| etwd |
Hello all,
Has anyone seen an MDX outfitted with factory 'fender marker lights'? You know, the lights that the Europeans have on all their vehicles.
I saw a Silver 04' MDX yesterday with 'white' fender side marker lights. It was beautiful. It was in a parking lot and of course, no one to talk to. I can only assume that the European version (if any) has them as standard equipment.
:confused:
Thanks |
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| JARMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
Hello all,
Has anyone seen an MDX outfitted with factory 'fender marker lights'? You know, the lights that the Europeans have on all their vehicles.
I saw a Silver 04' MDX yesterday with 'white' fender side marker lights. It was beautiful. It was in a parking lot and of course, no one to talk to. I can only assume that the European version (if any) has them as standard equipment.
:confused:
Thanks
Just ordered a pair of APC European side markers yesterday.
http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/APC402550SME
Hope to install them on my Silver MDX over the holidays if they are not to cheezy. Still debating whether I should wire them between the Park and Turn lamps so that they are lit when the parking lights are turned on and flash with Turn lights...
Regards,
JARMDX |
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| SouthOCMDX |
quote:
Has anyone seen an MDX outfitted with factory 'fender marker lights'?
Here's a pic of the Austrailian version of the X from this site. Do a search on side marker lights and you'll find some info on the X for Australia and Japan... both have the side markers.
I'd like to get my hands on some OEMs for my X. |
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| laborlitigator |
Jarmdx,
Post pics once you have them installed. |
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| RonH |
I've always liked the idea behind the European repeater lights ... that's part of the reason I installed the signal mirrors. Disadvantage to the mirrors is they are visible from the rear only, where the repeaters are visible from anywhere to the side.
I'd be intrested to hear about your install. I also wonder if you can order OEM lights from Acura somehow. Tim? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by RonH
I've always liked the idea behind the European repeater lights ... that's part of the reason I installed the signal mirrors. Disadvantage to the mirrors is they are visible from the rear only, where the repeaters are visible from anywhere to the side.
I'd be intrested to hear about your install. I also wonder if you can order OEM lights from Acura somehow. Tim?
Certainly appears to be a less invasive install compared to the mirrors. I take it wiring slips into the door jam? Is 3M adhesive used to attach the fixture to the body? It says on the link, some drilling is required... :eek: |
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| zafer |
quote:
Originally posted by JARMDX
Still debating whether I should wire them between the Park and Turn lamps so that they are lit when the parking lights are turned on and flash with Turn lights...
Well thats what they're for. How else would you wire them anyway? :confused: |
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| RonH |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Certainly appears to be a less invasive install compared to the mirrors. I take it wiring slips into the door jam? Is 3M adhesive used to attach the fixture to the body? It says on the link, some drilling is required... :eek:
I don't know for sure, but if I was to bet money, the OEMs would require drilling as well. The lamp itself may be held on with adhesive, but the wire would most likely run through a hole in the fender ... similar to the way some of those "glowing-badges" mount ... you konw, the Ford oval, Chevy bowtie, etc.
(Besides, if you self-installed the rear deflector, what's a couple more holes? :p ) |
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| tonsaphun |
They are fairly easy to install.....if you're willing to put some holes in your fenders. Mine were the self adhesive kind, but the ones from the link is held by two screws. Find the place you want to put the markers and attach it there.
In the wheel well, you will find some plastic tabs that pops out. Don't take the whole thing off, just bend it enough to get your hands inside the fender to grab the wires. Run the wires to the signal light.
The black wire is negative on the signal light or you can use the body frame for ground. Attach the postive wire to the wire with a color...I think it is lt. green. The side marker will flash when you turn on signal...it's another story if you want to stay lit and flash when turning. I didn't want to put to much trouble into it.
Have fun...I know I owe some pics in here, but it has been too cold to take pics. Maybe this weekend. |
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| JARMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by zafer
Well thats what they're for. How else would you wire them anyway? :confused:
I have seen them wired two ways:
1) To the turn signal and ground - only lights when turn flashes on.
2) Wired between turn positive lead and parking positive lead - on with parking lights, and flashes off with turn on; or without parking lights on flashes on with turn.
Many OEM side markers only light when turn flashes (Option 1). In option 2, they serve as running lights at night until the turn signal is applied - then they flash.
JARMDX |
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| Captain MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by RonH
I've always liked the idea behind the European repeater lights ... that's part of the reason I installed the signal mirrors. Disadvantage to the mirrors is they are visible from the rear only, where the repeaters are visible from anywhere to the side.
