Truspin's Custom Headlight Project

[truspin86]

Hey Everyone, Just getting settled in from a coast to coast move and I'm trying to start a new project to ease my mind. Let me know what you think.

After my coilover install and camber adjustment is complete I'll be done with my stance for a little while, so no more widest wheel thread lurking. Maybe just some more fender work.. That being said, my car looks kinda busted on the outside right now so along with a paint job. I was thinking of ditching my Ebay black-housings and building some custom headlamps. I think they'd be a unique accent. I've done some research and It seems very difficult but also very possible and not outside my budget.

Before everyone stops reading consider that I really don't want these to look cheap or tacky and If I do this It will be done right, I have access to a full model shop, vacuum molding, laser cutting, cnc, etc. Also, no offense to anyone who has them but the celica headlight redesigns out currently, I don't like much. I think they look cheap and obviously aftermarket so I would be going for a more factory look than that, trying to mimmic or even surpass both OEM quality and functionality by paying very close attention to detail and also not stepping to far away from the original headlight design, potentially and most likely using a donor housing for a starting point.

Part 1 - Planning & Research

Now, on to my design ideas, You gotta cut me some slack here because this is still a little half baked, I'm ofcourse in the concept phase here so I have nothing really finite in terms of engineering any of this stuff.
What I do know is I definitely want to include a light strip like the new Audis





Before everyone hates, I emphasize that I want a visually solid strip,
not a row of LEDs. Like some of the ones already made for the celica.

Here's a pic of what I don't want.



My research tells me that there are two ways to achieve the more Audi like solid strip of light. The first and more
common way being to use a row of LEDs but mount them very close together and use a ton, then lay a custom clear molded channel/lens over them to diffuse them together. I think that's how Audi does it.

The second way I've never heard of anyone doing but I don't see why I couldn't or shouldn't because it could cost more. Instead of using actual LEDs, use this stuff. http://www.flexolite.net/lightsheet.htm

I found this Flexolite stuff about a six months ago when, out of curiosity I looked up how they made the light strips in the replica Tron motorcycle Jacket that really lights up. And
interestingly enough it's also used on the replica of the actual light cycle. I contacted Flexolite and they say they'll do any shape which makes me think I can just lay it into a channel in the
headlight and get something that looks really boss.

So thats the concept, here's some visual ideas, as I said still in
the early stages. Note, The lights won't be Tron colored
That's just so you can see the placement and shape.
Also, this isn't my car, just a good front view.

Option 1



Option 2



Option 3 (pretty weird)



These are just diagrams right now, and I'm aware this may scare the
haters but I feel like the idea is sound and could potentially not look
ghetto at all so I'd appreciate some constructive input. Thanks

[Joey03_VVT-I]

-Option 1 has my vote.

[Dimaoala]

Option Uno! Good luck with the progress!

[kungwei]

Option 2!

[yzrider07]

Option 1

[DOJAGUY]

eh i like 2.... 3 is tight cuz it follows the lines of the car tho....

2 has my vote

[meow_mix]

1 looks better. I'd be curious as to how bright those sheets would be during daylight though. A problem I've experienced with previous halo headlights...

[Koolsilver]

I like option 1 but I think it would look better with only one circle, just a thought.

[OneArmPanda]

1 for my vote, good luck!

I have access to a full model shop, vacuum molding, laser cutting, cnc, etc.

so jealous.

[spectrablue04]

#1........

[dylannf]

Option 1 looks really good

[Motor]

1 and/or 3.

[guateracer1]

2

[dead_star04]

One is cool, but 2 looks a little more aggressive

[T3HKMAN]

Option 2 gets my vote.

[R911Celica]

2 does look aggressive. And like it's own unique design,
But 1 has my vote , although it looks like the usual aftermarket lights for our cars. Just with a strip

[mrluilou]

welcome to the best coast

[R I C H I E]

Oem hid

[meow_mix]

Originally Posted by R I C H I E

Oem hid

.

[truspin86]

Thanks everyone for the votes and encouragement. As I said this should be difficult but I think it'll come out really cool.
Everyone seems to like 1, I kind of like 1 alot myself but 2 seemed logical with the way that it outlines the signal housing.

Originally Posted by meow_mix

1 looks better. I'd be curious as to how bright those sheets would be during daylight though. A problem I've experienced with previous halo headlights...

