I'm replacing my front Toyota badge with an acrylic Batman logo and I'm trying to figure out how difficult it is to run a 12 volt line from somewhere either under the hood or inside the cab to it. The goal is add a switch to the cab to turn on/off the front emblem's LED light strip, but I can't find a diagram or instructions on getting to a 12 volt line. Searches haven't been all that helpful, they mostly return comparisons of the Prius to the Chevy Volt. Any information is helpful. Helical Black 2012 Prius V (The Batrius)
The wires to the headlight should be 12 volts and you can tap to the positive one either the main or the sub and your emblem should come on with the light (when properly grounded of course). There's an illuminated Prius emblem from Japan for $648 on ebay!!
I also saw that kit and thought it would be cool but not for $648. I wonder if there is a cheaper way like buying some lights and wire and DIY to save money.
Here are links with I formation that may help you. Try PMing the people who have performed the mod on their cars. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ifications/92445-back-illuminated-emblem.html
The acrylic panel cost me about $16, the EL wire and converter was another $16. I made the mounting bracket with about $4 worth of stuff. I had most everything else already, but if I didn't it wouldn't have cost more than $15 for paint, wire, switch, heatshrink, etc. It was basically just stencil the big oval, dremel it out, sand it down to fit right, stencil the batman logo and cut it out with a hobby knife, peel off the paper and paint it, attach the bracket I built and screw it to the front of the car. Attach the EL wire plate I made to the inside, wire it around and through the firewall on the driver side and then up to the switch. I'll have to get a better picture of it at night and upload it.
Looks great! How did you end up wiring this? Specifically, which wires/fuses did you tap into for power? It's a good thing our v isn't black, or else I'd definitely have to copy you.... I'd love to see more pics, including backlighting. Good work! Andy
The Batrius! Hilarious and way way cool! What a clever idea to fabricate and light up the emblem. Good on you Helical! T