I'd be intrested to hear about your install. I also wonder if you can order OEM lights from Acura somehow. Tim?
And signal mirrors are way more expensive than side markers. |
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| DaleB |
| It seems like the LED units would be even better. The bulbs are permanently fixed, but last a very long time. Less current drain, nice bright light and no socket connections (to corrode, etc.). Just drill the holes attach the lamp and run the wires. Maintenance free! |
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| JARMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
It seems like the LED units would be even better. The bulbs are permanently fixed, but last a very long time. Less current drain, nice bright light and no socket connections (to corrode, etc.). Just drill the holes attach the lamp and run the wires. Maintenance free!
I had thought about LED side marker lights, however they would only work in the wiring configuration "Option 1" I describe above where they would only light when the turn signals flash on.
One could however wire them in wiring configuration "Option 2" above by using a bridge diode to achieve both running and turn function... |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by JARMDX
I had thought about LED side marker lights, however they would only work in the wiring configuration "Option 1" I describe above where they would only light when the turn signals flash on.
One could however wire them in wiring configuration "Option 2" above by using a bridge diode to achieve both running and turn function...
Excellent point. Not worth the additional trouble in that case. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by JARMDX
Just ordered a pair of APC European side markers yesterday.
http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/APC402550SME
Hope to install them on my Silver MDX over the holidays if they are not to cheezy. Still debating whether I should wire them between the Park and Turn lamps so that they are lit when the parking lights are turned on and flash with Turn lights...
Regards,
JARMDX
JARMDX,
Did you have a chance to install these yet? I am anxious to hear the results. |
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| JARMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
JARMDX,
Did you have a chance to install these yet? I am anxious to hear the results.
I opted not to use the APC side lights. They do not look too bad, but I am a little worried about how well the plastic lens would stay on - not too secure. See attached picture.
Back to the drawing board. I would really like to get my hands on Honda OEM units (hint Tim hint).
Probably look into Volkswagen or other European OEM units...
JARMDX |
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| phins2rt |
Thanks for the update JARMDX and keep us posted.
edit:
Here is a link to some BMW lighting.:D |
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| DaleB |
| I noticed amber side markers working with the turn signal on a Hyundai Sante Fe yesterday. It looked good, and definitely noticeable. |
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| tonsaphun |
| I will take some pics of my side marker tonight and post it. I have the amber color and it's noticeable. It also matches with the rest of the colors of the front and back signal. Because of my side marker, I opted not to clear corners. Give me your feedback once I post my pics.....I'm looking to do it around 9pm ET. |
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| msu79gt82 |
I wonder if Tim can get the Honda MDX OEM side marker kits from Europe or Australia? Perhaps the Canadian built Acura MDX for North America has the internal wiring set up??
Tim?? |
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| ACURA58 |
quote:
Originally posted by msu79gt82
I wonder if Tim can get the Honda MDX OEM side marker kits from Europe or Australia? Perhaps the Canadian built Acura MDX for North America has the internal wiring set up??
Tim??
I 2nd that Tim.:2: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
I'm looking to do it around 9pm ET.
Wow, tight schedule! Film at 11?
Seriously, look forward to the pics! :) |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
I will take some pics of my side marker tonight and post it. I have the amber color and it's noticeable. It also matches with the rest of the colors of the front and back signal. Because of my side marker, I opted not to clear corners. Give me your feedback once I post my pics.....I'm looking to do it around 9pm ET.
tonsaphun,
...and any install tips/instructions would be great. I wasn't aware someone had already done this. |
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| tonsaphun |
| Sorry guys for the delay....my digicam was messed up. I finally got it working. So here it goes.... |
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| tonsaphun |
| here is a little further away |
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| tonsaphun |
| With signal on... |
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| tonsaphun |
| From the right side from the back |
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| tonsaphun |
| from the front view |
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| tonsaphun |
I hope you like the pics. It's very simple.
1. Pick the spot you want the light
2. Drill the hole big enough for the wire (LED).
3. Stick the light on.
4. In the wheel well, take out the plastic pins, just the top part to get your hands inside to grab the wire.
5. Run wire to headlamp and hook up to the signal wires.
6. I think negative is the black of headlamp and positive is the one with the color.
Remember, this is for LED. For the light bulb one, you just have to drill a bigger hole. The rest is the same.
