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Old 06-06-2006, 03:18 PM   #1
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DIY:Adding cold cathodes to the Oh S**t Handles 56k no way

So I added some blue cold cathodes (4 inch models) to my ride the other day and got some mad props for it. I've had more than a few peeps ask me how I done it. I'd love to give everyone a hand with it (and there are a few close enough that I will) but for everyone who wants to try it themselves...here's how. Note: I haven't done the pics and write up on the actual wiring of the cold cathodes..no pics for that. Ask me if you have questions. Second note: I'm on vacation this week so I had the time to do the pics, gotta love time off.

Usual disclaimer: If you screw it up don't come crying to me. Take your time, follow the directions and ask me if you have any questions. Enough said.



The tools you'll need...
10 mm socket, 14 mm socket, your fingernail or a very small screwdriver


This is where the cold cathode will be installed...


Notice the two caps on either end. These must be opened to reach the 10 mm bolts holding them on. Pry them open with your fingernail or a very small screwdriver...


You'll remove the grab handle and put it someplace safe along with the bolts.

Next you'll need to remove the small cover on the seat belt anchor, again, use your fingernail or a small screwdriver.


Once the cover is removed you'll see the 14 mm bolt connecting the seat belt anchor to the door piller. We'll come back to this in a moment.


Remove the door sill by pulling up on the edge with your finger. Remove the front door sill and the kick panel at this time.



Then remove the rear door sill in the same manner.


With the sills removed you will now remove the bottom (black) door post cover. It is not hard to do, just grab an edge and pull starting from the front.


Then do the same to the rear.


To remove the top (light colored) half of the door post cover, remove the 14 mm bolt holding the seat belt anchor in place.






Just so it doesn't get tangled up, I let my rest on the drivers seat.


You must pull the door weather striping loose from both the front...


And the rear...


Now use your fingers to pull the upper post cover away from the post. It will be a little tight since there is a plastic plug holding it in. Just pull hard and easy and it will come loose.




Notice the tab and hole set-up. It will make it easier to replace when you're done.


Now remove the two 10 mm bolts holding the grab handles on.


Mine are already installed but you can see where to run the wires from the converter to the bulbs. Just tuck it up under the head liner after running it through the hole for the grab handles.


Then continue the wire run down the door post. I used blue masking tape to hold the wires against the post.


Mount your converter (mine is a double) here on the door post. I used 3M grey double sided tape, the stuff works awesomely!




*Note: The lead from the converter to the bulbs will need to be extended by splicing in extra wire. The provided leads are too short. This is not recommended on the 12 inch bulbs but will work with the 4 inch bulbs. Splice just enough to make it reach, the longer the lead, the dimmer the lighting.

The ports for the bulbs are mounted facing up and the port for the power/ground is facing down. Run your power/ground wires under the door sill and kick panel, up under the dash and down to the power and ground source of your choosing.


I chose to splice my with butt connectors to the existing power/ground leads for the under dash LED's. Remove the center kick panel and you'll find those wires or use the lighter leads.




If you don't already have a switch, you'll need to install one. I used this one in my center console that controls all my inside lighting.


Hold the cold cathode in place with one hand while replacing the grab handle with the other hand...you'll find the wire fits nicely into the hole in the headliner even with the grab handle in place.


The 4 inch cold cathode fits snugly into the grab handle and doesn't require anything else to hold it in place. If you would feel more secure with something holding it, you use a small square of the 3M tape on each end.


When you tighten down the 10 mm bolts, leave the rear one a few turns from completely tight. The front, if tightened all the way will hold the entire handle sturdily.

Here is what your completed OSH with the cold cathodes will look like...


A tip: check that your lights work before putting everything back together.

I will do a write up soon on the actual wiring of the cold cathodes for those of you who haven't used them yet. Easy as pie but instructions are always handy.

