How to Install JeepCals from ORACLE Lighting: A Simple Guide to Personalizing Your Jeep

Ready to make your Jeep truly yours? ORACLE Lighting's JeepCals offer an easy and eye-catching way to customize your ride with a touch of personality. Whether you're representing your trail name, showing off your favorite off-road destination, or simply standing out from the crowd, JeepCals are the perfect finishing touch for any Jeep build.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to install your JeepCals like a pro—including surface prep, alignment tips, and a few things I did to step outside of the easy installation. The best part? You don’t need a garage full of tools or experience with vinyl—just a little patience and the right steps.

Included with the JeepCals

Custom Decals w/ 3M Adhesive Backing (2.5" x 12"-32")

Inverter

12V Plug

Y-Adapter

3ft Extension

What You’ll Need:

Your JeepCals decal (custom or pre-made)

Clean microfiber cloth

Rubbing alcohol or surface cleaner

Painter’s tape

Patience and good vibes

Let’s start with a little background: I’ve always been a Star Wars fan—some might even say a full-blown nerd. So, when it came time to shop for my “new” Jeep Wrangler, I knew I wanted to blend my love for Star Wars with my passion for off-roading.

At first, I figured I’d go with a black Jeep and give it a full-on Darth Vader theme—stealthy, powerful, and unmistakable. My second idea was a white Jeep decked out in true Stormtrooper fashion. But then I came across a Firecracker Red Jeep, and everything changed.

At first, I was stumped. What Star Wars theme fits a bold, red Jeep? My initial thought was a Darth Maul-inspired build, but a few friends convinced me to think twice. I was looking for a character that reflected inner conflict—something raw and powerful.

That’s when it hit me: Kylo Ren.

A complicated, emotionally torn character with a bold presence—Kylo was the perfect match. And thanks to J.J. Abrams’ dramatic lighting and visual storytelling, the vision came together in my head. Just like that, Kylo was born.

Now Let’s Add a Name to the Jeep

After gathering all my equipment that I needed, I laid everything out on a table and got the ball rolling.

Application:

1.        Clean the Surface

I started by giving my Jeep a good wash to get rid of dirt, grime, and any dust or pollen. After that, I wiped down the area with an alcohol wipe to remove any leftover residue or wax. Finally, I dried everything thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Since any leftover gunk can affect how well the decal sticks, I made sure this step was done right!

2.         Positioning the Decal

The decal is a bit thicker and less flexible than standard vinyl, so it requires a bit more planning to get the placement just right. One key detail: the wiring comes out from the center bottom of the decal, so you’ll need to account for that when positioning it.

To ensure everything was centered, I measured both the decal and the hood using a tape measure. Then, I marked alignment points using painter’s tape and a Sharpie.

Once I had my placement figured out, I used painter’s tape again to temporarily hold the decal (with the backing still on) against the Jeep.

Tip: Use painter’s tape to secure the top edge of the decal as a hinge. This allows you to flip the decal up and down while keeping your placement locked in—super helpful for getting it just right before committing.

3.        Peel the Backing and Apply

I carefully flipped up the decal and began slowly peeling away the backing, aligning it as I went. Because the Wrangler hood curves slightly in multiple directions, getting perfect placement was a bit tricky. I relied on the painter’s tape guides and visual cues to get it as straight and centered as possible.

Starting from the center and working outward, I smoothed the decal down, making sure to avoid air bubbles. Unlike traditional vinyl decals where you can use the wet method and adjust with a squeegee, this decal uses a very high-bond (VHB) adhesive backing—so once it sticks, it’s not going anywhere. That’s why I took extra time to get the alignment right before making contact.

Fortunately, both sides went on smoothly thanks to the prep and careful planning.Wiring:

Wiring:

The wiring system for the JeepCals decal is simple and straightforward. Each wire comes pre-terminated with connectors, making installation easy. Starting on the passenger side, you’ll connect the provided extension cable to run the wire across the width of the vehicle under the hood cowl. Then, connect the driver’s side decal to that extension using the included Y-adapter. From there, route the 12V power lead through the firewall grommet and connect it to the single lead from the Y-adapter.

I chose to take a slightly different approach by wiring the JeepCals decal into my Trigger Controller system. This allows me to control it with a switch, which felt more convenient and in line with my setup. I shortened the 12V cable and soldered it directly to the pigtail on my Trigger Controller. To protect the connection from the elements, I used heat shrink tubing—not just over the main joint, but over each individual connection for extra durability.

Once everything was secured with cable ties, I tested the system using the Trigger Controller. It worked perfectly—the decal lit up even in daylight, but it wasn’t until nightfall that it really stood out and looked incredible.

Installing the JeepCals illuminated decal was a rewarding upgrade that adds both style and functionality to my build. With some careful planning, easy wiring, and a little patience, the result is a custom look that truly stands out—especially after dark. Whether you're sticking with the included wiring harness or integrating it into a switch system like I did, the process is straightforward and well worth the effort. If you're looking for a way to make your Jeep more unique and eye-catching, this is definitely a mod to consider.