DIY Network

Eclipse Light EFX: Underbody Light Kit Some Underbody Flash for a Mitsubishi Eclipse: Part 1 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-303

The project car: '96 Mitsubishi Eclipse with lowered suspension, custom paint and a stereo that will shake the rafters

In this project Andrew Totolos, host of DIY's Tricked Out, installs a variety of light effects on a1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

In this first phase of the project, he introduces the project car and begins the upgrade by installing LED tubes to the underbody.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. The parts are all bolt-on. Some wiring is involved, but if you're comfortable with some simple electrical work you should have no problem.

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	Tools and kit components used for the under-body light installation
	Testing the under-body lights before installation.
	Under-body LEDs after the installation

Materials used in this project:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used to complete this project include:

cordless drill and screwdriver attachment
LED underbody kit
LED wheel well kit
LED logo kit
lighted windshield washer nozzles
speed clips
wire ties
heat-resistant tubing
electrical supplies
fuse taps
eyelet connectors
hook-and-loop tape
split loom
shop tools
12-volt power supply
tape
marker
jack stands or lift
drill
self-tapping screws
alcohol and clean rags
grabber tool

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular car or truck, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

The Project Car

This 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse belongs to Diana Bridgeman who already added some impressive modifications including sparkling metallic paint that changes colors in the sunlight and custom neon graphics. The lights we install in this project will take the eye-grabbing appearance to the next level, making for nighttime pyrotechnics that complement the daytime sizzling daytime appearance.

The lowered suspension and body kit add to the aggressive stance. Under the hood, the Eclipse features upgraded intake and header.

The interior has been given the feminine touches with designer seats, but retains a bold look with a racing steering wheel and in-dash DVD screen.

Perhaps the most hard-to-ignore add on is a sound system that can definitely make itself known--and from a considerable distance--featuring no less than four amps and sixteen speakers housed in a custom fiberglass base.

Read on to see how Andrew installs the underbody LED tubes on this already impressive '96 Eclipse.

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