💡 Converting the Maverick side badge to a signal lamp light -- DIY how-to and result video [night video added]

[gjallen3]

Mabett sells this mod, right?

They do, their design, but in my humble opinion this home made version complements the badge better. Love the Longhorn look too.

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[Cancunbadlands]

They do, their design, but in my humble opinion this home made version complements the badge better. Love the Longhorn look too.

Yeah! It seems like a lot of effort tho

 

[gjallen3]

Yeah! It seems like a lot of effort tho

Actually I did it and it was not only easy but fun to do, and I really like the functionality and the look. Total cost with the lens and led’s was less than $40.

 

[Dad]

Mabett sells this mod, right?

Correct. Others do, too. Mabett has two versions. Their first attempt was criticized due to water leakage. Second version had a different look, but had a better seal. It all depends on the look you want and how much you want to spend. At the time I did mine the Maverick was new and there were very few 3rd party products and nothing on replacing the badges. I'm very happy with the modification I did as it performs perfectly and the cost was under $50 for both sides. It's great to see other members come up with their own adaptions as well as manufacturers such as Mabett to support our modifications.

 

[Dad]

Yeah! It seems like a lot of effort tho

Very little effort, actually. It took me longer because I was going into unknown territory, but once you have the information it's quite easy to do. That's what's great about the club . . . others have cleared the path.
Feel free to contact me if you decide to do it. I'm even happy to work with you over the phone if need be.

 

[Dad]

They do, their design, but in my humble opinion this home made version complements the badge better. Love the Longhorn look too.

I agree!

 

[Timothyd]

Due to my envy of those vehicles that have turn signal indicators on their mirrors or body side, I took another member's basic idea and went one step further to have the badge act as a turn signal indicator. The first side took a bit of time to figure out what light would work best and how to wire it up correctly and safely. The other side took about an hour or two. Nothing like having "experience" the second time around.

This is how it came out:


What you'll need:

• plastic pry tools to ease off the badge.
• LED light. (I liked the round one where the wiring exits out the back of the light)
• butt splices. Red ones for the small wire gauge.
• several wire bridge taps. Again, the red ones.
• two ring terminals large enough to be able to attach to one of the bolts holding the fender together. This is for a ground. I got the ones that included shrink wrap on the wire end, but not necessary.
• Resistors not needed because I'm not REPLACING an incandescent bulb, merely adding them.
• wire cutters, stripper, and crimping tool.
• 4 strands of automotive wire about 3 - 1/2 feet long. Red and black are always a good choice color wise. The wires on the LED's I chose are yellow & black, so I used those colors.
• Drill bit or forstner bit large enough to cut out a round circle in the badge. The LED's I used required a 3/4" hole to fit snugly.
• 2 amber colored covers that fit the badge. These were made specifically for the Maverick and can be found on Etsy, however, this is an option. I chose to use them to cover up the LED lamp and also to disperse the light. Inexpensive . . . $20 for two.
• shrink wrap if you choose to use it and then you'll need either a heat gun or hair dryer.
• Automotive electrical tape. If you'll notice looking into any type of automotive wiring, the tape is NOT the shiny kind. The shiny kind tends to melt and get sticky. Opt for the "fabric" type. Easily available on Amazon and looks more like it belongs.

I'd like to do this only it would a charging port for the 12v battery. No problems ever. Just in case.

 

[Dad]

I'd like to do this only it would a charging port for the 12v battery. No problems ever. Just in case.

Understood. You might want to look at a couple of products that offer an onboard charger and a charging port located on the front bumper. With Ford's wet cell OEM battery, this was a necessity, but after switching to an AGM battery, I've had no anxiety about needing to trickle charge my battery. Here's the links to the products and the install directions are quite good.
Frankly, I think this would be a better alternative and still leave your badges available to do a side turn signal light.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3QSMF9?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XL9K3QM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

 

[Timothyd]

Understood. You might want to look at a couple of products that offer an onboard charger and a charging port located on the front bumper. With Ford's wet cell OEM battery, this was a necessity, but after switching to an AGM battery, I've had no anxiety about needing to trickle charge my battery. Here's the links to the products and the install directions are quite good.
Frankly, I think this would be a better alternative and still leave your badges available to do a side turn signal light.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3QSMF9?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XL9K3QM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Thanks. I've had no problems with the Maverick but my first automatic trans car, a Chevy Equinox, I would leave it in drive with the keys in the ignition on and drain the battery. It would automatically lock the doors and I'd be screwed.

 

[Dad]

Thanks. I've had no problems with the Maverick but my first automatic trans car, a Chevy Equinox, I would leave it in drive with the keys in the ignition on and drain the battery. It would automatically lock the doors and I'd be screwed.

You're welcome. My story is a bit ironic in that I purchased the items I mentioned, but have not had the need to install or use them since getting the AGM battery. Nonetheless, I like the design and convenience of simply running a power cable over to your vehicle and not have to hassle with hooking and unhooking a charger.

 

[jgz1994]

Just finished this mod after a few months of piecing together the parts and mentally preparing myself as I have little to no experience with wiring, crimping, etc

I opted for a longer LED because it fills out the amber cover fuller and disperses the light better than the circular LED

 

[Bgolden]

I used this the 3 wire turn signal / DRL 3/4 amber light from Amazon.
Amazon.com: TRUE MODS 2pc 3/4" Inch Round Amber Trailer 12V LED Marker Light [3 Wire/DRL & Turn Signal] [DOT FMVSS 108] [SAE P2PC] [Semi-Spherical Output] [IP67 Waterproof] Small Markers for Trailer Truck : Automotive

 

[SilverBullet2.0]

this is what i did on mine, i got the idea from someone in the forum is a led bar connected to the turn signal here is the link .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EL2CG5O?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Now this I like - I was debating cutting out the fake vent and wrapping a grill like material to have a functioning vent or do the side marker lights. Your solution provides both to work. Thank You!

 

[Dad]

I used this the 3 wire turn signal / DRL 3/4 amber light from Amazon.
Amazon.com: TRUE MODS 2pc 3/4" Inch Round Amber Trailer 12V LED Marker Light [3 Wire/DRL & Turn Signal] [DOT FMVSS 108] [SAE P2PC] [Semi-Spherical Output] [IP67 Waterproof] Small Markers for Trailer Truck : Automotive

I like what you did here. To clarify, is the light on with your headlights, driving lights, or just as a turn signal?

 

[Bgolden]

The dimmer part of the light comes on with the headlights. And the brighter part of the light is connected to the turn signal. I used the wiring harness from the Mazina lights. Got them on Black Friday for a bit over $30.

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