3rd Gen BHLM + Retrofit Projector

I guess I'm gonna just go with RX350 projectors. I wanted to get the lenses etched in honeycomb pattern anyways, so why not. The RX350s paired with CBI's should do the trick!

 

In what regard? Aim up/down?

 

I'll probably go with the 4.0s in my setup. I wouldn't be too put off by it not being a direct swap. Chances are you'll have to drill a couple new holes in the 4.0s and you'll be good to go, not to mention they're much more affordable and already tuned to maximum color and sharpness.

 

Hmmm, man why are you making this hard for me?! Lol. If I do go rx350, I would for sure get them from you guys already tuned. I'm not doing the retrofit myself. I am using one of y'alls recommended retrofitters. He basically said it's a wash between the two because of the lower cost of the 4.0s paired with higher labor, and the higher cost of the rx350's and lower labor cost. Which projector do you recommend between the two without taking any cost into account?

 

Without labor, I'm biased toward the Mini D2S still. If you felt the bowls of the RX350s, you'd think they're horribly cheap. They use a rather weak PPS plastic which may not fare too well over time. The Mini D2S is super beefy.

 

Well that's good to know. Another thing I am curious about is how they compare dimensionally in the back since there is not a ton of room behind the back of the bulb. Is there any trimming of the inner fender sheet metal needed to clear the back of the projector/bulb/plugs?

 

Finally got these on! Thanks again Jason!

 

I like it when my wife ties me up. Lucky bastard

 

Depends on your fetish

 

NEXT UP:
BTLM + Retro

My test mule has taken one for the team


I Think I got the cut pattern down.
Now decide if I should do it to the PROS, or Red Off road's.

Plans include;
-BTLM(matte black)
-LED board for Running&Stop
-Triton Amber turn
-relocated reverse

Whipped up a drop in board to house the led strip... well see

 

Keep us posted!

 

They're quite similar in size, but the Mini D2S 4.0 would be a smaller projector overall. I want to say it's even shorter front to rear.

 

Badass! Same cutting process as the second gens?

I think the LED lighting would be dope if it had one LED strip as the running light (center "strip") and then the inner/outer two strips are the brake.

 

Great! I'm gonna stick with the 4.0's!

 

Not sure, never cut one open before. This is my first tail light retro.
But the headlights are a breeze compared to these. The tails are permanently glued shut(thanks Toyota) So cutting is the only way.

My plan is to run a PWM Dimmer for the outer & inner strip @ ~50% output (Running lights)
then Center, inside and outside will all be 100% output for brake. Works on paper, we'll see if it all goes like that. I will have to retrofit the reverse socket to accept the larger diameter V3 triton bulb.

Comments, ideas welcome!

 

Where will the reverse light then be? You're just going to cut that turn signal socket from the current area and epoxy it in place of the 921 reverse socket, right?

 

Yes, the new Turn signal will be where the Original reverse light is. My new reverse lights will be Flush mounted Baja's in a all steel rear bumper.

Plan B is to cut the OEM 7440 turn socket out and plastic weld it where the 921 reverse is.
I'm HOPING I can just enlarge the 921 hole and file tab cutouts so minimal cutting would be needed.

One thing I miss about my 2nd gen....orange turn signals. Toyota went super cheap on these tails IMO.

 

Got a test cut done on the LED plate. I'll start a dedicated build thread on the retro when replacements tails come in next week.
Black out the reflector bowls + delete the OEM bulbs. LED wins

 

This is getting interesting

 

If you can get the 7440 plug in there then you'll be running a switchback? that'll be sweet. i miss the yellow turn signal too. i modded my harness on my second gen to add an additional reverse light but no easy mods on my third gen.