Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades

by | Nov 27, 2019

The weather this past weekend was absolutely perfect for the Fort Worth Parade of Lights.

John has a Model A and since we’re friends he texted me about lights. 😀

His car runs on a 6-volt system so we decided his best option to supply power 1000’s of lights was to use a battery and inverter system.

David (that’s Robinson, my husband) and John pulled strings of lights and nets from our project stash and John installed them on his car using an inventive combination of tape, zip ties, and huge rubber bands to join the lights across the door seam and to the area near the hood.

He said, to do it again, he’d use windshield tape.

Be sure to test any kind of adhesive tape on your car’s paint in an inconspicuous spot. Consider removing the lights as quickly as you can using a spray wax to loosen the adhesive.

If you have any doubt about your paint, keep the tape on glass (off of any film installed on the windows) and chrome.

Materials

  • LED string lights and net lights
  • Windshield tape
  • Big rubber bands
  • Inverter
  • Automotive battery
  • Splitter
  • Extension cords

Notes from John on materials:

Total of 37 strings

Battery started at 13.5v ended at 11.7v with about 2.5-3 hr use

Battery came from my 2000 impala, inverter was a 15 yr old harbor freight inverter

Here’s are the photos of the car, the install, and the parade.We hope you are as inspired as we were.

Here is John’s Model A. So cool!!

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades

Here are photos of the lights installed on the car.

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades 45
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Net lights on the side of the car
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Along the roofline
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Across the hood
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Dad and 13-year old checking things out
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
See the rubber band holding the lights in place
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Car battery
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Inverter
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Inverter Specs
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
The setup!
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Extension cord
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Install at the door handle
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Wire ties in action
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
More rubber bands bridging the gap near the hood

This Jeep was pretty cool! Love the color and the net lights on the hood.

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades 46

Ready for a ride in the rumble seat!!!

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
View of the side

As great as everything looked at 4:30 pm, after dark everything was truly stunning.

Enjoy these photos of the parade.

The Fort Worth Parade of Lights is a family tradition. We love that it sets the tone for the season. Each year, we never know what to expect from the weather but this year was a light jacket kind of evening and it was super.

I hope you are as inspired by the entries as we were.

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades

Finally! Entry number 69!!

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades

Photos snapped after the parade!

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades

We made the paper!!

Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
Parade of Lights: lighting cars for parades
PIN & SAVE for later!

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2 Comments

  1. Candace Wilson

    If I put these lights on my car and it rains, will I have an electrical problem? I do not want to tamper with my car warranty.

    Reply
    • Shellie Gardner

      We have not had any reports of electrical problems associated with these light strings. They are water resistant.

      With the influx of so many electric cars on the market, I’d reach out to the manufacturer to confirm there would not be an issue with warranty.

      Reply

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