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

[Dad]

What about running them vertically along the front edge. That might look good.

Good alternative that one might want to try before permanently installing

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[Old_Norm]

What about running them vertically along the front edge. That might look good.

If you ever use the ones at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EL2CG5O?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I suggest making a small hole on both sides and center the light. I think it looks much better.

 

[Dad]

Awesome update, GadCAD 3D just responded. They're gonna make them in smoke soon. Definitely by the time I get around to doing this

Hey, just going back over some of my posts. Did you ever do this mod? If so, I'd love to see it!

 

[MrShadetree]

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.
• UPDATE: Resistors not needed because I'm not REPLACING an incandescent bulb, merely adding one. 2 resistors. Remember, the Mav uses incandescent bulbs for its on/off turn signal function. If you introduce a lesser load bearing LED, it throws off the truck's computer into thinking a bulb is burned out and you get the hyperflash. The more expensive Laserfit LED's have internal resistors, but we are not using those today.
• 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.
• Four #4 self-tapping screws to hold the resistors in place. Actually, one screw will hold it just fine. We'll talk about where to place the resistor and it might be tough to get two screws on. Getting one on was tough enough and it held strongly, so I didn't bother with the second one.

Much better than the Mabett solution…

 

[Decayed]

Ford could make a mint selling kits for stuff like this.

 

[Dad]

Much better than the Mabett solution…

Thank you! I very much appreciate your comment!

 

[Montana]

This looks so much better than that cheap Mabett crap, but I will say one thing positive about their design at least in comparison - the diffusion. I believe they are using a COB LED setup and the marker is a much more opaque version that transfers the light better throughout the whole thing. Dimmer, but with the right LED's it shouldn't matter.

That is the only reason I don't upgrade to some of these side markers. Mabett's are ugly as hell, but the lighting is even. Yours looks amazing, but is very bright in the middle and not so much throughout the rest.

Personally, I wish FORD would just give us the option in the side mirrors. My Tacoma had it and I definitely miss it.

Anyways... very cool solution! If Mabett didn't go the full RGB-tard look (I know it's not RGB but it's got that gaudy gamer look to it) they might sell a ton of versions like this.

 

[White Thunder]

Ford could make a mint selling kits for stuff like this.

Ford could have put a light there to begin with.

 

[BlueMav43]

A little more subtle, but works for me. Very easy to do.

 

[Dad]

This looks so much better than that cheap Mabett crap, but I will say one thing positive about their design at least in comparison - the diffusion. I believe they are using a COB LED setup and the marker is a much more opaque version that transfers the light better throughout the whole thing. Dimmer, but with the right LED's it shouldn't matter.

That is the only reason I don't upgrade to some of these side markers. Mabett's are ugly as hell, but the lighting is even. Yours looks amazing, but is very bright in the middle and not so much throughout the rest.

Personally, I wish FORD would just give us the option in the side mirrors. My Tacoma had it and I definitely miss it.

Anyways... very cool solution! If Mabett didn't go the full RGB-tard look (I know it's not RGB but it's got that gaudy gamer look to it) they might sell a ton of versions like this.

Thanks for your comments! Much appreciated. There are other bulb options than the small circular bulb I used. My project was a bit piecemealed as I went along so if I had to do over I would probably choose a small light strip that would illuminate the orange cover more evenly as you suggested. One of the great things about this forum is how one idea leads to another. I hope my project inspired you as others have for me.
Oh, ya. I agree with you on the turn signal mirror. Already in stock for other vehicles so why not put them on the Maverick?

 

[adsandiego]

This looks so much better than that cheap Mabett crap ... Mabett's are ugly as hell

what he said.

 

[Dad]

what he said.

Thank you!

 

[Chris_G]

Does anyone know the part number for the retaing clips for the side badges?

After a few times removing the badges the existing clips are getting bent up.

Thanks!

 

[Montana]

Does anyone know the part number for the retaing clips for the side badges?

After a few times removing the badges the existing clips are getting bent up.

Thanks!

The only part number I found and diagram included the entire part.

Emblem and diagram and Emblem

The 2nd link says "clips included". That said, they look pretty universal.

Try these:

Metal retainer clips or these ones Single size clips

 

[Chris_G]

The only part number I found and diagram included the entire part.

Emblem and diagram and Emblem

The 2nd link says "clips included". That said, they look pretty universal.

Try these:

Metal retainer clips or these ones Single size clips

Thank you @Montana

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