Shutting off license plate lights

BondAtomic · August 5, 2003

I'm a new member, owning a 2002 Silverado 1500 extended cab/short box. 5.3 V8.

I've installed the FIPK, and have straight-piped the beast. What I'm wondering is if there is a way to be able to shut off the license plate lights with a toggle switch on the interior. I thought it would be sweet to be able to drag or top speed run (Jet SCU2000 for the ol' governor) without letting everyone know my plate at night. It may be a bit illegal, but it's all good. I guess what I'm wondering is: where are the wires under the dash where I can splice in and cut off the power?

Thanks

SinisterSS · August 5, 2003

Just yank the bulbs. My Z28 hasn't had any since 1996. If you ever do get pulled over for it, just say they must've burned out and you hadn't noticed and you'll stop by the parts store and get some new bulbs on the way home.

MarkD · August 5, 2003

It would be different for each model. The easiest way to do it is wire in a relay.

BondAtomic · August 5, 2003

I suppose I would still want the lights, but just kinda want to switch them off in those less-legal situations.

elboberino · August 5, 2003

It would be different for each model. The easiest way to do it is wire in a relay.

A relay would work but it sounds like a lot of wiring and digging through the different colored wires when SinisterSS has the right idea.

I replaced my with some cheap Sylvania red bulbs I picked up at Checker. They were cool looking 2 years ago but they are faded now and instead of a cool red look they are more orange and crappy. They will both be yanked as soon as I feel like getting off my a$$.

BondAtomic · August 7, 2003

Well, the night of the first posting I got my ass out there and started wiring. All I did was cut the positive wires running to both license plate lights, and I used a switch to break the circuit when I want the lights out. I then wired this all the way to the cab. I kinda wanted to find a way to wire right from the cab, but all the wires are hid and it works.

John

elboberino · August 8, 2003

Dang, sounds like a lot of work...I hope you race enough to make it worth it. Just curious as to where you mounted the switch. I'm putting all my switches below the plastic panel under the steering wheel but and looking for a new place to mount some without them being out in the open.