@bigrhino
@Ob1hybrid
Here are some of the answers of the questions.
This is the type of Leds I used. As I said first, I found these inside a store signage that was being trashed. the lights were sitting in the garage for a while.
These are string of Leds. The first thing was to mount them to 3/4 x 3/4 aluminum angle iron. This is available at Lowes or Home Depot. I think I used 1/8 inch thickness. Clean the inside with rubbing alcohol and then stuck them to one side using double sided (3M) tape. The brand is important. If you look under the running board it is sort of partitioned in three parts (12, 18 and 23 inches). So naturally those were the sizes I cut the aluminum to. I chose aluminum because when and if does rust, it actually oxidizes and make a preventive coat, protecting from corrosion. The angle also acts as a good reflective surface.
Once the lights are stuck on the aluminum I used 1.25 inch diameter shrink wrap (clear). It kind of looked cool once I shrink wrapped it. The running board itself has a nice 45 degree angle if you look for it. Once again cleaned the underside with rubbing alcohol about 3 times.
Here is the best part. I bought some 1/2 inch molding tape and used it to stick the aluminum (shrink wrapped) on the board.
It is sort of hard to see, but you get the idea.
Then just connected the different strips.
The white ***** thing is a 30 year exterior weatherproof water resistant silicone, just make sure to fill the gaps so there is no water entry.
Now for the Rear. That is actually a 4 foot section. The ends of the strip is filled with the Loctite Water Proof sealant. The end is zip tied. Then more sealant and more clear tubing etc. I think I went overboard but there are four layers of Clear tubing covering the ends of the strip. And yes it is only on the ends. Do not ask me why I did that way but that was the thinking of the day.
To mount it there is a metal bracket that holds the bumper cover. I bent some braces to 135 degree and mounted the strip to it.
For extra measure I strapped the strip with a 3/8 inch vinyl covered metal rope.
Red circle shows the bracket under the bumper. I used stainless steel nuts, bolts, washers just in case.
The first test will come this summer when I launch my jet skis in the lake. As I mentioned earlier, the wire is an independent run all the way up to the engine compartment.
I have been meaning to mention this for a while. If you are running any wires from inside to the door, please do not cut the boot (as some idiots on youtube will tell you). Instead feel for a round insert inside the body where the boot attaches. You should feel two tabs, Lightly squeeze the tabs and boot comes free. Then use some ingenuity, perhaps some lubricant to fish a hard (coat hanger type) stuff thru the boot into the door. Once thru, tape the wires to the other end and pull from the inside. There is not much room in that boot, so try not to put a thick bundle thru.
I am only allowed 5 pics upload at a time hence the uploads.
As always I welcome comments.
