Original page created on 04/06/2023; updated on 12/04/2024.
Tail lights
For my B5Dd2 fitted with built-in tail lights, I designed home-engraved circuits using English engraving. It wasn’t an easy job, because the tail lights are flush with the floor. What’s more, you need a notch to go round the electric heating jumper housing.
In ①, the hole to be cut through in the van for passing the wire. In ②, you can see the tail light glass, flush with the floor, as well as the relief of the jumper housing.
Here is a drawing of the circuit in 0.8 mm thick epoxy. The height is such that the connections are flush with the top of the body, making them easier to fit and connect.
Making
The engraving is made with a ⌀ 1.0 cylindrical milling bit. The 1.5 × 5 notch is milled on the edge to give a sharp angle.
The LEDs are 0603 SMDs (approx. 1.5 × 0.75 mm) mounted in reverse: the active side faces the IC and the light passes through a ⌀ 1.2 hole. Advantage: the face plated on the body is smooth, as there are no components on it.
Wired circuits
Heads. The circuits are wired in series. They are held in place with a little BluTack.
Tails. Electrician’s tape prevents light leaks.
Positioning and checking centring.
Results
Here are some photos of the results obtained. The differences in colour temperature can be explained by the series of LEDs that are supposed to have the same characteristics, but which are actually different. The colour of the fittings, particularly the seats, also plays a role.
An A4B5 and a B5Dd2.
A B5Dd2 with its tail lights lit.
An A4c4B5c5x.