Where did I get it? I got it from Ebay. It was originally for the side mirrror but I made it into side markers. |
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| zafer |
| Looks good! Does your running boards have step lights in then too, or is that a reflection? |
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| phins2rt |
tonsaphun,
Thanks for the pics and instructions!! You have inspired me!:5:
Now, of course, the only question is which way should these point --- up or down!!:2: |
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| tonsaphun |
Zafer: The running boards are lighted...pretty good.
I was debating on which way to point and decided on the way I did it because the longer side match better with the trim of the car. I think either way would be nice. The thing sticks really well....knock on wood. If you need anything else.....don't hesitate to ask. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
Zafer: The running boards are lighted...pretty good.
I was debating on which way to point and decided on the way I did it because the longer side match better with the trim of the car. I think either way would be nice. The thing sticks really well....knock on wood. If you need anything else.....don't hesitate to ask.
I was just kidding. A reference back to the BSM debate. I initially thought I would run the wires to the fuse box inside the cab but your idea of going to signal is much better (and maybe that is the only way to do it?) Thanks again. I need to start looking for some side markers. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
I was just kidding. A reference back to the BSM debate. I initially thought I would run the wires to the fuse box inside the cab but your idea of going to signal is much better (and maybe that is the only way to do it?) Thanks again. I need to start looking for some side markers.
I think LEDs are the way to go. Smaller hole and longer life. |
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| phins2rt |
tonsaphun,
What was the vendor's name that you got these from? Thanks. |
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| tonsaphun |
Phin,
I can't say off the top of my head right now who it was. Let me do smoe research over the weekend. I will have to go back into my bank account to get the name that I paid to. Sorry. |
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| phins2rt |
| No problem. After doing some research, I think these are the best ones I've seen. |
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| ironchef |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...item=2459768270
So it looks like this thing is "flexible" (see pic w/ it on the mirror?).
And is it possible to wire these so they are constant on/blink when headlights are on?
And...are the leds only that color or changeable???
Boy it's gonna take a lot of convincing for my wife to let me drill HOLES into the car =D. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by ironchef
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...item=2459768270
So it looks like this thing is "flexible" (see pic w/ it on the mirror?).
And is it possible to wire these so they are constant on/blink when headlights are on?
And...are the leds only that color or changeable???
Boy it's gonna take a lot of convincing for my wife to let me drill HOLES into the car =D.
I think you found them :29: |
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| phins2rt |
| Good job Ironchef!! |
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| ironchef |
:D
Someone should ping the individual and see if they'd be interested in doing a group buy w/ us? |
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| tonsaphun |
You guys are good. Thanks ironchef for doing the work for me. They are flexible and the LED are not interchageable. They might sell a different color tho.
There is only two wires...you might need a diode or relay to hookup constant and blinking. Unless you know other ways.....that will be cool. I just took the easy way out. Peace |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by ironchef
:D
Someone should ping the individual and see if they'd be interested in doing a group buy w/ us?
I just pinged them today, will post any response. |
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| DaleB |
Well, I got a response.. "Mail is Undeliverable"
:3: |
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| ironchef |
| eh, that's okay. wife doesn't like the ideas of me putting more holes in the car than those that originally came from the factory. i donno why.... |
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| phins2rt |
| I found some Hella leds but the problem is they are oval and not square or rectangle. EuroLite has some squarish ones that look more like the OEM ones from Japan and Australia but I don't think htey are led based. Maybe that is an option. I am still debating... |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
I found some Hella leds but the problem is they are oval and not square or rectangle. EuroLite has some squarish ones that look more like the OEM ones from Japan and Australia but I don't think htey are led based. Maybe that is an option. I am still debating...
I'm debating too, but I think the ones shown in this thread are among the better ones. LEDs will be more expensive, but easier to install and more maintenance free. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
LEDs will be more expensive, but easier to install and more maintenance free.
I agree Dale, I just want to make sure I am purchasing a quality product that will last a long time. |
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| JARMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
.... EuroLite has some squarish ones that look more like the OEM ones from Japan and Australia but I don't think htey are led based. Maybe that is an option. I am still debating...
Can you post the link where you found the Eurolite OEMs? |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by JARMDX
Can you post the link where you found the Eurolite OEMs?
jarmdx,
These (the square ones) LOOK similar to the oem markers but I make no claim that they are, in fact, oem. |
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| DaleB |
I got a response!!! He wants to know how many are interested then he will quote a price...
So I am ready here...anyone else? |
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| phins2rt |
I got no timing.
