Back Lighting Satoshi Grill

legally, i think you might still have a problem. Think of it like this. White bulbs with red lenses....technically its a white light, but it projects red. Illinois Vehicle Code (most other states as well) define it like this "no forward facing red light. The light that faces forward is the violation, not the bulb or lens color.

I would say you'd be fine if you never turned them on while on the road. I like what you did and will do green.

Looks very cool.

 

I didn't think of it like that, thanks, saved me a likely ticket. My state police are not very friendly from what I have heard.

So what colors are legal? White, Yellow, Amber?

 

in most states front facing light can be. white, (yellow is amber and i think is ok) green is ok(at least in TN)
i think green LEDS is what i will do.

OP may want to do some searching on you’r state laws for colors that can face forward. that way you know what you can and can’t do before you do it and possibly get a ticket.

 

My wife saw this mod this morning, I didnt bother showing it to here this weekend because she usually doesnt care. But she called me while we were driving out of our neighborhood to say that someone smashed my grill and she could see my radiator. I told her it was LEDs and she said it looked horrible. She was less than thrilled...

 

I say cut it in about two long pieces, then mount one on top and bottom. But don't mount them to the grill itself, mount them to the bars in front of the radiator. Then point them forward toward the emblem, but so you dont see the lights themselves.

More light on emblem, less light on radiator.

Plus, then you have extra led strips you can use for a hood light mod possibly.

 

ok let me just say that shit looks fucking sick..WINNING

 

From my understanding of IL law, yes. Most states' vehicle code is close. The "loophole" if you will, is that you can have any color light, strobe, flashing, lens, whatever as long as it is for off road use.
In IL technically, driving with neon underbody kits (not white or amber or red & showing anywhere but the rear, is illegal. BUt off road, its OK.

When I was a young pup, i threatened to write a jerk a ticket for red neon in a parking lot since the the parking lot was city owned (making it a roadway and the same as a street "technically." I didnt write it but some new jacks would.

 

Thanks

 

Good idea, I can try something like this this weekend, I will just remount the strip someplace else and turn it on, stay tuned.

 

cool idea i kinda like it

 

Looks great man!

I did something similar with the cutout in my plate bumper. I used painted plexiglass so you won't be able to see into the engine compartment. I'm guessing it wouldn't work in your case since it would reduce airflow to your engine.

Keep us posted on any changes you make.

 

no need to thank me man it was your idea..

 

I LOVE this! Is there any way you can show me how to wire it? I'd really like to have a switch inside the truck to turn it on and off (pictures are great) thanks!

 

Sure, I'll get some photos up in a day or two, right now my ISP is not providing me any Internet, and it is too dark for photos, but it should be very easy to wire in a switch and all.

 

You ought to put another layer of mesh (would need to be a fairly tight weave / small holes) behind the grill, but in front of the radiator. Paint it dark gray, but not quite black. Like a dark charcoal gray. Then, when you turn the light on, it will reflect more light than the black radiator, and will be a uniform surface.

Same way a mesh grill on the front reflects light and you can't see the black radiator as well.

Just a thought.

 

Thanks dude! Can't wait to see it!

 

Looks great man! I think I'll just have to "borrow" this neat idea...

 

good thought. BUT may not let anuff air get to the radiator. making the truck un hot. only down side i see with this idea.

 

I will get you some pictures later today, it has been a busy week.

 

Awesome idea. Reminds me of what a Tacoma would look like in the world of TRON.