Audi R8 style lights in front of my 240Z

[Zs-ondabrain]

I've always loved almost anything LED related. When Audi came out with the R8, the lights really caught my attention. I've also noticed a few other cars doing a similar touch under the headlights. Even a few Z cars had them. So when I went to Auto Zone today, I thought, How many people have something like this on their S30? I like to be different but at the same time, I really wanted this look on my Z, so I bought the 28" set (2) 14" strips for $24 ??

I used a paper towel with some rubbing alcohol on it and cleaned the painted area just above each bumper on the headlight buckets. I installed the new strip LED lights in the tight area between the bucket and bumper and had to use a plastic window stick to push it back and into place. Then used a roll of 1/4" painters tape to cover only the LED's on the strip, taped off the bumper and headlight buckets and painted the rest of the strip the same color as the buckets so the Black strip wouldn't stand out as much.

Wired them into the Sidemarker connections in front of the radiator and waited till it got dark. The camera phone needs a glare filter as they look SO much better in person than on film. My Kodac broke so phone camera is all you get for now.

They look sweet without the headlights on, right around sunset. The wife told me that so it must be true. in a few of the pictures, you can see there are 18 white LED's in a few of the reflections, which are closer to what they really look like. Damn I need a new camera with a filter.

Dave

Edited October 21, 2010 by Zs-ondabrain

[ktm]

Check out cygnusx1 over at Hybridz. He did a similar thing but used them as halo lights. At least I think it was cygnusx1.

Edit: Yep. It was him: http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/78978-audi-eat-your-heart-out-led-lights/page__p__750367__hl__led__fromsearch__1#entry750367

Edited October 21, 2010 by ktm

[Z Tyler Z]

They look sweet can't wait to see them in person.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Seen that one. I liked it too but wanted to be outside the bucket on this one. I have headlight covers and the light gets a little distorted. So I figured that following the curve of the bucket would give it a smoother, cleaner, crisper line.

Thanks though, I couldn't remember who or where I saw that picture.

Dave

[cygnusx1]

Not quite R8 but...

I like the way you laid yours out too. Horizontal layout was my first thought but I wanted to go a little BMW and a little Audi.

[Zs-ondabrain]

I like it, looks natural and clean. do you use a filter on your camera or is there a setting for taking a picture of lights without the glare? Love the look!!

Dave

[cygnusx1]

That shot was taken with my little Panasonic FX35 in automatic mode. The garage was dimly lit and the flash did fire. I did manually drop the exposure by -1EV. Most point and shoots overexpose, which is impossible to correct, so I usually keep mine manually underexposed.

Simply try reducing the exposure on your camera.

[TomoHawk]

What is or would the sideways illumination be like with those? I'd appreciate some cornering light in the outback areas.

thxZ

[Oiluj]

Very Nice Dave! Very clean, modern look.

How much light do the strip LED's put out? Are they "high-power" LED's like those used in the Audi driving lights?

While I have a slight preference for the "look" of Cygnusx1's the halo lights, I really like that your strip lights should provide some side lighting on poorly lit back roads. *So when are you going to make a turning headlight kit? That would be the ultimate upgrade! *grin*

BTW, I'm working on a nicer looking housing design for my third brake light and should post some pics in the next two weeks. I'll be happy to provide the CAD files to anyone who wants to duplicate, (or improve), it.

[TomoHawk]

If you used all L.E.D.s inside a headlamp case, you could probably make a beam that "turns" by lighting or dimming the lights in certain areas on the assembly. The optics would then bend the beam in a certain direction. I don't think L.E.D. technology is improved enough to provide enough light for that yet, IMO.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Just start with the LED headlight Tom. here's one for ya.....

http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=64057&langId=-1

-OR-

http://www.m-99.co.uk/Car_Neon_LED_Lighting/H7_Headlight_Bulbs/h7_headlight_bulbs.html

[cygnusx1]

The "LED" strips that I used for the third brake light and for my halo effect are actually "SMD", sub-micro-diodes?, embedded in a clear silicone strip. They power directly off of 12v DC. They appear pretty bright at dusk and in daytime shade but they do get drowned out by the headlights at night, or in direct sunlight. They were designed for illuminating personal computers.

I am not sure is they are the same product as Dave used on his car. His look very bright.

Either way, ask any motorcyclist, more light is better, even if you are accused of being "blingy". With today's number of inattentive "drivers" on the road, brighter is better.

Edited October 22, 2010 by cygnusx1