I just bought a set last night on ebay.:3:
Oh well.... |
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| rvehock |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I got a response!!! He wants to know how many are interested then he will quote a price...
So I am ready here...anyone else?
I'm in :4: |
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| tonsaphun |
These lights are very good. I had no problems so far. It's been almost a year. Sticks really well too...even in -15 weather.
For those of you who does not want to put holes in their baby....I was one of them!!! Trust me...the holes is about 1/8 of an inch in diameter. You can barely see it after you drill. Good luck guys.
I only wished they had a different color besides amber. It matches with the OEM color tho. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
These lights are very good. I had no problems so far. It's been almost a year. Sticks really well too...even in -15 weather.
For those of you who does not want to put holes in their baby....I was one of them!!! Trust me...the holes is about 1/8 of an inch in diameter. You can barely see it after you drill. Good luck guys.
I only wished they had a different color besides amber. It matches with the OEM color tho.
Yes, it does seem to match OEM blinkers, which is good. I would only use red or amber for turn signals anyway.
It is not that bad a price. If we do not get at least 10 ppl to jump on it, I will probably just order a set by the end of the week. I am not sure we would save that much anyway. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
These lights are very good. I had no problems so far. It's been almost a year. Sticks really well too...even in -15 weather.
tonsaphun,
I hadn't realized you had them on that long. That makes me even more comfortable with this decision. |
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| TranMDX |
| I'm in for a group buy!!! |
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| tonsaphun |
| It's flexible in two ways......1. you can bend them to fit any contour of your car and 2. is that you can use them on the side mirrors but this requires you to take your side mirrors apart. That's what I had originally brought them for. It turns out better being side markers. Good things in life are usually discovered by accident. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
Good things in life are usually discovered by accident.
Ideas, as well as pregnancies... :D |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by TranMDX
I'm in for a group buy!!!
That makes 3 of us. I will go for a price if and when we hit 10. |
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| mdx99 |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
I hope you like the pics. It's very simple.
1. Pick the spot you want the light
2. Drill the hole big enough for the wire (LED).
3. Stick the light on.
4. In the wheel well, take out the plastic pins, just the top part to get your hands inside to grab the wire.
5. Run wire to headlamp and hook up to the signal wires.
6. I think negative is the black of headlamp and positive is the one with the color.
Remember, this is for LED. For the light bulb one, you just have to drill a bigger hole. The rest is the same.
Where did I get it? I got it from Ebay. It was originally for the side mirrror but I made it into side markers.
Nice installation! since it's LED base, is the flashing rate of the light increase as compared to the light bulb based len? |
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| tonsaphun |
| I didn't fully undersatand what you are asking...but when I look at the light, it flashes the same time as the other lights. Is this what you were asking about? |
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| mdx99 |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
I didn't fully undersatand what you are asking...but when I look at the light, it flashes the same time as the other lights. Is this what you were asking about?
It will flash at the same time as the other lights but are they all flashing a lot faster as compared to the case without the LED side marker.
The reason I ask is that I installed a LED turn signal at the rear and that LED light increase the rate of flashing of all the turn signal light, front & rear which I didn't like so I changed it back to regular light bulb with a silver coating to have a clear len effect on the rear. |
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| phins2rt |
mdx99,
Those were my second choice but I wasn't sure if clear meant white light or amber light and I wanted amber lights. They look like a good product though. |
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| tonsaphun |
Mdx99: I never took notice into the flash rate of the signal lights after I installed the LED lights.
The other LED looks cool. I think they are clear color====> white. |
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| mdx99 |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
mdx99,
Those were my second choice but I wasn't sure if clear meant white light or amber light and I wanted amber lights. They look like a good product though.
Hmmm, that's a good point, I want a clear len with an amber light also. Keep me posted. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by mdx99
Hmmm, that's a good point, I want a clear len with an amber light also. Keep me posted.
mdx99, I am getting the ones that tons purchased. They're clear and produce an amber color. I think they will look great on my TW! |
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| DaleB |
| No more responses for a group buy. I will probably just bite the bullet and order a pair for myself this weekend. |
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| mdx99 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
No more responses for a group buy. I will probably just bite the bullet and order a pair for myself this weekend.
I am still undecided ---- drilling another 2 holes on the X for this side marker although I did the rear deflector, i need to make it looks good and the quality as well...:rolleyes: |
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| Mocking-DX |
why don't you use a relay like DPDT to wire the blinker and parking light to the side marker. maybe hook up the parking lights to the normally on of the DPDT and the blinker to powered on of the DPDT.
those who did their own navi-video conversion would be familiar with this relay.
