New way to modify your side markers
03-30-2008 | 12:32 PM
#41
06 WDP / 07 WDP Type-S
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 721
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
Can you photoshop the rear to be white like the front? That looks amazing, and I think even better if you have the lights uniform. =)
Looks amazing man, I love the cool blue ascent to the WDP TL, I LOVE IT. I have two, an 06 and an 07 S, so I really appreciate nice mods like this. Thanks for the write up!!
Looks amazing man, I love the cool blue ascent to the WDP TL, I LOVE IT. I have two, an 06 and an 07 S, so I really appreciate nice mods like this. Thanks for the write up!!
03-31-2008 | 05:22 PM
#42
Need 4 Speed...
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: Westchester, New York
I'm def doing this...good job! I assume this is much brighter than the rear now. Are you planning on ordering the red LED strip and doing the same to the rear so it matches in brightness?
06-28-2008 | 06:11 PM
#44
Thread Starter
Bone stock tl-s
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 63
From: La Habra CA
Originally Posted by bforbrian
Hey, where is the part of the outlet cover from? did you have to buy that seperately?
06-29-2008 | 02:29 AM
#45
My white LED remod that I mentioned on Casper's thread have been runnin strong for over 6wks. It's a variation of jptl04 mod here. Thanks to jp he got my brain jumpstarted to tackle this and his idea was the way forward. There are many roads to take to get the same effect, and my way was a bit different.
The main thing to take away here is that using the original circuit board is NOT the way to go. Forget that, use your own internals. No hot spots either. Looks stock and way nicer. A must do if you have white LED signals/switchbacks.
The main thing to take away here is that using the original circuit board is NOT the way to go. Forget that, use your own internals. No hot spots either. Looks stock and way nicer. A must do if you have white LED signals/switchbacks.
06-29-2008 | 10:16 AM
#49
Originally Posted by Cdat
Just did this mod thanks to Kennedy. He hooked it up for me they look pretty good on NBP. Good lookin out Kennedy and JPTL for the work and idea.
I mine and c-dats too... Did the same thing Brian. Ripped the old leds of the circuit, used it as mounting plate... Easy mod, much easier than de-soldering leds.
06-29-2008 | 11:00 AM
#51
Thread Starter
Bone stock tl-s
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 63
From: La Habra CA
Originally Posted by Cdat
Just did this mod thanks to Kennedy. He hooked it up for me they look pretty good on NBP. Good lookin out Kennedy and JPTL for the work and idea.
sure man, glad this mod is working out for everyone. it does look better than the original way, and the LEDS or circuit boards wont blow out. using the old circuit board as a platform makes alot of sense since it wont be used anyways. i just wanted everything out. just an extra 5 min to cut the outlet coverto size, my hack saw cut through it like butter. i've done a few other AZine members side markers as well.Kennedy= LED master
06-29-2008 | 04:03 PM
#53
heres a diagram (which is a bit blurry) of how i mounted mine.
this is how it looks apart
note: the stock led board is off in this pic because I did not realize at the time that I could just re-use the stock led board without even removing the screws. it is your preference.
here are some day time pics, i'll post some night time pics ......when it gets dark
I tried decreasing exposure so there is contrast
it was sunny as hell today mind you
this is how it looks apart
note: the stock led board is off in this pic because I did not realize at the time that I could just re-use the stock led board without even removing the screws. it is your preference.
here are some day time pics, i'll post some night time pics ......when it gets dark
I tried decreasing exposure so there is contrast
it was sunny as hell today mind you
07-03-2008 | 11:20 AM
#59
Yeah that's a nice site with some good quality stuff and decent prices. They have some unique items you won't find at the gazillion other vendors.
A few people have done white LEDs in the Type-S rear sidemarkers. I don't think that is necessary. I think 2 white ones don't look right. This mod is all about matching and coordinating. The front white sidemarkers coordinate with your front white LED/switchback. (If you have amber front signals, I say leave amber in the sidemarker. White sidemarkers go best only if you have white in the front.)
If you do a rear white sidemarker, what is that supposed to go with? The other sidemarker? I say keep em red because it goes with your tail-lights better. When the parking lights are on, white goes with white in the front and red goes with red in the rear. Then when you turn your signals on your switchbacks turn amber and if you have mirror lights, even better, you get the amber effect only when signalling. Nice.
A few people have done white LEDs in the Type-S rear sidemarkers. I don't think that is necessary. I think 2 white ones don't look right. This mod is all about matching and coordinating. The front white sidemarkers coordinate with your front white LED/switchback. (If you have amber front signals, I say leave amber in the sidemarker. White sidemarkers go best only if you have white in the front.)
If you do a rear white sidemarker, what is that supposed to go with? The other sidemarker? I say keep em red because it goes with your tail-lights better. When the parking lights are on, white goes with white in the front and red goes with red in the rear. Then when you turn your signals on your switchbacks turn amber and if you have mirror lights, even better, you get the amber effect only when signalling. Nice.
