Clear Side Markers
10-04-13, 04:50 PM
#18
So here are the final preinstall photos. These are the two products I used along with the Dupli-Color Toyota Black that matches my car's color code (not shown). I scoured the clear lenses on both sides using a very fine sandpaper in a unidirectional pattern to create a little more of a frosted look. I then coated both sides with a couple layers of the reflective spray which has microglass beads, and then a few layers of the clear coat sealant. As you can see from the photo, it does reflect light pretty well. There are a few scour marks from where the 3D printer made/cut the ABS black plastic on the "face" that I was hoping would be filled in by the paint, but that could easily be wet sanded out before painting but I don't have access to a sander. This will also be fixed with the Gen2 version. Anyway the paint, clear coat, and reflective spray were $30 in total. I still have quite a bit left. I also used a clear silicone adhesive by Devcon to join the pieces together to make the completed enclosed units. It's supposedly quite durable as an adhesive, waterproof, and flexible if I ever need to take them apart. If these last and I'm happy with them, I will epoxy them closed for the long haul. I will hopefully be able to install this coming week. Fingers crossed.
Last edited by ShawnOk; 10-04-13 at 04:58 PM.
10-28-13, 10:00 PM
#20
Finally complete... The front are perfect... completely flush to the bumper. The back ones stick out just as much as our OEM lamps. I really like the front, but not sure how I feel about the back ones. What do you guys think?
Update: By the way, total cost came to about $275 for all four, including rendering, mapping, manufacture, paint, shipping, LED bulbs, etc.
Update: By the way, total cost came to about $275 for all four, including rendering, mapping, manufacture, paint, shipping, LED bulbs, etc.
Last edited by ShawnOk; 10-28-13 at 10:17 PM.
10-29-13, 01:15 PM
#22
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If you buy the clear corners lights, are they easy to install? Is it a DIY project? How much to have them professionally installed?
Last edited by UGAALF; 10-29-13 at 01:26 PM.
10-29-13, 01:58 PM
#23
I would say yes, side markers are very easy to install. No special training needed. I did mine entirely through the wheel wells. Didn't even have to remove the tires at all. I did have to use a special ratchet style screw driver, though. Maybe about a 15 minute install per light. ClearCorners dot com is asking $500 for a pair of the single function units, but they come as a completed housing with the LED... no modification necessary. Plug & Play. But I don't have that type of money right now, so I chased this option instead. Mine require some personal modification (sanding, painting to match exterior paint, sealant, and then joining the two parts to form a completed unit), but I'm happy with my results for a project total of only $275. I also have more options in choosing what style of LED's i wanted to use. My prototype was a 4-point "honeycomb" LED (very cheap at AutoZone), but I can always change that bulb to the same "beads on a string" configuration that ClearCorners dot com uses by taking the "frame" off and putting in any bulb I choose. iJDMtoy.com has quite a few options and different styles. Anyway, I will report back about the durability of them after some use.
Last edited by ShawnOk; 10-29-13 at 02:04 PM.
10-29-13, 02:01 PM
#24
Also as a side note, I don't understand how the Dual Function LED from ClearCorners dot com would work. I feel like the Dual Function would probably need some extra wiring as our normal OEM ones do not function as turn signals, so one would have to tap into the turn signal harness. Right?
10-29-13, 02:09 PM
#25
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Shawn - thanks for the response and it is helpful. I am not much of a DIYer and don t want to mess up the car. I can afford the Clear Corners lights, but wonder what the extent of the change is? In other words if I installed the new lights, is the look a definite improvement and noticeable? It is a lot of money to spend if the improvement is only marginal. Any opinions?
10-29-13, 04:11 PM
#26
Shawn - thanks for the response and it is helpful. I am not much of a DIYer and don t want to mess up the car. I can afford the Clear Corners lights, but wonder what the extent of the change is? In other words if I installed the new lights, is the look a definite improvement and noticeable? It is a lot of money to spend if the improvement is only marginal. Any opinions?
12-04-13, 09:08 PM
#27
So I thought I would update this thread as I'm still getting a few requests on my mod. I am selling the prototypes at this stage. I am very happy with mine and after about two months have found no major flaws, but I have discussed a Gen2 model with the manufacturer. These would solve some minor issues including a more symmetric shape, weather proofing, and a better finish. Currently, we've decided to sell the prototype models at about $250 for four, and $125 for two. For anyone that is interested, please private message me for more information.
12-05-13, 06:36 PM
#28
Shawn - thanks for the response and it is helpful. I am not much of a DIYer and don t want to mess up the car. I can afford the Clear Corners lights, but wonder what the extent of the change is? In other words if I installed the new lights, is the look a definite improvement and noticeable? It is a lot of money to spend if the improvement is only marginal. Any opinions?
Shawn - you're doing cool work. In all fariness though, add to your material costs your creativity and labor, a few employees, rent, cost of running a business, insurance, medical benefits etc and your sales price will be pretty close to clearcorner.
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