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View Full Version : DIY - Conversion of Altezza tail light indicator from red/amber to clear



OzSir2
10-06-2006, 08:18 PM
The early version of Altezza style tail lights like the ones I own, have a red translucent cap over the indicator bulb thereby making the indicator red no matter if it is on or off. Not only can this get you in trouble with the fuzz but it is aesthetically unappealing. I have converted the red indicators (or you may have amber ones) to clear when off and amber when on.

This is a closeup of the original light. The indicator is the round object on the left of photo.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailoriginal.jpg

You must use a hand drill (such as Dremel) to cut from the back of the indicator housing. The part you are cutting out will include the mounting socket into which the bulb fits. This part is extremely time consuming so be patient. When you drill right through the grey plastic, you should see the red plastic of the indicator. Once you drill right around, the indicator will drop into the tail light so you have to fiddle a bit to remove it. Any plastic filings can be removed with compressed air.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailinfrontcut.jpghttp://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailbehindcut.jpg

Next you must make your own tail light housing. I made 2 versions. Amazingly, little plastic ice cream cups from Wendy's fits perfectly. It is a matter of cutting the rim of the cup enough so it fills the hole you created earlier. Glue the bulb mounting socket onto the cup and glue seal the entire housing back into the tail light. I recommend using Selly's All Clear because it is relatively easy to work with and you can remove it if you stuff things up. I made LED indicators using a disc of aluminium through which I put a ring of amber high brightness LEDs. I wired each LED to a resistor and connected all +ive and -ive together. However, I do not recommend this style because it wasn't bright enough...but if you can get brighter LEDs by all means give it a go. Also, it doesn't provide enough resistance to the indicator relay...resulting in hyperfast blinking.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailcup.jpghttp://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailfinishedcupcloseup.jpg

So I then made my own indicator "cup" by cutting fluro light cover and bending it into a cylinder with a heat gun. Be very careful when heating this stuff because if you heat it too much it will buckle...so try practicing on some scrap first. I topped the end of the cup with mirrored perspex cut out with a Head Turna logo. You may just want to top it with a disc of fluro light cover. As you can see in the photo I even added a colour changing LED which is operated independently of the indicators.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailfluro.jpghttp://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailflurocloseup.jpg

You must make sure you seal with glue. You must make sure you seal with glue! Water will get into the tail light through the smallest of pinholes and will leave water marks on the inside of the tail light...aesthetically not pleasing. Perhaps even add a second coat of glue after the first has dried and has had a chance to dry and contract.

Then it's just a matter of putting eveything back into place. Well the pictures speak for themselves...so give it a go.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailfinishedfluroOFF.jpghttp://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/OzSir2/tailfinishedfluroON.jpg

SiReal
13-06-2006, 06:56 PM
hahaha...thats mad... but i dont think i would bother doing that for such little effect. but interesting read!

BIG`O
13-06-2006, 07:31 PM
good idea. i just sold mine after the fuzz attacked me.

panda[cRx]
13-06-2006, 07:53 PM
mad mad mad +1 rep :)

kobebruce
19-06-2006, 09:34 PM
u have this feeling and thinking to do that, hahaha

Nuttz
01-07-2006, 06:01 PM
have u got a pic of the whole rear of the car.. very interesting altezza mods