I agree. I think I may get rid of the halo style low and high beams and just keep the strip, as I said I want to maintain oem functionality.
Also I'll be ordering and testing this Flexolite stuff before I start my build. I'll keep everyone posted.

Originally Posted by mrluilou

welcome to the best coast

Thanks, I'm glad to be here. Just landed a job so hopefully I'll be able to
make it to the next socal meet.

Originally Posted by R I C H I E

Oem hid

So, You're saying I should scrap this whole thing and just get an oem hid kit..
First of all, everyone and their mother has oem hids, and also, that'd be no fun

My car and box of spare headlights are currently on a truck being shipped over here so
I won't be starting this just yet but as I said I'll be keeping everyone posted. I'm working
on a more photo realistic chop of this as well so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks again everyone for your input

[OneArmPanda]

Originally Posted by truspin86

So, You're saying I should scrap this whole thing and just get an oem hid kit..
First of all, everyone and their mother has oem hids, and also, that'd be no fun

My car and box of spare headlights are currently on a truck being shipped over here so
I won't be starting this just yet but as I said I'll be keeping everyone posted. I'm working
on a more photo realistic chop of this as well so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks again everyone for your input

One-off is where its at!

[doc why]

3 ftw

[CELICA581]

LED strip of 2 but with the headlights of one

[TRDoug]

I like 2, I think it goes better with the edgeyness of the car and it looks a little meaner. I've always wanted and LED strip down the inside and bottom of my headlights, great idea and design!!

[man12345678912]

rings from 1, strip from 2

[Skooter]

I strongly think your car would look better with OEM headlights, but that's just my opinion.
If you had to go with one, I'd say option 1. Looks the cleanest/less busy.

Also I really like your sig, makes me wish I put my kam kit on before shaving the wing haha.

[Joey03_VVT-I]

-Update?

[DOJAGUY]

never happened....

[R I C H I E]

^You never happened

[DOJAGUY]

^YOU never had your car!

[Joey03_VVT-I]

PWNED!!!

[chopsoldier]

so yeah any progress lol i'd deff buy number 1 or 2

[nadezico]

I vote for 1. Subrscribed. Looking forward to this!

[Dimaoala]

^ It's never gonna happen. He didn't even do an update or start modifying the headlight.

[nadezico]

Originally Posted by Dimaoala

^ It's never gonna happen. He didn't even do an update or start modifying the headlight.

Awww man, dont be a party pooper. Be optimistic! You never know!

[Dnar]

Ive been through many headlights thats not OEM, and all I can say is Im going back to OEMS most likely HIDS, everything else I got tired of

[truspin86]

I haven't abandoned this at all. I'm just right in the middle of a cross country move as well as starting out at a new job so I haven't had as much time for my car. Once I get settled in LA I'll pick it back up. Some other things may need to happen to my car first though, like I just learned today I may need a new motor.. super wack, but that's a whole other thread to start

[Toxygene]

I actually think that while option 3 has gotten the least votes it would actually look the best in person. In fact I've thought about doing a similar modification to accentuate that line that follows that arch from the top of the turn signal to the seam where the bumper meets the fender on the side of the car. My only suggestion though would be to have the LED strip cut past the turn signal and wrap on the bottom of the turn signal. Or maybe even do a line that follows that line that you have on option three but have it split and wrap the whole turn signal and meet where the bumper and fender seam is.

Tired of seeing dual halos. I want just one big fat nice high quality Projector with high and lo built into it. It's doable. The make bi-hybrid projectors that flip the light sheild out of the way for high beams.

[chrisrodrigui01]

Interesting...

Oem hid or sports M headlights

[truspin86]

So yeah, bumping this because I'm about to be able to start on it again
after finally getting settled in Long Beach
Also, I saw these crazy Kouki lights, they look about like what
I'm going for in terms of the intensity and thickness of the strip.
I think these lights must be custom as well.. anyone know?
I've never seen them before.





Again, any comments appreciated

[ICSNO]

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...l=1#post559523

Here's another method for creating a "no hotspot" DRL. I'm looking forward to progress!

[truspin86]

Originally Posted by ICSNO

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/show...l=1#post559523

Here's another method for creating a "no hotspot" DRL. I'm looking forward to progress!

Great link, very educational, Thanks

[Shizuma]

Looks like CCFL...maybe a neon?