Notices
Scion xB 1st-Gen Aero & Exterior Aero parts and exterior dress items...

D.I.Y. Light pollution modification (almost free)...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-23-2006, 07:07 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
Thread Starter
 
xBHAWK's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 926
Default D.I.Y. Light pollution modification (almost free)...

I noticed that, when a car drives past me at night, there is all kinds of light going up into the trees and shining in the eyes of anyone on either side of the car. Specifically, I am referring to the license plate lights. Light shines on the plate somewhat, but most of the light reflects off the bumper and illuminates the tree branches above the steet.
I, personally hate light pollution and noise pollution, in fact I hate all polution.

What I did was to mask or cover most of the lights that are for the license plates.
Use body color tape (craft store) or regular electric tape on the light because it will not be seen unless you lift the hatch. See the following photos:



Look at night:



Here is an extra photo posted for all to enjoy:

So tell me if you think that this is a modification or an obsessive compultion. Any comments will be welcomed.
I have a feeling that this might not pass a state inspection. It was in place when I failed for 9 other items, but it was not mentioned as a failed item. The Randode vinal eyebrows or eyelids failed. They wrote "Tape on headlights and tag." My front plate is offset onto a curved part of the body. I bent the plate to match the curve and covered it with a clear cover secured with clear tape on the edge, wraped around the back of the plate. The phras-e-ology makes me think that they would fail me if they saw tape on any light. Easy enough to replace so I will risk it at my next inspection.
xBHAWK is offline  
Old 04-23-2006, 10:21 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member

Scion Dynasty
SL Member
 
mad-sciontist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Posts: 1,224
Default

I think its a combo of the two... An obsessive compulsive mod... I like it but it, but the light doesnt bother me that much, because i have 3000 other things lit up in my car that are causing just as much light pollution...
mad-sciontist is offline  
Old 04-23-2006, 10:37 PM
  #3  
Admin Emeritus

10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Tomas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: University Place, WA
Posts: 14,570
Default

Yup, OC Mod.

I like it, though. :D
Tomas is offline  
Old 04-24-2006, 03:11 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
10 Year Member

5 Year Member
Fail, INC
Club One

SL Member
 
Sciond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: What's in your Box...
Posts: 14,930
Default

yep OC at least you did not use white out
Sciond is offline  
Old 04-24-2006, 03:28 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
Scion Evolution
 
OldYeller's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Cucamonga, CA RT66
Posts: 4,402
Default

I think you are illeagal on both ends of the box--at least you would be in good old CA
OldYeller is offline  
Old 04-24-2006, 01:11 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Maicca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Asoko ni iru
Posts: 398
Default

Yes, he is illegal for having ANYTHING covering his plates in VA. And unless those tail lights have DOT written on them......
Maicca is offline  
Old 07-02-2006, 10:14 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
Music City Scions
SL Member
 
bB2NER's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: West TN - Land of twisty roads
Posts: 11,808
Default

xBHAWK, I took your idea and ran with it...
I removed my LP light housings. Cleaned them real good, then masked off a stripe (1/8th inch wide) with pinstriping lengthwise. Then sprayed them with some black high heat paint. The light now only shines where it is needed. Thanks for the idea!!!
bB2NER is offline  
Old 07-03-2006, 02:39 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Short_Bus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 527
Default

seems simple I am gonna give it a try!
Short_Bus is offline  
Old 07-03-2006, 06:15 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
firesquare's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 4,669
Default

i love it!

free (very little money) tuining!

this should go in tech

KAEON!!!! where are you.................
firesquare is offline  
Old 07-04-2006, 02:21 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
Thread Starter
 
xBHAWK's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 926
Default ...U POLLUTERS....

WOW!... JETHTO_B Post up a photo of that and I may do the same in white.
A stealthy slit that allows light to only hit the license plate!
You also made me want to clean in there.
Now how did you access it? I hope I don't have to remove the inside hatch pannel, do I ?
xBHAWK is offline  
Old 07-04-2006, 06:26 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
Music City Scions
SL Member
 
bB2NER's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: West TN - Land of twisty roads
Posts: 11,808
Default Re: ...U POLLUTERS....

Originally Posted by xBHAWK
WOW!... JETHTO_B Post up a photo of that and I may do the same in white.
A stealthy slit that allows light to only hit the license plate!
You also made me want to clean in there.
Now how did you access it? I hope I don't have to remove the inside hatch pannel, do I ?
Each light housing is held in with a single philips screw. Then you twist the scocket out and the housing is free (left to remove). Didn't take a pic but just picture the clear part painted whatever color you want with a narrow slit centered lengthwise to let the light pass through. The light ends up going onto the plate. It works so good, the mounting screws actually cast shadows. Best of all it was mostly free. (minus an ounce of paint)
bB2NER is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
evolving_machine
Scion tC 2G Drivetrain & Power
17
10-21-2023 01:16 PM
Squishface
PPC: Vehicles
3
09-15-2015 06:51 AM
carid
Exclusive Sponsored Sales
0
01-08-2015 11:33 AM
umnitza
Exclusive Sponsored Sales
3
12-01-2014 06:26 PM
boxzila
Scion xB 1st-Gen Aero & Exterior
34
01-12-2004 03:27 AM



Quick Reply: D.I.Y. Light pollution modification (almost free)...



All times are GMT. The time now is 08:29 AM.