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

[SLJ]

I just ordered these to try to incorporate into the side badge as turn signal indicators. Not interested in having running lights, just turn signals. I'll know more once they get here but for now I'm planning on cutting a hole in the badge and mounting them through from the back so they're almost flush:
12V Smoked Amber LED Marker Lights

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[jewc75]

I looked but did not see this listed as a replacement option on this thread. This guy has made side badges and other things for many vehicles. I found on his website (missed it on Etsy), that he has made one for Mavericks. They seem like very good quality. light up and non light options. I have started talking with him about some other possible options.... go check them out though. not too bad for $200

https://ikonicbadges.com/products/custom-text-american-flag-led-fender-badge-set-fits-2022-ford®-maverick®-fully-customizable?_pos=1&_sid=dd762003e&_ss=r

Ive had them since he came out with them. Id warn people to be diligent in their inspection of the part. Ive had 2 sets come apart, one set was hot glued and the other he used 3m tape. I ultimately was given a refund because they kept coming apart. He didn't want them back and said i could do what i wanted with them. I ended up taking them completely apart and using 3m body adhesive to put them back together. I haven't had a single problem since doing that.

 

[Luthinator]

Ive had them since he came out with them. Id warn people to be diligent in their inspection of the part. Ive had 2 sets come apart, one set was hot glued and the other he used 3m tape. I ultimately was given a refund because they kept coming apart. He didn't want them back and said i could do what i wanted with them. I ended up taking them completely apart and using 3m body adhesive to put them back together. I haven't had a single problem since doing that.

Oh nice. I'm pretty handy with stuff like that. But it would suck to spend $200 and have issues.
Was it easy to wire up?

 

[jewc75]

Yes, tapped into the front light. Yeah it sucked, im just glad they refunded me and made it right.

 

[Erwin]

Post #2
I didn't want a mile long post, so I thought I would break them up.

Here are more pictures of what I did and then I'll provide a monologue. Couldn't get the wife to film a video . . . even after I wrote a script!

After removing the badge, I drilled a 3/4" hole in it to accommodate the round LED light I purchased from Amazon . . . about $12 for a pack of 10.

The LED has grommet that holds it snugly in place. Also waterproof. I fed the wires out the back which is why I opted for these lights as opposed to ones that had the wiring out the side.
UPDATE: After posting this, one member posted a picture of how he mounted a small lighting strip that had the wires coming out the side. He did a remarkable job hiding those wires. Scroll down a few posts to see his work on his XLT

You can also see that added additional wires and taped them up. I'll need the wires separate when one goes to a grounding point and the other bridge taps into the existing turn signal at the front of the Maverick.


Next photo is my grounding point.

This is where I used a large ring terminal that included shrink wrap. I also taped it.

I've included a photo of the amber badge cover to show how well it fits. It's an option. I attached it using waterproof heavy duty dual lock tape so I can remove it for whatever reason . . . maybe the LED might need replacing.

I did this to my maverick but I hooked it up to the running lights. I didn't want the turn signal option

 

[SLJ]

My LEDs just arrived. Perfect. Black when off. Should fit the side badge just fine and make great turn signal indicators.

 

[Dad]

I did this to my maverick but I hooked it up to the running lights. I didn't want the turn signal option

Totally get that. If you're referring to the daytime running lights, my Lariat has a complicated DRL system and I wasn't able to hack into that. My idea was born from noticing that other vehicles had various ways of displaying their turn lighting on the side using side mirrors or having the lighting wrap around. I was a bit dismayed the Maverick did not have this capability since I consider it a safety feature. Someone here at MTC had the same notion as you about putting a light in the badge and I took it from there. This is why I love this club; one idea spawns others.
Thanks for sharing your post.

 

[Dad]

I looked but did not see this listed as a replacement option on this thread. This guy has made side badges and other things for many vehicles. I found on his website (missed it on Etsy), that he has made one for Mavericks. They seem like very good quality. light up and non light options. I have started talking with him about some other possible options.... go check them out though. not too bad for $200

https://ikonicbadges.com/products/custom-text-american-flag-led-fender-badge-set-fits-2022-ford®-maverick®-fully-customizable?_pos=1&_sid=dd762003e&_ss=r

This is quite the find. These look very cool, but my reaction on the price is "WOW"! I have to wonder if they can be connected to a light source, i.e., turn signals.

 

[jewc75]

This is quite the find. These look very cool, but my reaction on the price is "WOW"! I have to wonder if they can be connected to a light source, i.e., turn signals.

Guess you didnt read my replies. oh well.

 

[Luthinator]

This is quite the find. These look very cool, but my reaction on the price is "WOW"! I have to wonder if they can be connected to a light source, i.e., turn signals.

After speaking with the owner. It comes with an LED light that seems pretty bright. This would tap into one of the front turn single wires. It has just any everything. These things do take a lot of time to create.

 

[Dad]

After speaking with the owner. It comes with an LED light that seems pretty bright. This would tap into one of the front turn single wires. It has just any everything. These things do take a lot of time to create.

The designs are unique and elaborate, so ya, I would guess some time would go into creating them. I appreciate your research and posting more options on how folks can modify their side badge.

 

[Old_Norm]

After speaking with the owner. It comes with an LED light that seems pretty bright. This would tap into one of the front turn single wires. It has just any everything. These things do take a lot of time to create.

Reminds me of what my dad always said, "Something is only worth what people will pay for it."

 

[Dad]

Reminds me of what my dad always said, "Something is only worth what people will pay for it."

Basic law of economics. Your dad nailed it.

 

[SLJ]

These work and are brighter that the pictures. Was going to cut and mount them from the back but more work removing the badges than I wanted. These are blacked out will work until someone comes out with a pair of lit badges a reasonable cost. I can't beat the cost at $10.99 for ten.
Smoked Amber Marker Lights

Update: Mounted the markers from the back. A cleaner look. Correct matching amber color and not too bright.

 

[twracing]

This thread is fantastic! A BIG thanks to the OP and to everyone who joined in with terrific ideas and input.

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