My upcoming final projekts...
12-11-2009, 04:49 PM
#525
2011 ZCP E92 M3!!
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Now that I'm a second semester senior, I'm taking the minimum # of credits which is 12, and my schedule has allowed me to spend more time on my car. 
SO, there are a couple of projects that will permit me to "finalize" my car and "be done with it..."
So you guys know me by now, I'm a headlight maniac--along with rockyfeller--and have decided to invest in a brand new set of type s headlights with all internal parts upgraded..
1. Headlights
-Oznium CCFLx4
-Oznium "Thin LED Strips, Audi style"
-Genuine BMW E46 ZKW Lenses
-Cleared headlights with diffuser retained
-"Color Mod"
-04-06 to 07-08 Sidemarker socket & connector compatibility
Oznium CCFLx4
So if not all, most of the AZ members with halos are running lightwurkz or Umnitza. Both are reputable companies but I decided to go with a more reliable company--Oznium. They have a wide array of led/CCFL products and they are known to last. My front sidemarkers are from Oznium and I have done two sets of oznium front white sidemarkers for members, one of them being BLACKURA_NY.
I researched their angel eye rings, and the only downside is that they appear to be made of glass, which didn't really bug me, since nothing will be exerting pressure or force--it's inside the headlight. The upside, is that they are slightly thicker (thicker rings when lit), and they are more of a complete circle. Instead of a "U" shaped design, they are more closed, making it look more like an "O". The more enclosed they are, the more aggressive, take a look at BMW for example.
Instead of the lazy look, you get the glaring look.
Here is a comparison of the lightwurkz and oznium rings. (I bought both in case the ozniums are too big, will touch up on that) Oznium is on the right.
Another issue was size, I called several buddies and they confirmed that the original halo size was exactly 3 inches. This would fit snug on the inner side of the bezel. The smallest size oznium had was 80mm, which is approximately 4mm wider in diameter but upon close scrutiny they are basically the same size.
I will have a completely separate switch for the angel eyes, on my current set of headlights they were wire to my parking lights. I will use this switch.
On a tangent, I wanted to point out something about the construction of BMW DRL angel eyes.. I can say that Germans know how to do it right, lol. Their angel eye is comprised of plastic, and a bulb. That simple. Here's how it works (I recently purchased a set of 535i angel eyes on the BM just to test fit them but realized there is no way in hell they are fitting inside the 3G TL headlight, even the smaller ring).
The BMW drl halos use a bulb that emits light into a black wire, and at the tip of this wire shines the light into a meticulously made plastic ring with striations.
Here is me simply shining an led flashlight into the tube on top:
Here's how they look lit up, notice the bulb ejecting light into the black wires, and the tip of these are connected to the plastic rings. JUST PLASTIC! Nothing inside; light is just traveling inside it.
Not sure if you guys knew this but I just found out how they worked, lol.
This is why they are so efficient and last a long time... if the bulb goes out, you simply change the bulb, not the rings--the rings are just plastic. The bulb is outside of the headlight so there would be no need to open the headlight. SO SMART!
Anyway, onward..
The "Audi style LED strip".
JnC uses the same company, Oznium, for his led strips but I didn't like the continuous and endless amount of LEDs.. to closely mimic the Audi look, I bought the "Thin LED strips" as they are more spaced out, and the strip itself is black which blends very well (inside or outside the headlight, not sure where I want to mount them yet...) with the headlight color. Only the LEDs themselves are slightly yellow.
I realized that only one strip (1 ft) is too short to extend throughout the headlight, so I bought 3 strips, and planned on using 1.5 ft for each, here is how I extended the strips.. the strips come with 4 pronged connectors:
Oznium placed pre-made marks where you can cut the LED without damaging it.
And because this isn't meant for automobile vehicles, the 12V cable wasn't compatible so I just cut it off, and separate the two wires as such:
So this will run on the bottom of the headlight all the way to the sidemarker, either inside the headlight, or outside, right under the headlight between the bumper, still contemplating where.
Again, I will be using a completely separate switch, same as the halos.
Next up will be the Authentic BMW E46 ZKW lens swap.
I snagged a set on ebay for a very good price through the best offer system and got them for $160 shipped.
They are CRYSTAL CLEAR!
