So my idea is to add puddle lights and turn signals/driving lights to my SC430 while keeping the OEM look. Since my car is pretty much blacked out and the front and rear lights are so far apart, unobservant drivers keep trying to merge into me. So my first plan will be to add a recessed puddle light to the mirror cover which will be synced to the locking system. I will tie into the "Lexus" door sill which lights with the key unlock. Secondly, I will either add a dual function/switchback LED to the mirror also, or another very unique modification.

After a huge mistake, I learned how to take off the mirror which started my project on a bad note (broken glass). Luckily, I found an entire used, fully functional driver mirror unit for $100 (extra parts, just in case). To anyone trying to remove the mirror for whatever reason, the directions posted here -> https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...r-removal.html <-- are 100% correct. I would, however, recommend completely removing the mirror from the car and using a pry tool rather than your fingers. Once you're able to tilt the mirror in the full, tilted "up" position you will be able to see the white mounting board to which the mirror attaches (see photos) when viewing from the bottom upward. Use the pry tool to separate the black mirror backing from the white mounting board from the bottom first. After you're able to pop the two bottom clips off the white backing board at the bottom, then you can tilt the mirror further and slide out the two hooked clips. Then the rest follows the above posted thread pretty straight on. I had to pretty much fully dissemble the mirror to be able to run a 4/22 gauge wire. I just took my time and analyzed things before jumping in.

As for the LED for the puddle light, I choose the slimmest and shortest COB light I could find. Lot's of them on Ebay. Mine actually measured about 3 11/16 x 3/4. From the photos it fit in pretty well but I bonded it with Gorilla Glue to make it super solid. I've already drawn a jig (for future use on the opposite door), and cut out the plastic that overlays the light (photos soon) with a Dremel and cutting wheel attachment. Then I purchased a $5 clear semi truck side marker which had a removable lens from PepBoys. The fit is a little tight, as I had to cut a few of the inner, nonfunctional structural clips at the bottom junction of the two cover pieces. So far everything fits in well and will be fully assembled tomorrow and more photos then.

As for the turn signal/driving light, I will decide if it's worth cutting into the side of the mirror cover or not. So far, I'm not impressed with the look since the chrome trim is slimline and neat. Any other "added" light on the side might be an eyesore but that's why I ran a 22/4 gauge wire so I have two more leads already in the housing. Additionally. I'm working on another option for this 2nd mod. More to come as it solidifies.

Here are the photos of the puddle light project...

 

Four more...

 

Now just gotta do the wiring to the door sill light...

 

I have always wanted to do the puddle lights, had them in my A8.. they look super nice! I cant tell if your mod is done, but do you have a clear picture? and what are you wiring them to?

Thankyou

 

Mod isn't complete yet. Attached the passenger mirror and ran the wire through the door and through the door gaskets and into the cabin. Now I still have to tie in to door sill courtesy light that says "Lexus." I noticed that the door sill light dims on and off with the key unlock/unlock. Should make for a cool trick if the puddle light dims, too. It got too cold today in the Chicago area, and the wind made it unbearable to work outside. Will try to finish up by Friday and will post completed photos soon. Thanks for the interest. :-)

 

I have airline miles to use... you should come visit DFW and I bet several members would help entertain you while you did the mod on our cars!

Kidding of course --- I like when people get inventive and it enhances rather than changes the OEM look.

 

Dirty Car, Clean Lights. Will wash tomorrow. Still haven't tied into door sill. Too cold tonight. This was just a hard wire test. Enjoy.

 

Close Ups. Super Recessed.

 

Nice work!

 

that look awesome!! im definately going to do this! so wait you installed this to the illuminated door sill? does that turn on when you unlock car or do they turn on when you open door? because what i want is them to turn on as soon as I unlock the car with the remote..

Thanks

 

Project Finished! I tied them to the door sill and they DO dim on and off with the remote key. Door doesn't have to be open, although it is also lit when the door is open. I also found a footwell light I could have tied into, but on testing it with a voltmeter, it didn't pull a full 12volts. Therefore the puddle light wouldn't have lit as brightly. So I stayed with the original plan to tie into the door sill "Lexus" light, and it's amazing. I'm really happy with this mod. Now onto the turn signal/driving light install.

 

Here's your three point, fade away, buzzer beater for the WIN...

 

...come to Dallas ???..I'd drive to Oklahoma in a heartbeat...lol

 

Very nicely done! it will look 100x better in person then in pics, I know that for sure! its nice walking up to the car and having those light up the ground for you

 

very nice work, looks great, you did it, nice mod.