thee...I've "used" your DIY to clear my tails, and I'm waiting on my 12" CCs to come in so I can hook them up. And just when i though "what to do next"...

Is it me or is that scionetics guy a pretty negative person?

MussBus · 06-26-2006, 04:08 PM

My personal opinion about Scionetics is that he can strangle himself with is keyboard and mouse (because that is the best use he can give them!)

Don't need that crap from him brought in here like the other scion sites that have no brotherhood or respect.

surfcitylocal · 06-27-2006, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MussBus

My personal opinion about Scionetics is that he can strangle himself with is keyboard and mouse (because that is the best use he can give them!)

Don't need that crap from him brought in here like the other scion sites that have no brotherhood or respect.

^^^^^Agree^^^^^^^

Padanky · 07-04-2006, 03:53 PM

Ordered mine from the site you recommended. I bought 4, one question. Is that price for a single cathode and power box? Just wondering, because when I bought my 12" cathodes they came as a pair.

surfcitylocal · 07-04-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padanky

Ordered mine from the site you recommended. I bought 4, one question. Is that price for a single cathode and power box? Just wondering, because when I bought my 12" cathodes they came as a pair.

They usually come as a pair. You can buy an extra converter if you need to separate them.

KapitanE · 07-05-2006, 12:23 AM

I think an easier method will be running the wires from the front, through your A pillars, then through your roof liner.... this is so that you won't have to remove seat belts, door sill, B pillar.....

Padanky · 07-05-2006, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfcitylocal

They usually come as a pair. You can buy an extra converter if you need to separate them.

Then I might end up with 8. cool. Thanks!

surfcitylocal · 07-05-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KapitanE

I think an easier method will be running the wires from the front, through your A pillars, then through your roof liner.... this is so that you won't have to remove seat belts, door sill, B pillar.....

That would be a good way to do it. You are still left with finding a spot to mount your converter though. I would be interested to see another location that would be close enough to the bulbs and has enough room.

Big_Kokujin · 07-05-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padanky

Then I might end up with 8. cool. Thanks!

Probably so...since you bought 4...i bought 3, and have 6...

Also i was test fitting the 12" in the rear wheel well and i pushed one of them's threshold(sp) and crack...now i'm down one...i'll have to order an extra one...luckily i still have 5 to work with...

surfcitylocal · 07-05-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Kokujin

Probably so...since you bought 4...i bought 3, and have 6...

Also i was test fitting the 12" in the rear wheel well and i pushed one of them's threshold(sp) and crack...now i'm down one...i'll have to order an extra one...luckily i still have 5 to work with...

SNAP that sucks, but I've been there, done that.