Miscellaneous
I will be removing only the amber parts, no dremeling, nothing. The headlight will be cleared and the diffuser will still be there. I also pulled out the plastic tabs so that there will be a fuzzy blue line above the razor sharp light cut off, otherwise known as the "color mod."
As for the sidemarker socket, the difference in years (04-06 and 07-08) has caused the sidemarker bulb socket size to be different.. the newer years are 1157 and so I bought two of those size sockets from www.acuraoemparts.com and also the plastic connector to go behind it. Now all I need to do is rewire them so they will fit inside the housing.
Wheels
New wheels have arrived at the UPS center near Cornell, will be picking them up tomorrow, the teaser will kill you guys
Here are the lugs that are going on them.
And the BBK to accompany them
So I will keep updating once the headlight work begins, and once the tires are mounted on the wheels, stay tuned!
After all this, I will let the car be for a long long time
SO, there are a couple of projects that will permit me to "finalize" my car and "be done with it..."So you guys know me by now, I'm a headlight maniac--along with rockyfeller--and have decided to invest in a brand new set of type s headlights with all internal parts upgraded..
1. Headlights
-Oznium CCFLx4
-Oznium "Thin LED Strips, Audi style"
-Genuine BMW E46 ZKW Lenses
-Cleared headlights with diffuser retained
-"Color Mod"
-04-06 to 07-08 Sidemarker socket & connector compatibility
Oznium CCFLx4
So if not all, most of the AZ members with halos are running lightwurkz or Umnitza. Both are reputable companies but I decided to go with a more reliable company--Oznium. They have a wide array of led/CCFL products and they are known to last. My front sidemarkers are from Oznium and I have done two sets of oznium front white sidemarkers for members, one of them being BLACKURA_NY.
I researched their angel eye rings, and the only downside is that they appear to be made of glass, which didn't really bug me, since nothing will be exerting pressure or force--it's inside the headlight. The upside, is that they are slightly thicker (thicker rings when lit), and they are more of a complete circle. Instead of a "U" shaped design, they are more closed, making it look more like an "O". The more enclosed they are, the more aggressive, take a look at BMW for example.
Instead of the lazy look, you get the glaring look.
Here is a comparison of the lightwurkz and oznium rings. (I bought both in case the ozniums are too big, will touch up on that) Oznium is on the right.
Another issue was size, I called several buddies and they confirmed that the original halo size was exactly 3 inches. This would fit snug on the inner side of the bezel. The smallest size oznium had was 80mm, which is approximately 4mm wider in diameter but upon close scrutiny they are basically the same size.
I will have a completely separate switch for the angel eyes, on my current set of headlights they were wire to my parking lights. I will use this switch.
On a tangent, I wanted to point out something about the construction of BMW DRL angel eyes.. I can say that Germans know how to do it right, lol. Their angel eye is comprised of plastic, and a bulb. That simple. Here's how it works (I recently purchased a set of 535i angel eyes on the BM just to test fit them but realized there is no way in hell they are fitting inside the 3G TL headlight, even the smaller ring).
The BMW drl halos use a bulb that emits light into a black wire, and at the tip of this wire shines the light into a meticulously made plastic ring with striations.
Here is me simply shining an led flashlight into the tube on top:
Here's how they look lit up, notice the bulb ejecting light into the black wires, and the tip of these are connected to the plastic rings. JUST PLASTIC! Nothing inside; light is just traveling inside it.
Not sure if you guys knew this but I just found out how they worked, lol.
This is why they are so efficient and last a long time... if the bulb goes out, you simply change the bulb, not the rings--the rings are just plastic. The bulb is outside of the headlight so there would be no need to open the headlight. SO SMART!
Anyway, onward..
The "Audi style LED strip".
JnC uses the same company, Oznium, for his led strips but I didn't like the continuous and endless amount of LEDs.. to closely mimic the Audi look, I bought the "Thin LED strips" as they are more spaced out, and the strip itself is black which blends very well (inside or outside the headlight, not sure where I want to mount them yet...) with the headlight color. Only the LEDs themselves are slightly yellow.
I realized that only one strip (1 ft) is too short to extend throughout the headlight, so I bought 3 strips, and planned on using 1.5 ft for each, here is how I extended the strips.. the strips come with 4 pronged connectors:
Oznium placed pre-made marks where you can cut the LED without damaging it.
