DIY Network

Aluminum Floor-Mats: Electro-Luminescent Wire Install, Pt. 2 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-111

	The Spyder's interior with aluminum floor-mats and electro-luminescent accents.
	To tie the floor-mat project together, Andrew created a diamond-plate foot rest and installed aluminum pedal covers.

Now that the new floor mats have been placed in the car, it's time to hook up the lighting. Andrew finishes off this project and shows how just a little do-it-yourself work can really make a difference.

Materials used in this episode:

Standard automotive tools
4-by-4 sheet of aluminum (preferably 16-gauge)
Pedal-cover kit
Existing floor mats from car
Cordless drill
Jig saw; metal blades
Hammer
Flat file
Center punch
Drop cloth
Masking tape
Permanent marker
Hook-and-loop tape
Lint-free cotton rags
Rubbing alcohol
Scissors
Clear plastic tubing
Adhesive
Extra wire
Electrical tape
Wire crimpers
Wire connectors
Silver paint marker
Safety glasses; protective gloves

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Wiring Completion

• Start at the passenger side, farthest from the switch, and plug the transformer into the EL wires (figure A). Tuck it behind the center console.

• Then insert a grabber tool from the driver's side through the console, hook the twisted extension leads to the tool, and pull the wires back through (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Combine the negative wire from the passenger mat with the negative wire from the relay for the driver's side mat, and attach a crimp-on spade connector to the end. Then combine the positive leads and attach extensions that are long enough to reach the switch (figure C).

• Next, tuck the transformer and the connectors behind the center console and run the switch leads under the dash towards the switch, keeping them away from moving parts like the pedals.

• Strip and crimp a female spade connector to the ends of the wire coming from the floor mats. Then pop the switch out from behind, and run the wires through the switch-plate hole.

• These wires carry a charge. Be sure to always unhook the negative end of the battery terminal before doing any electrical work.

• Use the DIY connectors to tape into the existing circuit. Move the existing positive wire from the switch to the double end of the Y-connector. Connect the positive wire from the transformers to the remaining terminal on the double side (figure D) and plug the single end of the connector back into the positive terminal on the switch.
  

  	Figure F
  	Figure E

• Do the same with the ground lead, moving in from the accessory terminal on the switch to the Y-connector (figure E), adding the transformer wire, and then connecting the Y-connector back to the switch before popping the switch panel back into place (figure F).

• Make sure all the wires are neat, and secure them out of sight with wire ties. Then, plug the floor mats into the transformers to complete the project.

• Be sure to get your battery back online so you can test the results of your work.

The Bottom Line:

$70 Aluminum
$10 Extra saw blades
$2 Plastic trim
$5 Hook and loop tape
$16 Connectors and wires
$80 El Wire
$23 Pedals

Total = $206

RESOURCES :

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Special Resources for Tricked Out, episode 111

Racing Innovations, Inc.
Website: www.racinginnovations.com

StreetGlow, Inc.
Website: www.streetglow.com

Vibrant Performance
Website: www.vibrantperformance.com