Leds under front seats

MyMiniGidget · #1 03-09-2010, 10:07 PM

Hi all! I am planning on replacing my footwell, dome, and boot lights with leds in the next few weeks and i want to also add them under my front seats so they shine on the floor in the backseat. I have already figured out my wiring plan for the front footwells (3 different colored strips each controlled by an independent switch see attached) and the dome light (dummy bulb since I cant fit three different colors up there

). But I was wondering how to run the wires back to the boot and to under my seats (physically not electrically) without ripping out my interior. I have an '03 MCS and I was wondering if any of you out there have done it.

Thanks

MMG

BlimeyCabrio · #2 03-10-2010, 05:42 AM

Once I had my seats out, I had to partially remove the center console - then was able to run wiring under the carpet to proper locations.

MyMiniGidget · #3 03-10-2010, 04:32 PM

Did you have to remove any of the carpeting?

BlimeyCabrio · #4 03-10-2010, 06:08 PM

Nope - was able to feed wiring underneath from the edges and available cutouts.

MyMiniGidget · #5 03-10-2010, 06:12 PM

How well do the seats slide forward? Got any pics?

BlimeyCabrio · #6 03-10-2010, 06:22 PM

I don't understand the question? You mean do my under-seat LED's interfere with seat movement? If that's the question, no. The wiring for the LEDs is zip-tied to the wiring that's already there for the seat belt sensors, airbag sensors, etc. There's sufficient loop there to allow the seats to move as one would expect.

You'll want to have plugs for your LED lighting so you can unplug them just like all the other seat connections - so the seats can be removed easily if required for service.

BlimeyCabrio · #7 03-10-2010, 06:23 PM

Here's my install thread:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ll-lights.html

BlimeyCabrio · #8 03-10-2010, 06:24 PM

And here's the correct link to my blog writeup with more pics
http://www.blimeycabrio.com/?p=77

BlimeyCabrio · #9 03-10-2010, 06:26 PM

FWIW, the routing is cleaned up a bit from when I took those pics - it's all under the carpet now - and there are plugs on the seats for the lights.

MyMiniGidget · #10 03-10-2010, 10:10 PM

Thanks. What type of plugs did you use. And does the carpet just lift or did it require panel removal?

Sorry to bug you, I just got my mini a few weeks back so I'm kinda new to the whole modifications thing. I really do appreciate your help.

BlimeyCabrio · #11 03-11-2010, 05:33 AM

I've swapped plugs a couple of times - don't recall what's in there now. Maybe a DC power-type inline plugs. Looks like you could do yours with a four-conductor plug on each seat (because you can use a common ground for everything). Radio Shack is your friend.

No panel removal required - but you have to do some prying to get under the edges of the door sills. everything else is pretty easy. It DOES help to remove or at least unfasten the center console trim.

**Fatherdeth** · #12 03-11-2010, 05:59 PM

The 9.6 and 7.2 Volt battery pack repair connectors make great quick disconnect connectors for these projects as well. Of course you get them at Radio Shack.

MyMiniGidget · #13 03-11-2010, 09:50 PM

Wouldn't a battery pack require batteries versus being hard wired?

If not what do you mean by a battery pack?

BlimeyCabrio · #14 03-12-2010, 05:29 AM

he means using the standard connectors that are used for battery packs - not actually using battery packs.