And because this isn't meant for automobile vehicles, the 12V cable wasn't compatible so I just cut it off, and separate the two wires as such:
So this will run on the bottom of the headlight all the way to the sidemarker, either inside the headlight, or outside, right under the headlight between the bumper, still contemplating where.
Again, I will be using a completely separate switch, same as the halos.
Next up will be the Authentic BMW E46 ZKW lens swap.
I snagged a set on ebay for a very good price through the best offer system and got them for $160 shipped.
They are CRYSTAL CLEAR!
Miscellaneous
I will be removing only the amber parts, no dremeling, nothing. The headlight will be cleared and the diffuser will still be there. I also pulled out the plastic tabs so that there will be a fuzzy blue line above the razor sharp light cut off, otherwise known as the "color mod."
As for the sidemarker socket, the difference in years (04-06 and 07-08) has caused the sidemarker bulb socket size to be different.. the newer years are 1157 and so I bought two of those size sockets from www.acuraoemparts.com and also the plastic connector to go behind it. Now all I need to do is rewire them so they will fit inside the housing.
Wheels
New wheels have arrived at the UPS center near Cornell, will be picking them up tomorrow, the teaser will kill you guys
Here are the lugs that are going on them.
And the BBK to accompany them
So I will keep updating once the headlight work begins, and once the tires are mounted on the wheels, stay tuned!
After all this, I will let the car be for a long long time
where did u get those rotors??? they look so coool
02-11-2010, 11:42 PM
#527
So an update, decided to put the Audi A6 LED DRL's on hold (they're friggin expensive) and continue with the fiber optic 5-series angel eyes.... that is, IF SOMEONE DECIDES TO BUY MY HEADLIGHTS ALREADY
I need type-s headlights for the full function of the 4 bezels and 4 rings.
Below is a picture of the lighting unit of a 535i, and the angel eye ring (left) that comes with the headlight. On the right, is a sample ring I created in 15 minutes. The only difference is, the 5-series ring has the tube which feeds into two tubes; light output is optimum. The tricky part for me is finding a way to create the same effect, but I obviously run into the problem of finding a way to connect one end of the plastic ring into the merging point.
Here's the 5-series ring lit up; as you can see the light distribution is fairly equal.
Here is the ring I created lit up; the light intensity dies down a bit on the right side of the ring.
My thoughts were to cut off the tip of the 5-series rings and apply them to the rings I made.... OR, to heat the 5-series rings back up and to cut them and decrease the diameter so as to fit the acura TL bezels. Still working on that.....
Here is a picture of the perfect sizing for the ring I made on top of a TL projector.
And of course, I can change out the bulb from halogen to a white LED outside of the headlight But I think I want to keep it halogen so that they have an effect in the daytime. I also plan on making the rings light up in less of a full circle, more like U's to keep an angry and aggressive look. A fuller circle for the HID bezel, and a half circle for the DRL bezel.
This can all begin once I get stock type-s headlights..
Almost there!!!!
I need type-s headlights for the full function of the 4 bezels and 4 rings.
Below is a picture of the lighting unit of a 535i, and the angel eye ring (left) that comes with the headlight. On the right, is a sample ring I created in 15 minutes. The only difference is, the 5-series ring has the tube which feeds into two tubes; light output is optimum. The tricky part for me is finding a way to create the same effect, but I obviously run into the problem of finding a way to connect one end of the plastic ring into the merging point.
Here's the 5-series ring lit up; as you can see the light distribution is fairly equal.
Here is the ring I created lit up; the light intensity dies down a bit on the right side of the ring.
My thoughts were to cut off the tip of the 5-series rings and apply them to the rings I made.... OR, to heat the 5-series rings back up and to cut them and decrease the diameter so as to fit the acura TL bezels. Still working on that.....
Here is a picture of the perfect sizing for the ring I made on top of a TL projector.
And of course, I can change out the bulb from halogen to a white LED outside of the headlight
But I think I want to keep it halogen so that they have an effect in the daytime. I also plan on making the rings light up in less of a full circle, more like U's to keep an angry and aggressive look. A fuller circle for the HID bezel, and a half circle for the DRL bezel.This can all begin once I get stock type-s headlights..