I hope this helps to answer any questions you may have had about mounting your cold cathodes. If not, feel free to ask me about it. Now, back to what vacation is really all about...
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Old 06-06-2006, 03:31 PM   #2
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nice work surf. you the man. too much work for me though.
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Old 06-06-2006, 04:00 PM   #3
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awesome thread.. man surf your doing these DIY like their nothing.. mad kudos to u!
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Old 06-06-2006, 04:08 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xfLipm0d3x
awesome thread.. man surf your doing these DIY like their nothing.. mad kudos to u!
I actually did this one in about 1 hour from start to finish. Took the pics, resized them, wrote it up and posted. Man I love being on vacation!!!!!!
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Old 06-06-2006, 06:27 PM   #5
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Excellent write up now time for me to get to work....
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Old 06-06-2006, 06:35 PM   #6
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^^^ Ditto that! ^^^
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Old 06-06-2006, 06:39 PM   #7
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looks like a lighting mod i will be doing very soon
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Old 06-06-2006, 07:13 PM   #8
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very nice write-up!! i'm lovin the interior TAZ
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Old 06-06-2006, 07:30 PM   #9
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Godo writeup Taz, bdonscion did this same thign to his HotLava.
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Old 06-06-2006, 07:49 PM   #10
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great job...
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Old 06-09-2006, 04:54 PM   #11
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This is perfect.. i was about to install these in my xb after my headliner swap.... i was wondering what the best method would be.. thanks for the awesome DIY!!!
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Old 06-09-2006, 05:55 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigWill184
Excellent write up now time for me to get to work....
Dont you have something like this in your box already?
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Old 06-12-2006, 12:25 AM   #13
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I did kind of the same thing with my car over the winter. I took all of the handles out and mounted the lights In the handle. I think it looks alot cleaner that way, and you can still use the handle.



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Old 06-12-2006, 12:40 AM   #14
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Looks good Big Jim.
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Old 06-12-2006, 02:42 AM   #15
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wow thats awesome your doing the greatest job in the world i was wondering if you can do mines hahaha ill pay you =)
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Old 06-12-2006, 02:45 AM   #16
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definitely like big jim's version of lighting more.
get to keep function of handles. looks more finished
than having some lights wedged into a space and looking
all awkward and out of place.
looks lot cleaner.

he took an idea and made it better instead of being
satisfied with some hack 'stick it in the crack' job.
anyone can wedge lights into cracks all over the car.
but improving on that is what sets the bar...

surfcity.. give you credit for trying.. but big jim takes
this round

Last edited by scionetics : 06-12-2006 at 02:47 AM.
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Old 06-12-2006, 07:29 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DodgerGirl
Dont you have something like this in your box already?
I had something like that but I took them out already they were just temporary.....
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Old 06-12-2006, 08:44 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scionetics
definitely like big jim's version of lighting more.
get to keep function of handles. looks more finished
than having some lights wedged into a space and looking
all awkward and out of place.
looks lot cleaner.

he took an idea and made it better instead of being
satisfied with some hack 'stick it in the crack' job.
anyone can wedge lights into cracks all over the car.
but improving on that is what sets the bar...

surfcity.. give you credit for trying.. but big jim takes
this round
surfs the man!!! Jim who? Surfs the MAN, Surfs the man.......***huddled in the corner crying in fear of my idol not being the best diy man*** aaaaahhhhh dont give up surf......you still the man I dont care what Jim and them say.........
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Old 06-12-2006, 08:45 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scionetics
definitely like big jim's version of lighting more.
get to keep function of handles. looks more finished
than having some lights wedged into a space and looking
all awkward and out of place.
looks lot cleaner.

he took an idea and made it better instead of being
satisfied with some hack 'stick it in the crack' job.
anyone can wedge lights into cracks all over the car.
but improving on that is what sets the bar...

surfcity.. give you credit for trying.. but big jim takes
this round
Thanks for the kind words, it's not a competition. It's everyone doing it the way they like. I guess not just "anyone can wedge some lights into cracks" or I wouldn't have so many peeps asking for help.
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Old 06-12-2006, 12:34 PM   #20
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Congrats surf you started it all. I appriciate the write up and all the help. This will make the install go by 10 times as fast!
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