I cleared my corners today using the "break and pray" method. I didn't really want to use the oven method since I have no use for overcooked headlights.



The breaking of the orange plastic went well. I used a long screwdriver covered with black vinyl tape.


It worked well enough. I also used compressed air to clear out the orange dust. After the headlights were reinstalled I noticed that the orange turn signal bulbs still gave it the colored effect. I ran with haste to see Manny, Moe and Jack and purchased Titanium turn signal bulbs. They are silver until the lights are activated at which time the become orange. Very cool and they only cost 5 bucks each as compared to the 10 bucks for the Sylvania ones.


While I had the headlights out I thought I'd do a little more modding. I added a blue LED to each of the headlights. I had changed the bulbs out to Silverstars a few days ago and while doing that noticed that there is a small square opening in the back of the housing. I used an LED with the resistor already attached and put the bulb through the housing.

To hold the bulb in place I used a small zip-tie on the wire leads. If I decide to keep the mod I will use sealant to hold it in place.


I ran the wire leads out of the rubber boot and connected them to power and ground.



The LED's were wired to the battery with a small fused link and the ground leads were run to the 10 mm ground bold on the body.

I didn't use a switch on the LED's, they use so little power they can run for days and not harm the charge of the battery at all. Plus it looks cool when they are on.

This is what it looks like from the front side.




This is what it looks like at night with the headlights off.


Another view.


And one last shot....


I like the way it looks and I think I'll keep the mod. The only thing I think I would do differently is to paint the end of the LED black to that it doesn't give the pinpoint light when looking straight at the vehicle. I have already had two neighbors come over and tell me I left my headlights on. At dinner tonight another xB owner told me they look great. Clear corners and LED's in one day, plus I added two cold cathode tubes to my subwoofer enclosure. A busy day indeed.

 

That looks very slick indeed. You do have the option to kill the LEDs though, yes?

 

Very nice!!! Think I'm going to try the LED's after I get done Painting my dash tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip about the bulbs too

 

Turning the LED's off is a simple matter of removing the fuse in the engine compartment. If Iget any flack from Johnny Law I will install a small switch for them.

 

looks good, I would install the switch. Out here any blue light is a ticket.

 

Definately looks nice but I think a switch is highly needed. I cant imagine having those on all the time for numerous reasons without even considering the battery issue...

Keep moddin it looks awesome!!!

 

I would think they are at least wired into the ignition switch???

 

Curently they are not wired to a switch.

As for the battery issue, they have been running straight off the battery for about four weeks in the back of the Box with my sub enclosure. I didn't put a switch in when I used them to light the back area and they ran 24/7 for the whole time. No drain with two little LED's. (not to say that a switch wouldn't come in handy)

The legal issues may be a concern except for the fact that the blue light is not visable when the headlights are turned on. The only time they can be seen is when the Box is parked or using just the running lights. (which is not something I plan on doing while the Box is in motion)

Thanks for the input, I'll post pics when the switch is installed.

Am I the only one working today?

 

I'll be at work later if that makes you feel better...

 

Glad I'm not the only one!

 

well don

don't worry im at work to so ur not the only one

 

yeah...I'm at work too. woo hoo.

 

looks good!

 

Maybe since you are in Roswell you should market the new RS3 as "alien green" or "ET green".

Thank you, try the waitress, tip the veal.

 

Never heard that before.

lol only kidding. It could be. It does get old, but we have found ways to deal with it (i.e. see below). And, hopefully everyone will see a little bit of the alien effect on Scions in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled.


If you all want some alien stuff, just ask me. I can retail some authentic alien gear from THE International UFO Museum.

Oh, and yeah, like the blue led in the headlight mod. A switch would be nice though. Even if it is an under the hood switch.

Steve

 

Thanks, switch will be installed soon. It's not like I don't like switches, check out the ghetto switch I made for my engine cold cathodes...home depot rocks!





It works though....

 

sweet

 

the engine bay looks good!

 

yeah mad prop[s that bay looks sweet. I likey the light thing too but it would get me pulled over in a jiffy as if that isnt already a problem.

 

I asked a HBPD the other day if it was a problem driving it around with it. He said that the blue was washed out by the headlights so it isn't going to get me pulled over but if I leave it parked on the city street with the led's on that would get me towed. Emergency and law enforcement officials are the only ones allowed to have blue lights on the vehicle. In a parking lot or private property is OK.