Opinions on exterior mod that won't be "visible"

[GRNSHRK]

OK gents, on to my next project

I am considering replacing the reflectors in the front bumper side surrounds with actual lights, but this will take a bit of modification to the surrounds

The photos show what the rear looks like, which is what I would have to do to the fronts, in order to mount the lights

And while I'm opposed to doing any type of mods that aren't reversible (think no cutting of wiring harnesses, for instance ) this mod wouldn't even be visible once the lights are installed. In fact, even if I were to go back to the reflectors, who would know

That being said, the rear surrounds were chopped by the body shop that installed the rear skirt, so what am I really worried about

And I'm sure the next question will be, how am I going to power and control them

Well, got that covered as well

Since I changed to Euro front blinker assemblies years ago, and they only have one bulb, not 2, absent is the little one that mounted down in the lower corner of the "elephant ear" USofA lenses

So all I have to do is run pigtails down from that part of the harnesses that are just tied off right now, and Walla

Speaking of which, I'm in need of 2 of those pigtails, if anyone has a harness they are scrapping out, please let me know

I'll probably request that in the "Wanted" forum as well

[635sharknose]

Good idea! Looks much better than the US blinkers the car was delivered with.

I would assume you can make a cable yourself with a set of TE Connectivity positive lock connectors
https://www.te.com/usa-en/product-1-926522-1.html
I do not know the size you need, you could measure on you car and check on the TE website by downloading the cad drawing.

You should have enough space to fit the light, but I do think there is a metal plate inside the rubber of the surround (see rust spots on the photo), a Dremel should do the work though I assume.

[GRNSHRK]

Wow, crickets again, I guess I never cease to amaze you guys

Thanks for your input sharknose, hoping to find the OEM pigtails, as while I would prefer not to make harnesses, although it's not out of the question

Surely somebody out there is chopping up a harness

[Da_Hose]

Hey Bobbo.

I wonder if this wouldn't be a case where you really want to go with something very custom.

I suggest buying some 3M adhesive COB light strips, and seeing if they can stick to the inner surface of the mounting area, then using the OEM cover. I think you could well end up with a crazy bright LED signal light, but not need to cut anything other than a small hole for a wire to reach the harness.

I think you could just release the original plug ends, and fabricate a T-adapter with spade ends. That way you don't cut original harness. I HATE when someone hacks up an original harness and leaves a half-assed end result. I try to always use solid connectors, and dielectric grease, or re-wire correctly from the source.

Jose

[GRNSHRK]

Hmm, made me look up what "COB" stood for

Interesting idea, but my brief look only turned up strips, and they run on 24 VDC, not 12

I was planning on going with LED type bulbs anyway, in fact I need to see about replacing all of the stock stuff, both single and dual filament versions, think there was a thread about that conversion on the board a while back

Thanks for your ideas Jose

[Da_Hose]

Well .... I did say it would need to be really custom.

I would consider these bulbs, but it would a fair amount of work, although once assembled, I think they would be super bright!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000484 ... web201603_

Assembly could be done on a piece of aluminum, with heat tape/paste. Just make the base plate fit the inner space, and cover with LED's. Silicone the connections to make water resistant (or clear epoxy if you are an overachiever), and then use some double sticky strip get the panel to stay in place. You could put some pads under the reflector if you wanted to squeeze the whole panel against the bumper end, and it ain't goin' nowhere.

You could wire 8 led's together (4P-2S is ideal) to run on 12V. The other thing you could do is run a buck voltage converter, to get a stable 9V at each led.

https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-Conv ... 569&sr=8-6

Jose

[jps635]

I am considering replacing the reflectors in the front bumper side surrounds with actual lights

What's the reason? Interesting different laws in different lands. That sort of thing wouldn't be allowed over here. especially being orange/red. However we don't emission test like you guys in Cal.

[GRNSHRK]

Well, technically speaking, when I installed the Euro front blinker assemblies, I was no longer compliant to DOT requirements here in the states

They require a side marker, which was removed when I went Euro

This mod will not only make the car compliant again, but I think it will also be a cool modification, and one that no-one else likely has performed

Face it, I just can't stop

[Jlc]

I guess that’s the beauty of US inspections. I had a 320i that I pulled the air pump and reactor pollution controls that always passed emissions well within limits so no one ever checked for them. As long as my headlights were aimed properly I had no issues passing the inspection. With my 6er I don’t even need a test since it doesn’t have an OBDI connector and all the test looks for is no code that causes a check engine light.

[Da_Hose]

Hey Bobbo,

I would definitely go with those COB lights, but if you want to try something easier to build, you could buy SMD LED strips and just stick a few of them to the flat surface of the bumper end, under the reflector.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QL ... =pd_gw_unk

Jose