Almost there!!!!
Last edited by bforbrian; 02-11-2010 at 11:46 PM.
03-05-2010, 02:08 PM
#531
Pro
Wow, how did I miss all this! B, you guys have to let me know when the next photoshoot is because I definately want to get in on it with you and allon. I love all the wheel choices, and the baking boldness.
03-19-2010, 06:49 PM
#535
Fedex has shipped the quality acrylic rods that are going to be used
2 .250" Diameter Clear Extruded Acrylic Rod x 6ft long
ACREXT.500X.375
1 .500" OD x .375"ID Clear Extruded Acrylic Tube x 6ft long
Stock type-s headlights going on the car tomorrow; I can get started within a week or two
2 .250" Diameter Clear Extruded Acrylic Rod x 6ft long
ACREXT.500X.375
1 .500" OD x .375"ID Clear Extruded Acrylic Tube x 6ft long
Stock type-s headlights going on the car tomorrow; I can get started within a week or two
03-24-2010, 10:56 PM
#538
Update
The acrylic rods and tubes have arrived; these are the ones I will be using for my project. I can't get started just yet since I still need two more things before I can begin:
1. ZKW lenses (since I left my previous ZKWs in my led headlights which were sold)
2. Amber LEDS (non switchbacks, i'm over them
)
Because the diameter of both the rods and tubes weren't to my exact specifications (it's expensive for them to custom create them for you), I will probably apply things around the fiber optic cable to ensure snug fits.
I hope you guys will know what's going on in the pics; I explained it pretty thoroughly in the previous pages.
As for light transmittance, acrylic rods seem to do a good job of passing light through.
Once I find my damn dremel kit (which I lost) I can start heating up the rods into a circle, cutting slits to create the actual eyes themselves (one semi circle for the DRL bezel and one almost-full-circle for the HID bezel), and merging the ends to fit into the tube you see in the pics above. The tube, btw, will only be around half an inch long; the reason why it's so long is that they sell the tube a minimum size of 3 ft I believe? So imagine that tube is very very short; basically the length of the tube you see on the actual 5-series ring above.
The acrylic rods and tubes have arrived; these are the ones I will be using for my project. I can't get started just yet since I still need two more things before I can begin:
1. ZKW lenses (since I left my previous ZKWs in my led headlights which were sold)
2. Amber LEDS (non switchbacks, i'm over them
)Because the diameter of both the rods and tubes weren't to my exact specifications (it's expensive for them to custom create them for you), I will probably apply things around the fiber optic cable to ensure snug fits.
I hope you guys will know what's going on in the pics; I explained it pretty thoroughly in the previous pages.
As for light transmittance, acrylic rods seem to do a good job of passing light through.
Once I find my damn dremel kit (which I lost) I can start heating up the rods into a circle, cutting slits to create the actual eyes themselves (one semi circle for the DRL bezel and one almost-full-circle for the HID bezel), and merging the ends to fit into the tube you see in the pics above. The tube, btw, will only be around half an inch long; the reason why it's so long is that they sell the tube a minimum size of 3 ft I believe? So imagine that tube is very very short; basically the length of the tube you see on the actual 5-series ring above.
Last edited by bforbrian; 03-24-2010 at 10:58 PM.
04-09-2010, 08:36 PM
#544
HOKAY
This project has just taken off... thanks to alex (infamouslink) for letting me borrow his 06 headlights, I was able to remove my type-s headlights from my car and work on them.
Here is the overall plan for these headlights.....
I have already started; the list with the x's marked are already done.
The acrylic rods will be heated and bent and the eyes will created within a few days.. are you excited?
This project has just taken off... thanks to alex (infamouslink) for letting me borrow his 06 headlights, I was able to remove my type-s headlights from my car and work on them.
Here is the overall plan for these headlights.....
- Authentic ZKW lenses, with color mod. [x]
- (4) Fiber optic halogen DRL angel eyes. [ ]
- HID bezel removed, replaced by F.O. ring. [ ]
- Retain inner bezel, paint black. [ ]
- Remove inner bezel clear ring. [x]
- Quad "projectors" (4 lenses) [ ]
- 9006 HID bulb so as to create quad projectors. [ ]
- Black out turn signal housing. [x]
- Retain OEM type-s diffuser with (4) amber pieces wrapped in 3M carbon fiber vinyl. [x]
I have already started; the list with the x's marked are already done.