I may do the side marker later when i can figure out another way to do it. i am still not sold as to the reliabilty of the aftermarket markers. the lenses may discolor in a few years and find it hard to find a replacemnet part. |
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| phins2rt |
| Just received mine yesterday. They look to be good quality. I don't know if I will get them on this weekend or not. They are a little bigger than I first thought. About 5" long by 1" wide. They should look nice. I'll post pics after install. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
Just received mine yesterday. They look to be good quality. I don't know if I will get them on this weekend or not. They are a little bigger than I first thought. About 5" long by 1" wide. They should look nice. I'll post pics after install.
Just ordered mine this morning, how long did it take you to get them? |
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| phins2rt |
Hi Dale,
I order them on the 21st and received them on the 27th. This is to the midwest so it may be a few more days for you.
I notice the plastic has a slight blue tint to it. After holding it up to the Taffeta White, I'm not so sure about these anymore. When you get yours, let me know what you think. I think they will definitely look after-market, if you know what I mean. |
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| phins2rt |
| Here are some pics. These are NOT installed I just used tape to stick them on the X. I also had to PhotoChop the wire out of the picture so that is why some areas are "blurry". |
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| DaleB |
They don't look too bad. In all honesty, I think they look slightly better against a darker background. But your shots are quite close up, at a distance where the total body can be seen they are probably fine.
One thing that makes them look after-market is that they ARE. But some people might think it's an option or new model. But the earlier pictures on the thread look good, as do the ones I've seen on the road that I know are not stock.
I definitely like them for safety. In daylight, standard front blinkers are not that visible from the side as you approach an intersection, for instance. |
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| Mocking-DX |
i understand why phins2rt is having a second thought
i think it would look more OEM in a non-wite MDX because the bluish tint of the marker doesnt blend well with the Taffeta white X.
Sorry but i think it looks "ricey" to me if it doesn't blend well.
But then again it may look better in DALE's Granite green.
pls post pic when you're done installing them DALE because mine is also a graite green.
thanks |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by Mocking-DX
i understand why phins2rt is having a second thought
i think it would look more OEM in a non-wite MDX because the bluish tint of the marker doesnt blend well with the Taffeta white X.
Sorry but i think it looks "ricey" to me if it doesn't blend well.
But then again it may look better in DALE's Granite green.
pls post pic when you're done installing them DALE because mine is also a graite green.
thanks
That's what I was thinking as well. With the white BSMs, etc. they really stand out. I would almost rather have a total yellow light that matches the blinkers instead of an off-white light.
Dale, I'll wait to get your thoughts after you install. I agree that they will probably look better on a darker background. |
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| tonsaphun |
| Phin.........did you think of painting the black edges to white so that it looks like part of the car. What is throwing it off is the black edge which makes it stand out. If the edge is white...it's one with the car. You know what i mean. Look at my pics again..all you se is the lens. Just my 2 cents. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
Phin.........did you think of painting the black edges to white so that it looks like part of the car. What is throwing it off is the black edge which makes it stand out. If the edge is white...it's one with the car. You know what i mean. Look at my pics again..all you se is the lens. Just my 2 cents.
tonsaphun,
Thanks for the suggestion. I can't remember if it is the edge or if the color is actually under the lens.
I hadn't thought of that and I do have some touch up paint sitting around so I may just give it a shot. I was hoping these would blend in with the vehicle so if painting them does that , I will be very happy. Did you paint yours at all? |
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| tonsaphun |
| No, I didn't have to paint it. it came with the black back which matched my paint. Looking at yours again, I see that you have a blue edge and it's part of the lense. Which means you have to paint the edges of the lense as well. I thought it was only the black seal in the back. The ones you have is not the exact same ones I have. i don't know why they changed over to the blue rubber seal in the back. Good luck if you go forth painting them. Show pics if it works out!!!! |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by tonsaphun
No, I didn't have to paint it. it came with the black back which matched my paint. Looking at yours again, I see that you have a blue edge and it's part of the lense. Which means you have to paint the edges of the lense as well. I thought it was only the black seal in the back. The ones you have is not the exact same ones I have. i don't know why they changed over to the blue rubber seal in the back. Good luck if you go forth painting them. Show pics if it works out!!!!
Will do and thanks again for the suggestion. |
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| tonsaphun |
| Phin: Did you ever get your side markers on? I'm anxious to see what you did.:2: |
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