07-03-2008 | 01:53 PM
#60
Originally Posted by bforbrian
just kidding...
white side markers is the way to go with switchbacks! i'm in the process of making them as well....
07-05-2008 | 01:20 AM
#62
Originally Posted by rockyfeller
That IS what he used....Our surgical grade tools, my "mechanics" scrubs, lol!
Brian and I specialize in automobile surgery. MDs....Doctor of Mechanics.
Brian and I specialize in automobile surgery. MDs....Doctor of Mechanics.
07-05-2008 | 08:34 AM
#63
Those OEM LEDs look like Superflux 4 pin. SuperFlux LEDs are very durable and are one of the best ones on the market. If I keep my TL i'll swap the 2 for 3~4 5mm (rather than 3 mm) replica Super flux white LEDs (superflux doesnt make white LEDs). Those SMTs dont look that dependable btw, I'll have to check with azdave to get his thoughts on better alternatives.
Replica 5mm 5 pin white LED
Here is what I had planned for my headlight turn signal
,
24 3mm Superflux amber LEDs for each turn signal.
Just to give you an idea as to how bright these are the side markers have only 2 in the front and three in the back of these.
Replica 5mm 5 pin white LED
Here is what I had planned for my headlight turn signal
, 24 3mm Superflux amber LEDs for each turn signal.
Just to give you an idea as to how bright these are the side markers have only 2 in the front and three in the back of these
.
07-05-2008 | 11:18 AM
#64
Thread Starter
Bone stock tl-s
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 63
From: La Habra CA
^^^^
yes they are 4 pin superflux leds. yes they are durable, but they will burn out your resistors in your oem circuit board. it been done many times. it will work, but it will not last very long. i had some luck. mine never died. even still i changed them out with these new modules. because i knew that eventually they would fail. i've had both and these are better by far.
you could try, but maybe you should read this first https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/simpsons-character-you-112305/ before you waste your time
yes they are 4 pin superflux leds. yes they are durable, but they will burn out your resistors in your oem circuit board. it been done many times. it will work, but it will not last very long. i had some luck. mine never died. even still i changed them out with these new modules. because i knew that eventually they would fail. i've had both and these are better by far.
you could try, but maybe you should read this first https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/simpsons-character-you-112305/ before you waste your time
07-05-2008 | 01:44 PM
#65
Originally Posted by jptl04
^^^^
yes they are 4 pin superflux leds. yes they are durable, but they will burn out your resistors in your oem circuit board. it been done many times. it will work, but it will not last very long. i had some luck. mine never died. even still i changed them out with these new modules. because i knew that eventually they would fail. i've had both and these are better by far.
you could try, but maybe you should read this first https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112305 before you waste your time
yes they are 4 pin superflux leds. yes they are durable, but they will burn out your resistors in your oem circuit board. it been done many times. it will work, but it will not last very long. i had some luck. mine never died. even still i changed them out with these new modules. because i knew that eventually they would fail. i've had both and these are better by far.
you could try, but maybe you should read this first https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112305 before you waste your time
but if I know JnC, he'll build custom circuit boards to properly setup the array as opposed to our ghetto "replace the led only" approach.
07-05-2008 | 02:11 PM
#66
^^ Yup, getting around the factory circuitry is not a problem, the ebay 4/5 pin white LEDs are not that dependable or shall I say AS dependable as the superflux. As I said earlier I may trade the TL in on monday but if I dont then this certainly would be one of the mods
07-07-2008 | 11:45 AM
#68
They're not illegal. Why would they be? The law requires orange reflectors and amber turn signals in the front. Red and blue lights are not legal in the front......Blue lights are illegal in the back. Red reflectors in the back and red/amber turn signals in the rear....If you follow these rules you are OK.
White LEDs as sidemarkers=no problem. Sidemarkers are not even a required item. They give additional safety so it's a good thing. Your front signals have parking light function so these are sorta redundant anyways.
The police are always looking for flashy/distracting colors. Most cops won't notice, they look stock anyways. I saw a Mazda 6 the other day and it had stock white parking lights...how about that?
EVERY cop looks at my switchbacks like HUH???? They can'd do crap because it's totally legal, it is white but flashes amber. My signals don't FLASH in white. See that's illegal and what they are looking for.
White LEDs as sidemarkers=no problem. Sidemarkers are not even a required item. They give additional safety so it's a good thing. Your front signals have parking light function so these are sorta redundant anyways.
The police are always looking for flashy/distracting colors. Most cops won't notice, they look stock anyways. I saw a Mazda 6 the other day and it had stock white parking lights...how about that?
EVERY cop looks at my switchbacks like HUH???? They can'd do crap because it's totally legal, it is white but flashes amber. My signals don't FLASH in white. See that's illegal and what they are looking for.
