You just said it's cheap and modern - obviously it's not legal.

Why was I afraid you'd say that.

If you want to be legal, it's even worse that that. You would need a
field approval. And you can't get one. They're not issuing them
anymore.

Where did you hear this?

I've heard its still a pain in the ass, but not that they've stopped.

Option 1 - semi-legal. We could decide that this is a minor
alteration involving the installation of an owner-produced part. As
the regs are actually written, it's even true. Jim Weir has made a
business of this. If you can find an A&P who will sign off on this,
you're fine - unless your IA is a pain in the ass who says it's not
legal, and maybe even calls the FSDO for "clarification" - and believe
me, when an IA calls the FSDO for clarification, unless he really,
really pushes hard for the answer to be "it's legal" it always comes
back otherwise.

I'll talk to my mech about this.

Option 2 - marginally legal. Do it, don't tell anyone, remove it
before annual, reinstall it after (should take 20 minutes). Chances
of being busted - essentially nil. If you are busted, claim
ignorance. After all, the stuff YOU added is not permanently
installed - just tape and/or velcro - and you only removed and
reinstalled the cosmetic panel cover (which you are allowed to do) to
get to where you needed to put the lights. Worst you get is a slap on
the wrist.

Strikes me as being more trouble than its worth.

Option 3 - live with what you have.

For the time being I have no choice... in all reality though, a 15
dollar selectable red/white LED head-lamp does everything I need.

Option 4 - pay through the nose for a certified system.

A fool and his money...

Sorry to burst your bubble.

NP, thanks for the in-depth answer

-Scott