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My G55k Adventure

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shiann
Posts: 1092

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#51 » Fri Sep 11, 2020 9:12 pm

apple wrote:
Thanks, I'm sure you've seen the G-wagenaccessories LED cargo lights which seems like a more developed solution and I'll probably still end up getting but this kit seemed worth a try for the price, even if I don't end up using them all.

Oh I'm curious, what hardware do you have on the center of that rear cargo dome light panel? My 04 G500 just has a large exposed thread in the middle and I'm guessing there's a bolt/washer/cap combo that's supposed to go there..


Yes, I've seen the G-wagenaccessories LED cargo light panels and those do look amazing. The price though does seem steep at $72/pair

For my other car (sedan), I wanted a lot of light in the trunk and purchased these LED light strips and thes aluminum extrusion housings+diffuser.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JVI5AHA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J2XTIC6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I used 1 of them just zip-tied to the top of the trunk (hidden from view) and it is insanely bright. I originally wanted to try to retrofit these in the back of the G but they'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Some daytime shots with the LEDs all installed and on. Brighter than the halogens and better and now in the higher kelvin white color.

2020-09-11 13.00.33.jpg
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2020-09-11 13.03.57.jpg
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For the screw on the center of the panel, mine just looks like a normal threaded screw.
2020-09-11 13.04.08.jpg
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I may, in the future, experiment with the generic 12V LED SMD panels you can get on amazon for relatively cheap, specifically for dome lights. Then design and print a simple fixture to hold in the OE light housings. This may be a good way to get more light without the high cost.
2005 G55k – Mildly Modded/Restored Family Hauler
2005 Volvo S60 T5 M66 – IPD DP, exhaust, sways, R-brembos, FC04A, KW V2
2007 FSAE Auto-X Racecar
IG: shiann_builds

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AlanMcR
Posts: 7729

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#52 » Fri Sep 11, 2020 9:17 pm

I found the el-cheapo light panels to be much dimmer than the ones that g-wagonaccessories is selling. Also the color is generally harsh. I probably still have them somewhere, but they might not be worth the shipping.
...Alan

shiann
Posts: 1092

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#53 » Fri Sep 11, 2020 9:18 pm

Here are some night shots with all the LED lights installed.

The front dome light I feel is good.
2020-09-12 00.02.20.jpg
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The rear passenger map lights are basically useless.
2020-09-12 00.03.14.jpg
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The rear cargo area lights are good, but I still want it brighter.
2020-09-12 00.03.42.jpg
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2005 G55k – Mildly Modded/Restored Family Hauler
2005 Volvo S60 T5 M66 – IPD DP, exhaust, sways, R-brembos, FC04A, KW V2
2007 FSAE Auto-X Racecar
IG: shiann_builds

User avatar
AlanMcR
Posts: 7729

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#54 » Sat Sep 12, 2020 6:35 am

The rear passenger lights need a focused light source. I had mounted a lenses and cooled 1W LED for that fixture that worked quite well. Don't have it anymore since I replaced the roof and needed a surface mount light.
...Alan

shiann
Posts: 1092

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#55 » Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:53 am

AlanMcR wrote:The rear passenger lights need a focused light source. I had mounted a lenses and cooled 1W LED for that fixture that worked quite well. Don't have it anymore since I replaced the roof and needed a surface mount light.


Thanks for the input. I may try to find a generic or OE Mercedes (from another car) dome light to retrofit into the center of the rear passenger area to get more light back there. I definitely helps when trying to gather all of the kid's things. I have to redo my headliner anyway so adding a cutout for another dome light wouldn't be that difficult.
2005 G55k – Mildly Modded/Restored Family Hauler
2005 Volvo S60 T5 M66 – IPD DP, exhaust, sways, R-brembos, FC04A, KW V2
2007 FSAE Auto-X Racecar
IG: shiann_builds

User avatar
AlanMcR
Posts: 7729

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#56 » Sat Sep 12, 2020 8:55 am

Consider these. Good light, neutral white and easily aimable. Can be surface mounted or recessed. They only have a single on/off switch (vs. on/door/off).
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinf ... 3558/7251/
Image
...Alan

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apple
Posts: 1768

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#57 » Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:54 am

Thanks for the update! The whiter light seems to work better on the darker interiors, I’m excited to try them out.

For the rear panel I meant this larger center threaded boss.. appears something is missing haha
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shiann
Posts: 1092

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#58 » Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:33 pm

apple wrote:Thanks for the update! The whiter light seems to work better on the darker interiors, I’m excited to try them out.

For the rear panel I meant this larger center threaded boss.. appears something is missing haha


Hey Apple,

I definitely don't have that cutout on my panel. Maybe this is the mounting boss for the high mounded rear view cameras in the later models?

My 2005 for reference:
Image
2005 G55k – Mildly Modded/Restored Family Hauler
2005 Volvo S60 T5 M66 – IPD DP, exhaust, sways, R-brembos, FC04A, KW V2
2007 FSAE Auto-X Racecar
IG: shiann_builds

User avatar
apple
Posts: 1768

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#59 » Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:41 am

Hmm.. thanks, the plot thickens!

Armo463
Posts: 118

Re: My G55k Adventure

Post#60 » Sun Oct 18, 2020 7:15 am

I think I am thinking of doing the same. I honestly don’t want a brand new double din high def head unit as my truck is an 02 and it will look out of place given the year of my truck. Seeing the pictures I think single din definitely matched the truck better. Do you know if you needed a special wiring harness for the steering wheel controls? Also anyone you can recommend for unit installation I am going to be taking it to a shop as I am not tech savvy. Btw Wolfgangs is great I have been taking my truck there over 10 years. Much better solution than taking it to the dealer.
02 G500
2010 Carrera 997.2
05 E320 Wagon

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