07-07-2008 | 05:49 PM
#69
Originally Posted by rockyfeller
White LEDs as sidemarkers=no problem. Sidemarkers are not even a required item. They give additional safety so it's a good thing. Your front signals have parking light function so these are sorta redundant anyways.
The police are always looking for flashy/distracting colors. Most cops won't notice, they look stock anyways. I saw a Mazda 6 the other day and it had stock white parking lights...how about that?
The police are always looking for flashy/distracting colors. Most cops won't notice, they look stock anyways. I saw a Mazda 6 the other day and it had stock white parking lights...how about that?
As people told me here, they're illegal....but i don't see the point why a white side markers that doesn't blink would be a problem.
07-08-2008 | 11:06 AM
#70
07 TL-S
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 468
Likes: 4
From: in the shade
trust me, theyre illegal. they look nice but i've been pulled over for white side markers. i've looked up all the lighting laws for texas in the past. you can have white or amber turn signals on the front headlights. the rear tails can only have red or amber turning signals. and sidemarkers can only be amber or red. only emergency vehicles and i believe 18-wheelers can have white sidemarkers. it varies from state to state but im pretty sure it is the same for most states
07-08-2008 | 04:09 PM
#71
ADVANCE.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: BAY AREA CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted by jptl04
ok guys, i know some of you have had problems with your modified side markers, burnt out LEDS. i have had some luck with mine, cuz they still work fine. but i wanted to see if i could make them a bit brighter. so i did some searching i found these bad boys. they have 6 surface mounted LEDS on them and are made to run off 12V so they wont burn out. i ordered a pair and decided to change out my old LEDS for these. this is what i did.
6 surface mounted LEDS in bright white
the tools i used
material i used
i took my side marker apart. it was pretty easy since i already cut it open and all i had to do was remove the epoxy glue i used a safety cutter with a sharp blade.
new LED and old LED circuit board just about the same size
i dremeled both sides a bit cus it was just a little too wide once i did it was a perfect fit
i cut a piece of the outlet cover to make a little platform for the new LED. i used a soldering iron to melt out the two holes for the screws.
i put down three layers of double side tape to raise the new LED module a bit. its alittle longer than the screw mounts. this way it clears the screw heads.
once you cut the wires to size and solder them to the power contacts. mount the new LED in place. should look like this.
here im testing it out before i put it back together with the epoxy. this thing is bright!
this is the new modified side marker. it's nice and bright. the light output is better than my old LEDS. the light dispersion is alot better, nice and even no hot spots
this my side marker before, you cant really tell in the pic but the light output is not as good. it has hot spots you can see where the LED is mounted through the lens
although my side markers never failed. im glad i did this mod. it looks alot better and i dont have to worry that my LEDS will burn out
6 surface mounted LEDS in bright white
the tools i used
material i used
i took my side marker apart. it was pretty easy since i already cut it open and all i had to do was remove the epoxy glue i used a safety cutter with a sharp blade.
new LED and old LED circuit board just about the same size
i dremeled both sides a bit cus it was just a little too wide once i did it was a perfect fit
i cut a piece of the outlet cover to make a little platform for the new LED. i used a soldering iron to melt out the two holes for the screws.
i put down three layers of double side tape to raise the new LED module a bit. its alittle longer than the screw mounts. this way it clears the screw heads.
once you cut the wires to size and solder them to the power contacts. mount the new LED in place. should look like this.
here im testing it out before i put it back together with the epoxy. this thing is bright!
this is the new modified side marker. it's nice and bright. the light output is better than my old LEDS. the light dispersion is alot better, nice and even no hot spots
this my side marker before, you cant really tell in the pic but the light output is not as good. it has hot spots you can see where the LED is mounted through the lens
although my side markers never failed. im glad i did this mod. it looks alot better and i dont have to worry that my LEDS will burn out
07-08-2008 | 04:15 PM
#72
ADVANCE.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: BAY AREA CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted by Skrewologist
trust me, theyre illegal. they look nice but i've been pulled over for white side markers. i've looked up all the lighting laws for texas in the past. you can have white or amber turn signals on the front headlights. the rear tails can only have red or amber turning signals. and sidemarkers can only be amber or red. only emergency vehicles and i believe 18-wheelers can have white sidemarkers. it varies from state to state but im pretty sure it is the same for most states
10-05-2008 | 01:00 PM
#73
Mistuh DRiiVA
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 13
From: Queens Village, NY
I have to say, this was one of the easier mods thanks to jptl04 and this great write up. I did it the other day on two TLs, a SSM and an AM TL and they look amazing, bright too. I just thought i should share my pics as well and say thanks to jptl04 for the writeup, great improvement in looks since it matches my switchbacks in my blacked out headlights.
