LED Multi-Flex Tailgate Light Strip Idea

[DrivenByRico]

Every other truck has that led strip at the bottom of the tailgate, haven't personally seen anyone put one in the middle of the ones equipped with the multiflex tailgate. Always wanted to do this but my old T1 had the alternate one with the "Chevrolet" lettering.

 

Idea is simple the strip goes in the middle, has turn signal functions and a running light. Hope one day someone will figure out one that's able to bend, is equipped with a reverse light, and a brake light. I tried first with the regular tailgate strips but those don't bend easy also light doesn't get through at all. This strip is meant for the hood thus shoots the LED light through the bottom, this allows me to slightly expose the strip on the bottom through the gap and let light shine brightly. You'd think it would look bad but after putting tint over it, it's hardly noticeable (maybe because my truck is that dark mineral grey).

 

It's spliced to the running light on the 7 way trailer wire and the turn signals are spliced into the taillights.

 

Love to hear some feedback I personally love it and I think it's unique, maybe a little "Ford-ish" I believe the new f150s come with a strip in the tailgate but hey people put side exits by the door on silverados and the Lighting definitely started that so here we are. 

 

Below are 3 links to YouTube videos on examples of the strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DrivenByRico]

Product Used:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4924TVG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I think I like it. 

[GETGONE]

Result looks good but the install looks like ass. Why all the black duct tape and the massive screws and huge washers at the ends?

[DrivenByRico]

1 hour ago, GETGONE said:

Result looks good but the install looks like ass. Why all the black duct tape and the massive screws and huge washers at the ends?

I had to cut the strip to size so I used electrical tape on the ends to help with water getting in. Washers are the only thing that hold down the strip creating the curve so you won't see the obvious caps on both ends of the strips through the gap. I made sure I took my time with the wiring up until it came to inside the Multi-Flex part where I to this day have never personally even seen the washers or tape, maybe there will be a day in the future I use the step and then I will see the work underneath.

 

As for anyone who thinks of attempting this I'd buy heavy duty strip clamps instead of washers or maybe use the stock caps on the strip and not use the curve method at all (which might increase the chances water gets in)

[GETGONE]

You didn't use the glue stick that came with it in the link you posted? LOL. I use my step all the time.

[DrivenByRico]

4 hours ago, GETGONE said:

You didn't use the glue stick that came with it in the link you posted? LOL. I use my step all the time.

For the most of it yes but that cheap stuff didn't wanna stay when I bent it haha, hard to go to o'reillys and buy some 3m double sided tape when I had washers and a couple self tappers right next to me.

 

Yea I'm surprised honestly I got excited when buying this truck because I always wanted the tailgate but I have yet to use it in the 8 months of owning it lol.

[jashaw]

I like the result. I've had bad luck with this type of strip lasting more than 6 months until they start to fail. Hope you have better luck!

[GETGONE]

I bought my truck BECAUSE of the Multi-flex tailgate. I had a hard time finding a truck that wasn't already sold or stuck "in transit" due to the chip shortage in 21. I ended up custom ordering it with everything I wanted. I use the step all the time getting stuff in and out of the bed. I had a lifted Avalanche and it was a pain in the ass to get in and out of the bed. It didn't have a step in the bumper either.