GB: FD3S LED tail light conversion - SakeBomb Garage
06-12-10, 10:20 AM
#252
They are mounted where they won't melt anything in case they get hot. Though, I tested them for quite awhile and they never got hot enough that I couldn't touch them, so they should be fine even if they do come into contact with something, which they won't.
06-12-10, 10:41 AM
#253
The load resistors are built-in to the turn signals! They are mounted behind the turn signal LED rings, inside the housings. If you already have load-resistors installed from using LED bulbs in the past, you can remove them.
They are mounted where they won't melt anything in case they get hot. Though, I tested them for quite awhile and they never got hot enough that I couldn't touch them, so they should be fine even if they do come into contact with something, which they won't.
They are mounted where they won't melt anything in case they get hot. Though, I tested them for quite awhile and they never got hot enough that I couldn't touch them, so they should be fine even if they do come into contact with something, which they won't.
06-12-10, 12:45 PM
#254
Alright guys so unfortunately I wont have all of the first 8 shipped out by today. I've been busting *** trying to get everyone done before I leave for FL, but it's not looking so good. I should have some more finished by tonight, but I'll have to see if my GF can get them shipped out perhaps on Monday.
Sorry again for the delay. I had a bit of a late start since I moved into a new apt the day that the conversions were scheduled to start. As soon as I get back from FL I'll make sure that all of the first 8 are out the door ASAP and hopefully I can finish 9-12 that week also.
While I'm in FL I'm going to try to get some parts fabricated that will greatly speed up the process. My friend has a machine shop and should be able to CNC some of the internal mounting pieces. I've been having to make them by hand, out of sheet aluminum, so if I can get some mass-produced it will really help to cut down build time and get us back on schedule!
Thanks for your understanding everyone. I'll continue shipping lights out as soon as they are completed.
Tom
Sorry again for the delay. I had a bit of a late start since I moved into a new apt the day that the conversions were scheduled to start. As soon as I get back from FL I'll make sure that all of the first 8 are out the door ASAP and hopefully I can finish 9-12 that week also.
While I'm in FL I'm going to try to get some parts fabricated that will greatly speed up the process. My friend has a machine shop and should be able to CNC some of the internal mounting pieces. I've been having to make them by hand, out of sheet aluminum, so if I can get some mass-produced it will really help to cut down build time and get us back on schedule!
Thanks for your understanding everyone. I'll continue shipping lights out as soon as they are completed.
Tom
06-12-10, 06:10 PM
#255
dorito powered
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I posted in the original thread but never got an answer, how do these attach to the existing harness? I looked through all the pictures and couldn't really tell.
06-13-10, 11:07 AM
#259
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
So I made the trek out to Thomas' Taillight Factory in Brooklyn last night for some pizza, beers, and sweatshop action. I met his commander-in-chief of the operation Katie, who introduced me to his line bosses Castro and Tara. Most impressive I must say...... Katie is very sharp, one day I can see her taking over the business when Tom decides to retire to the Cayman Islands 
It's a little-known fact that the Red Baron is sponsored by Griot's Garage, so I used some of their wondrous products to shine up the lights pre-install:
Also, I'm honored to own what is essentially the Numba One Limited Edition set of Thomas' Tails: the originals belong to the Creator himself.
The install is pretty straight forward, but the pics will give you an idea. It's a good idea to clean the recess in the body where the light sits while you're in there--I couldn't believe the amount of dirt and gunk hiding back there.
One note, be aware when buying used tails sight unseen: your idea of 'perfect condition' and the seller's idea may be extremely divergent. I'm going to have to get some new lenses, as these ones are faded with small cracks in them.
It's a little-known fact that the Red Baron is sponsored by Griot's Garage, so I used some of their wondrous products to shine up the lights pre-install:
Also, I'm honored to own what is essentially the Numba One Limited Edition set of Thomas' Tails: the originals belong to the Creator himself.
The install is pretty straight forward, but the pics will give you an idea. It's a good idea to clean the recess in the body where the light sits while you're in there--I couldn't believe the amount of dirt and gunk hiding back there.
One note, be aware when buying used tails sight unseen: your idea of 'perfect condition' and the seller's idea may be extremely divergent. I'm going to have to get some new lenses, as these ones are faded with small cracks in them.
06-13-10, 11:08 AM
#260
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
The finished product: superb craftsmanship, assembled with the precision, devotion and care of a Hattori Hanzo Sword 
P.S. Sorry no brake light pics, I am rollin' solo this morning and the ol' dumbbell-on-brake pedal trick didn't work too well
P.S. Sorry no brake light pics, I am rollin' solo this morning and the ol' dumbbell-on-brake pedal trick didn't work too well
06-13-10, 01:08 PM
#262
nice pics rich! they look awesome!!!
geeze i'm still rocking the prototype version (has only 2 led rings per circle, instead of 3 like the final version). after i finish all of the customer's lights, i'll have to go back and re-do my own so they are the final version.
again i'm sorry to those in the "week 2" group that i did not get to finish - i am sure you guys would rather have a quality job instead of a rushed job. as soon as i get back to NY next weekend i will get them finished up and shipped out asap!
trust me, it will be well worth the wait!
geeze i'm still rocking the prototype version (has only 2 led rings per circle, instead of 3 like the final version). after i finish all of the customer's lights, i'll have to go back and re-do my own so they are the final version.
again i'm sorry to those in the "week 2" group that i did not get to finish - i am sure you guys would rather have a quality job instead of a rushed job. as soon as i get back to NY next weekend i will get them finished up and shipped out asap!
trust me, it will be well worth the wait!
06-13-10, 01:35 PM
#264
Yes it is very hard to photograph lights and not have the colors look funny.
I can assure you, in person, the red is a perfect bold red. I did not do anything that would change the color of the tails, as my modification uses the factory colored insert reflector lenses.
In person, they lights look like they came from the factory this way, and the colors are the exact same as OEM.
I can assure you, in person, the red is a perfect bold red. I did not do anything that would change the color of the tails, as my modification uses the factory colored insert reflector lenses.
In person, they lights look like they came from the factory this way, and the colors are the exact same as OEM.
06-13-10, 06:24 PM
#268
17 second FD
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Here you go I had the same problem here's the fix:
http://www.rx8club.com/archive/index.php/t-71424.html
http://www.rx8club.com/archive/index.php/t-71424.html
And Scrub, I don't get to check the site very often for updates about this, are you going to be PMing the people on the "interested" list? I'm cash in hand ready to go
Rich, those lights look great!
06-16-10, 09:36 PM
#275
Videos!!
Here are two videos I took today of the lights installed on my car. The first is of the lights installed on both sides of the car. I had one of the body shop guys pulse the brakes so you can see all the lights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnrRVF2XSZA
The second is a comparison of the LED conversion compared to my old taillights with standard LED bulbs in them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCizIV_MsS0
Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnrRVF2XSZA
The second is a comparison of the LED conversion compared to my old taillights with standard LED bulbs in them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCizIV_MsS0
Enjoy!!