Fanatik

I'm going to assume that most of you know the information contained in this post; however, over the years I've had numerous questions regarding car lighting. Many times, people think they need 'car specific lighting' for their interior, and that just isn't the case.

Just about any 12v light source can be used for interior lighting. I say 'just about', because there are a few exceptions. As you can see on many interior lighting DIY subwoofer boxes, people use computer parts. You can save a TON of cash by avoiding those car shops that sell "automotive lighting" for your interior. Simply go to [insert your favorite computer shop here] and buy your lighting needs. I use Cold Cathodes to save some money for interior lighting. I usually but off the terminal connector at the end (since normally they come with a connector for computer application). For $4 per light, you can get the same desired effect while saving $10-20 per light.

I know LEDs are here to stay - so the same concept applies. Buy from computer shops, and you're more apt to save a bundle of cash. Same goes for fans on amp racks -- simply use the fans found at computer shops. You can get some nice ambient lighting from the embedded LEDs in some of those fans as well. I'm not endorsing any shop, but do a google search and find the right prices for the quality you need.

J

rcf22

Good tips!

I'll endorse one :

http://www.xoxide.com/lighting.html

unxpectederror

nice advice

STNC

iTrader: (1)

Indeed on this

Scion Interior Illumination is over-rated....

I saved a ton of money thanks to eBay, and China

Yay for cheap but rocking lighting!

SquallLHeart

i will suggest one place for computer lighting:
http://www.svc.com/

cold cathodes are really inexpensive.. they really are. don't fool yourself into buying from someone else for a higher price just because it's advertised for "automotive lighting"

oh joy.. a cold cathode.. is a cold cathode. it's the same thing. really. and yes.. they really are that inexpensive.

that goes for anything else... leds, vinyl, switches ("OEM style" my butt... just a switch that just coincidentally fits nicely in the switch panel.. nothing OEM about it AT ALL), and anything else out there. do the research and resist those stupid impulse purchases.. you'll save a ton of money.

optional

xoxide is horrendously overpriced btw...

newegg ftw...

SquallLHeart

newegg!! oh yeaa.. totally forgot.

that's an awesome place too

rcf22

Maybe in general they are, yes, but did you look at their cathode pricing? $7 for a pair of tubes including transformer. They only charge about $6 for shipping, so you're getting a pair for under $15, add a second pair and you're still around $20.

SVC is a very good site too, though. I bought some case fans on there without any trouble, and they're cathodes are $5.99 a pair.

jackotamo

Im no electrical genious, how do I hook one of these up?

jackotamo

I just bought a pair of 12'' red ones for 9 shipped.

rcf22

I haven't installed one myself, but I would imagine they come with instructions on how to connect the transformer to the cathode tube (or it's pre-done). To connect the transformer to your car, just tap it into any 12V source. When I install it, I'll probably wire it to an ON/OFF/ON switch with one on being with the dome lights, and the other always on.

jackotamo

The tubes I bought did not come with a transformer, what do I need to do in this case?

rcf22

I know Oznium sells replacement transformers, but you can check the aforementioned computer parts sites to see if they have them, because they would certainly be cheaper. But you definitely need the transformers.

a_german_named_hans

Prices keep going up. I still have the bill from oznium when their 12 inch cold cathodes were 6.79. Now they're 9.99. Ouch. 3 dollar and 29 cent hike in like a year.

SquallLHeart

how did you buy one without a transformer??

no little box besides the actual cathode tubes?

ichibansf

Yup, SVC does pretty good on their pricing. I've been buying from them for a few years now. They even offer will-call pick-up (or at least they used to).

SquallLHeart

naw.. afaik, you can still pick-up in person, but because there's no real storefront, they still require you to order online first.

that's what i know anyway.

jackotamo

Well I dont know if it does come with a transformer, it doesnt say that it will have one. I just bought it from ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180296156688

rcf22

I think I see one in the picture of the package--that blue box right above the label. You should be good.

SquallLHeart

yea... you're good man.
geez.. making us all panic for no reason.

ouch on the price...