2nd Gen Tail light BTLM + LED Retrofit

When I had my 2nd Gen I always wanted to do a custom BTLM. Well, I switched to the darkside before that happened..So I'm back to revisit it.
I'll be posting some pics through the process so here ya go.

Objective: Stealth yet functional tail lights
-Remove all chrome/red tint and paint with matte black (BTLM)
-Smoke reflectors
-Upgraded running light
-Double switch back (top and bottom bucket will be both turn and reverse)
-No painting of trim on outter lens

FINISHED PIC:


Starting with OEM Toyota LED tail lights (right side has already been cut open)


Clean cuts..it's how we do


Brake board removed


All disassembled. A few things to note; all reflectors and center brake optics are all plastic welded in and are kind of a pain to remove


Need to tone down those bright reflectors, so hit the back side with some tint;


So they look like this


Masked and sanded. ready for some paint. (I am using Krylon maxx Matte black)


Painted VS stock. Much better..get rid of that pink!


Finally, I lightly tinted the reflector buckets for a darker look...and will still maintain some reflective characteristics.



Put the reflectors on to see how it will look



Next up;
Modifying the brake led's to be dedicated BRAKE only, and will be using a glow ring for running light. Need to design a T20 bulb adapter for the bottom bucket(which is a T10 size now)

Stay tuned!

 

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Always wanted to see this done!!

 

Cant wait to see these

 

Hand me some dat popcorn Chad

 

How hard is it to reseal the tail light?

 

We'll find out.
But I have done many 3rd gens and the reseal isn't hard at all. I go over the cut with a soldering iron to fuse the halves back together, then go over it with black RTV for an added moisture barrier.

 

Hmmm... might have to try this.. I hate the red inside

 

Looking good so far. Anything to make those god-awful stock LED tails look better.

 

So we've got the looks down...now it's time to focus on performance!

First thing was to modify the lower reverse light socket hole. It was only designed to fit a small(T10) style bulb. But here is how I modify to fit a larger T20 switchback bulb;

Hole is reamed out with a step drill
(stock VS modded)



Then I designed a socket adapter that will be epoxied in place. This will allow the new socket connector to seat perfectly
(switchback bulb for reference)



Now on to the Brake lights...

By default, the 10 stock LED's do both running lights(50%dim) and then Brake lights(100% bright)
I will be disconnecting the running light circuit and making my own. So the 10 stock LED's will be JUST brake lights.


I cut a channel around the inside perimeter that will allow the new LEDs to shine through



I used a flexible led strip comprised of red 3528 SMD's. They are then stuck to a metal strap to hold it's contour and act as a heatsink;


With the lens on;



This worked out really well because the LED's emit directly into the side of the stock clear lens acting as a perfect diffuser!
I might put them on a PWM dimmer to tone them down as they are pretty damn bright for a running light;


Different exposure so you can see the LED's


They look super rad, almost like a glow plasma bar(which is what I was going for)

Next up will be custom red side markers, then put it all back together!

 

Literally can't find the words for this right now. Your designs & craftsmanship are beyond amazing.

 

Do you sell this stuff??

 

Sub'd for this awesomeness

 

Thanks dude! My brain constantly goes through different variations/ideas on what would look, perform and work the best.
High expectations, attention to detail, and a little OCD is my worst enemy.

Yes. But most of my stuff is 1 off. I start with an idea in mind, show you guys how I did it, have fun making it, and then throw it up in the classifieds when I'm done.

 

Are these for a customer? Or is it just build them then sell them to who wants them?

 

No. Just Build them and worry about selling after they are done.

 

Do you have a local to do a test fit? (I'm sure you do)

Only thing I'm concerned about is the space behind the housing being able to fit the new hardware.

Probably already thought of this, but I can't stop looking at the pics.

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