The acrylic rods will be heated and bent and the eyes will created within a few days.. are you excited?
04-09-2010, 11:42 PM
#547
Team Owner
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
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Brian, the Carbon Fiber inserts look excellent. I should have done it that way on mine.
National Acura Meet-June 6th/Kansas City. Click here for details and to sign up!
.
National Acura Meet-June 6th/Kansas City. Click here for details and to sign up!
.
04-10-2010, 12:54 AM
#549
Reducing the depth and size of the clear ring right behind the DRL bezel.. 
if the inner circle is reduced enough, a lens can plop right on. I will be dremeling away the excess melted plastic and then smoothening it with sandpaper so as to create a nice planar surface to mount the lens. The bezel will be painted black.
The headlight looks badass already.....
Blacking out the turn signal housing with the clear diffuser really makes a difference... to compensate for the lack of the ability to reflect light, I'll be purchasing v-led's 92 (yes, 92 lol) amber LED tower bulb. (talk about bright!)
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/T...-p7472055.html
if the inner circle is reduced enough, a lens can plop right on. I will be dremeling away the excess melted plastic and then smoothening it with sandpaper so as to create a nice planar surface to mount the lens. The bezel will be painted black.The headlight looks badass already.....
Blacking out the turn signal housing with the clear diffuser really makes a difference... to compensate for the lack of the ability to reflect light, I'll be purchasing v-led's 92 (yes, 92 lol) amber LED tower bulb. (talk about bright!)
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/T...-p7472055.html
Last edited by bforbrian; 04-10-2010 at 12:57 AM.
04-10-2010, 05:47 AM
#551
Looks good Brian, might I suggest you use some real CF veneer instead of the 3M stuff. It's easy to cut using a good pair of scissors, and you could file some of it if needed. I Recently did someones lights and acctually made some new corner pieces out of some thin sheet metal and added some of it. The guy who cleared the headlights first removed them and tossed them. It comes with some 3M adheasive film. And in my opinion looks much better, plus it's real CF. I compared the two.
I got it here http://www.protechcomposite.com/serv...eer/Categories
.5mm veneer crappy iPhone pic
I got it here http://www.protechcomposite.com/serv...eer/Categories
.5mm veneer crappy iPhone pic
Last edited by Steven Bell; 04-11-2010 at 02:23 AM.
04-10-2010, 10:27 PM
#552
Looks good Brian, might I suggest you use some real CF veneer instead of the 3M stuff. It's easy to cut using a good pair of scissors, and you could file some of it if needed. I Recently did someones lights and acctually made some new corner pieces out of some thin sheet metal and added some of it. The guy who cleared the headlights first removed them and tossed them. It comes with some 3M adheasive film. And in my opinion looks much better, plus it's real CF. I compared the two.
I got it here http://www.protechcomposite.com/serv...eer/Categories
.5mm veneer crappy iPhone pic
I got it here http://www.protechcomposite.com/serv...eer/Categories
.5mm veneer crappy iPhone pic
Last edited by Steven Bell; 04-11-2010 at 02:24 AM.
04-11-2010, 02:20 AM
#556
Cruising in my
I have some of that 3m Di-noc too. When I clear/black out my headlights; can I just cut my amber corner pieces to the size of the type-s stock ambers and then wrap them in the di-noc film and stick them back in? does that area of the headlight get overly warm? I wouldn't want to go through all that and have the 3m film ruin from high temps over time. Cause that looks tight.
04-11-2010, 10:51 AM
#558
I have some of that 3m Di-noc too. When I clear/black out my headlights; can I just cut my amber corner pieces to the size of the type-s stock ambers and then wrap them in the di-noc film and stick them back in? does that area of the headlight get overly warm? I wouldn't want to go through all that and have the 3m film ruin from high temps over time. Cause that looks tight.
Our lens is plano convex.... perhaps if I use the lensmakers equation from optics I can properly distance the lens and the bulb so as to create an image with clarity
I can even create my own projector by creating two walls spaced out, to create a slit through which the light can pass through (single slit light diffusion).
Just some nerdy ideas
